How is Helcim compared to Lightspeed?
Helcim vs Lightspeed pricing and fees.
Helcim
Lightspeed
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 Lightspeed pricing and fees.
Helcim
Lightspeed
Pricing model
Interchange-plus pricing
Flat-rate pricing
Monthly costs
$0
Retail: $89 - $289/month/location (+$59/month per extra register)
Restaurant: $69 - $399/month (+$30/month per kitchen display)
In-person payment processing fees
1.83% + 8¢ average*
2.6% + 10¢
Online payment processing fees
2.27% + 25¢ average*
2.9% + 30¢
ACH processing fees
0.5% + 25¢ for transaction below $25,000 (fees capped at $6)
Unavailable
Volume Discounts
Up to 70% discount
Invoice Management
POS Solution
Recurring Payments
Virtual Terminal
Inventory Management
API Solution
Hosted Payments Pages
POS Hardware costs
Helcim Card Reader
Helcim Smart Terminal
$34 - $629
Chargeback fees
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 report that they are charged extra fees per month for using an external payment processor instead of Lightspeed Payments
PCI compliance fees
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.
How much do Helcim merchants pay compared to Lightspeed?
In-person
Keyed & Online
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.
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Helcim vs Lightspeed: Pros and cons.
Helcim uses interchange-plus pricing with automatic volume discounts, which is more cheaper than Lightspeed's payment processing fees for growing businesses.
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 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 has limited POS hardware options compared to Lightspeed
Helcim doesn't offer management features such as staff management or payroll
Lightspeed offers a strong POS system with robust features for retail stores and restaurants with multiple locations.
Lightspeed provides specialized tools for retail and restaurant businesses, such as wholesale management, showroom features, staff management, and payroll.
Lightspeed requires higher monthly fees (starting at $289+ per month) for its POS system, plus additional monthly fees (30+ per register or kitchen display system).
Lightspeed may charge up to $400 per month in extra fees if merchants use external payment processors instead of Lightspeed Payments.
Lightspeed offers fewer payment tools for industries outside of retail and restaurants compared to Helcim.
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Frequently asked questions.
