How is Helcim compared to Heartland?

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

Helcim

Heartland

Pricing model

Interchange-plus pricing

Flat-rate pricing

Monthly costs

$0

$89/month per each POS station

In-person payment processing fees

1.83% + 8¢

2.6% + 10¢

Online payment processing fees

2.27% + 25¢

Not publicly listed

ACH processing fees

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

Not publicly listed

Volume Discounts

Up to 70% discount

Unavailable

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

$89/month per each POS station

Chargeback fees

$15 (refunded if you win the dispute)
$15

Additional fees and charges

Extra 0.4% per transaction when using Recurring Payments

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

Many merchants have reported different hidden fees like PCI fees, reporting fees, etc.

PCI compliance fees

$0

Not publicly listed

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 Heartland pricing and fees.

 

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Helcim

Heartland Payment Systems

Pricing model

Interchange-plus pricing

Flat-rate pricing

Monthly costs

$0

$89/month per each POS station

In-person payment processing fees

1.83% + 8¢ average*

2.6% + 10¢

Online payment processing fees

2.27% + 25¢ average*

Not publicly listed

ACH processing fees

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

Not publicly listed

Volume Discounts

Up to 70% discount

Unavailable

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

$89/month per each POS station

Chargeback fees

$15 (refunded if you win the dispute)
$15

Additional fees and charges

Extra 0.4% per transaction when using Recurring Payments

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

Many merchants have reported different hidden fees like PCI fees, reporting fees, etc.

PCI compliance fees

$0
Not publicly listed

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 Heartland Payment Systems?

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 Heartland. Explore Helcim Interchange Plus pricing now.
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Helcim vs Heartland Payment Systems: 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 uses interchange-plus pricing with automatic volume discounts, which is more cheaper than Heartland Payment Systems' fees for growing businesses.

Helcim has no monthly fees, hidden fees, or long-term contracts required

Helcim gives free access to advanced features such as multi-location data sync, surcharging, and Level 2/3 credit card processing

Helcim doesn't offer business management features like employe management, office management or guest management

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Heartland Payment Systems integrate with other tech suite like SAP or Oracle

Heartland Payment Systems offers business management features for retail stores and restaurants like employe management, office management or guest management

Heartland Payment Systems doesn't offer advanced payment processing features like surcharging or level 2/3 credit card processing

Heartland Payment Systems may include additional charges such as monthly service fees, PCI fees, equipment costs, and other account-related expenses compared to Helcim’s transparent pricing model.

Heartland Payment Systems requires multi-year commitments and may include cancellation penalties

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.

The main difference is that Helcim offers transparent interchange-plus pricing with automatic volume discounts and no monthly fees or long-term contracts. Heartland Payment Systems requires a monthly fee for POS hardware, a multi-year contract commitments, and hidden fees.
Helcim and Heartland Payment Systems both include essential in-person and online payment features such as invoicing, payment links, recurring billing, hosted payment pages, a virtual terminal, and POS software. Two merchant service providers also offer payment integration on website, platform and app.
Helcim is often the better option for businesses with high transaction volume because it provides automatic volume discounts that reduce processing costs as volume increases. Heartland Payment Systems doesn't offer volume discounts and have more expensive payment processing fees compared to Helcim's.
Helcim does not require long-term contracts and have no early cancellation penalties. Heartland Payment Systems may require multi-year agreements depending on the merchant account plan, and some contracts may include early termination fees.
Helcim is the best choice for small businesses because it offers low payment processing fees, no monthly fees, and built-in payment tools for free. Heartland Payment Systems may appeal to retailers or restaurants that want industry-specific POS systems and business features like staff management or guest management.
Yes. Helcim is a strong alternative to Heartland Payment Systems for businesses looking for lower processing costs, transparent pricing, no monthly fees, and built-in online and in-person payment tools without paid add-ons or long-term commitments.
Helcim is suitable for a small to mid-sized businesses across different industries, including service providers, retail merchants, invoicing-heavy businesses, healthcare practices, contractors, and automotive companies. Heartland Payment Systems is often suitable for retail and restaurant businesses that want industry-specific POS solutions.
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