How is Helcim compared to GoCardless?

Looking for a Helcim vs GoCardless comparison? Explore this side-by-side breakdown to help you make the right decision.
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Helcim vs GoCardless pricing and fees.

Helcim

GoCardless

Pricing model

Interchange-plus pricing

Flat-rate pricing

Monthly costs

$0

Show business name on customer's bank statements: $25/month

Design custom braned payment pages: $50/month

In-person payment processing fees

1.83% + 8¢

Unavailable

Online payment processing fees

2.27% + 25¢

Unavailable

ACH processing fees

0.5% + 25¢ for transaction below $25,000 (fees capped at $6)

Standard: 0.5% + 5¢ (capped at $5)

Advanced: 0.75% + 5¢ (capped at $6.25)

Pro: 0.9% + 5¢ (capped at $7)

Volume Discounts

Up to 70% discount

Available for custom plan

Invoice Management

POS Solution

Recurring Payments

Virtual Terminal

Inventory Management

API Solution

Hosted Payments Pages

POS Hardware costs

Helcim Card Reader

$199

Helcim Smart Terminal

$349

Unavailable

Chargeback fees

$15 (refunded if you win the dispute)
ACH/EFT chargeback fees: $5 ACH/EFT failure fees: $5 ACH/EFT refund fees: 5¢

Additional fees and charges

Extra 0.4% per transaction when using Recurring Payments

Extra 10¢ per transaction when using Tap to Pay on iPhone

Additional fixed fees are applied for internation transactions when you collecting payments from customers in US, UK, Eurozone, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark and Sweden

PCI compliance fees

$0

$0

Helcim uses an interchange-plus pricing model that passes the true transaction fees charged by banks and payment networks to merchants. These true fees vary every transaction. Average fees are based on common credit cards, excluding American Express, and an average transaction amount of $300.

Helcim vs GoCardless pricing and fees.

 

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Helcim

GoCardless

Pricing model

Interchange-plus pricing

Flat-rate pricing

Monthly costs

$0

Show business name on customer's bank statements: $25/month

Design custom braned payment pages: $50/month

In-person payment processing fees

1.83% + 8¢ average*

Unavailable

Online payment processing fees

2.27% + 25¢ average*

Unavailable

ACH processing fees

0.5% + 25¢ for transaction below $25,000 (fees capped at $6)

Standard: 0.5% + 5¢ (capped at $5)

Advanced: 0.75% + 5¢ (capped at $6.25)

Pro: 0.9% + 5¢ (capped at $7)

Volume Discounts

Up to 70% discount

Available for custom plan

Invoice Management

POS Solution

Recurring Payments

Virtual Terminal

Inventory Management

API Solution

Hosted Payments Pages

POS Hardware costs

Helcim Card Reader

$199

Helcim Smart Terminal

$349

Unavailable

Chargeback fees

$15 (refunded if you win the dispute)
ACH/EFT chargeback fees: $5 ACH/EFT failure fees: $5 ACH/EFT refund fees: 5¢

Additional fees and charges

Extra 0.4% per transaction when using Recurring Payments

Extra 10¢ per transaction when using Tap to Pay on iPhone

Additional fixed fees are applied for internation transactions when you collecting payments from customers in US, UK, Eurozone, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark and Sweden

PCI compliance fees

$0
$0

Helcim uses an interchange-plus pricing model that passes the true transaction fees charged by banks and payment networks to merchants. These true fees vary every transaction. Average fees are based on common credit cards, excluding American Express, and an average transaction amount of $300.

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How much do Helcim merchants pay compared to GoCardless?

Estimated savings at $40,000 Monthly Volume

Helcim’s displayed fees are estimated averages based on $40,000 in monthly processing volume and an average transaction size of $300. The average fees account for standard credit cards, but do not include American Express. Helcim’s interchange-plus pricing passes through the actual interchange and network fees charged by issuing banks and card networks. Since these underlying fees can vary by transaction, Helcim processing fees vary.

Does it feel too good to be true?

Learn why Helcim can offer lower rates compared to GoCardless. Explore Helcim Interchange Plus pricing now.
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Helcim vs GoCardless: Pros and cons.

With Helcim, businesses can accept credit and debit card payments at lower fees, access essential payment tools and features, and integrate payments with their software, all without monthly fees.
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Helcim allows businesses to accept ACH/EFT bank transfers, as well as credit and debit card payments, making it a more flexible option for companies that need multiple payment methods.

Helcim charges lower ACH/EFT processing fees (0.5% + 25¢) compared to GoCardless, which charges up to 0.9% + 5¢ in the U.S. or up to 1% + 40¢ in Canada.

Helcim provides essential in-person and online payment tools for multiple industries such as invoicing, payment links, recurring billing, a virtual terminal, hosted payment pages, and POS software at no monthly cost.

Helcim currently supports businesses based in Canada and the United States, while GoCardless supports businesses in more countries.

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GoCardless supports businesses in 30+ countries across North America and Europe.

GoCardless offers more integration options, but it does not include as many built-in payment tools as Helcim.

GoCardless does not offer an invoicing tool and instead relies on integrations with platforms like Xero, Salesforce, or Chargebee. If merchants do not use compatible business software, they may not be able to use GoCardless for invoicing.

GoCardless does not support credit or debit card processing or in-person POS solutions like Helcim.

GoCardless provides fewer in-person and online payment tools compared to Helcim. In addition, it charges a monthly fee of $50 (USD) or $275 (CAD) for custom payment pages, while Helcim offers this feature for free.

Save even more on payment processing fees.

Instead of finding ways to increase fees like others, we provide features that help you save even more on top of our already low payment processing fees

Payment hardware thatmatches how you do business.

Helcim provides versatile hardware solutions to meet the unique needs of your business, whether you’re running a store, clinic, or even providing services on-site.

Smart Terminal

This standalone terminal has the POS system and receipt printer built in, eliminating the need for additional devices.

$32

/mo for 12 mo or

$349

Save with Free credit card processing

Learn more

Card Reader

Pair Helcim’s card reader to your device and accept debit and credit payments.

$199

Save with Free credit card processing

Learn more

Tap to Pay on iPhone

+10¢

per transaction

Save with Free credit card processing

Learn more

Discover why businesses love Helcim.

See why businesses save time and money with Helcim. Enjoy free, low payment processing rates, with no hidden fees and no monthly contracts.
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Frequently asked questions.

Helcim is the best option for businesses that accept both card payments and ACH/EFT bank transfers. In contrast, GoCardless only processes bank transfer payments. Helcim charges lower ACH/EFT fees (0.5% + 25¢, capped at $6). GoCardless pricing depends on the country. In the U.S. and Canada, GoCardless fees are up to 0.9% + 5¢ and up to 1% + 40¢, respectively.
The main difference is that Helcim is a full-service payment processor that supports card payments, ACH/EFT transfers, and in-person POS solutions. GoCardless focuses primarily on direct debit and bank-to-bank payments for recurring billing. Helcim includes more built-in payment tools, while GoCardless often relies on integrations with third-party platforms.
Helcim is generally better for invoice payments because it includes built-in invoicing tools and payment links at no extra cost. GoCardless does not offer a native invoicing solution and typically requires integration with software such as Xero, Salesforce, or Chargebee to support invoicing workflows.
Helcim is a better option for subscription businesses that want to accept both card payments and ACH/EFT transfers for subscription and recurring billing. GoCardless also supports subscription and recurring billing, but customers can only pay using bank transfers.
GoCardless supports businesses and bank transfers in 30+ countries across North America and Europe, making it a better choice for companies collecting bank transfer payments internationally. Helcim currently only supports bank transfers for businesses based in the United States and Canada, so it may be less suitable for global payment needs.
Helcim offers a complete payment processing solution, including credit and debit card payments, ACH/EFT bank transfers, POS hardware, and online payment tools. GoCardless focuses on bank-to-bank payments through direct debit and does not support card processing or in-person POS hardware. Businesses that need multiple payment options typically choose Helcim.
Yes. Helcim is a strong alternative to GoCardless for businesses that want to accept more payment methods (card payments and ACH/EFT transfers) and want built-in in-person and online payment tools such as invoicing, hosted payment pages, and POS solutions—all with no monthly subscription fees.
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