| Price | Display | Connectivity | Accepts | Receipt Printer | Barcode Scanner | Battery | POS Software | Monthly Fees | Contract | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Helcim Smart Terminal
|
$349 — owned outright, no contract | 6.7″ HD touchscreen | Wi-Fi + built-in 4G/LTE (optional $7/month) | Tap, chip, swipe, manual entry | Built-in thermal printer | No — use an external scanner | Up to 12 hours; USB-C charging | Full POS app pre-loaded — inventory, tipping, receipts, employee logins. No monthly fee. | $0 — no per-device or software fees | Month-to-month — no commitment | Businesses wanting an all-in-one handheld POS with zero monthly hardware rentals or software costs |
Moneris Go Plus
|
Perpetual monthly rental (~$34.95 CAD/month) | 5.5″ HD touchscreen | 4G/LTE + Wi-Fi | Tap, chip, swipe, PIN entry | Built-in thermal printer | Built-in camera scanner | All-day battery use | Moneris Go software pre-loaded (advanced retail features require an extra $10/mo software fee) | $34.95/mo rental fee per terminal (+ optional software fees) | Tied to merchant account agreement terms | Canadian businesses looking for a standard bank-backed portable terminal who prefer renting equipment |
Back to Comparisons
Helcim vs. Moneris.
An honest, side-by-side comparison of pricing, software tools, hardware, and business models — so you can decide which payment processor fits your business.
Comparison Overview
Helcim vs. Moneris business models.
Helcim passes through true network costs and automatically lowers your margins as your volume grows, giving you every tool at no monthly cost. Moneris is Canada's legacy bank-owned processing giant, offering simple flat rates to micro-merchants while keeping scaled interchange-plus rates behind opaque sales negotiations, continuous hardware rentals, and third-party software partnerships.
How Helcim's model works
- Helcim uses interchange-plus pricing that passes through true interchange and network fees at cost, then adds a transparent margin on top.
- Every POS software and online payment tool is included at no monthly cost — virtual terminal, invoicing, online checkout, recurring payments, customer management, and inventory tracking.
- As your monthly card volume grows, Helcim's margin automatically drops by up to 70% — no plan upgrade, no renegotiation, no phone call.
- There are no monthly fees, no PCI fees, no setup or cancellation fees, no statement fees, and no per-user or per-location charges.
How Moneris's model works
- Moneris operates exclusively in Canada (having exited the U.S. market) and is a joint venture of RBC and BMO, serving many of the country's largest retail chains through legacy banking infrastructure.
- Entry-level accounts use standard flat-rate pricing, while competitive "Simplified" (interchange-plus) structures are kept offline, requiring a manual quote and direct negotiation with a sales representative.
- Hardware is rarely owned outright; the business model relies heavily on perpetual monthly equipment rentals ($29.95 to $34.95+ per terminal) that continue for as long as you process.
- Built-in software features are highly basic. To access full retail point-of-sale systems or robust e-commerce tools, Moneris relies on third-party partnerships (like Wix) that carry separate monthly software fees.
Pricing & fees
Helcim vs. Moneris pricing and fees.
Helcim includes every digital and in-person payment tool at $0/month with transparent interchange-plus pricing that automatically drops as you grow. Moneris relies on a mix of entry-level flat rates, opaque rep-driven markups, continuous hardware rentals, and third-party platform fees.
| Helcim | Moneris | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Interchange-plus | Not Available — Canada Only |
| Monthly Software Fees | $0 — everything included | Not Available — Canada Only |
| In-Person Processing | 1.79% + 8¢ Average | Not Available — Canada Only |
| Online Processing | 2.31% + 25¢ Average | Not Available — Canada Only |
| Virtual Terminal | 2.31% + 25¢ Average | Not Available — Canada Only |
| US Common PIN Debit | 1.00% + 8¢ Average | Not Available — Canada Only |
| ACH Processing | 0.5% + 25¢ (capped at $6) | Not Available — Canada Only |
| Tap to Pay on Phone | 10¢ | Not Available — Canada Only |
| Volume Discounts | Up to 70% off Helcim margin | Not Available — Canada Only |
| POS Software | Included free | Not Available — Canada Only |
| Invoicing | Included free | Not Available — Canada Only |
| Recurring Payments | Extra 0.4% per transaction | Not Available — Canada Only |
| Contract Terms | Month-to-month — no setup or cancellation fees | Not Available — Canada Only |
| Hidden / Overhead Fees | $0 — no PCI, statement, or batch fees | Not Available — Canada Only |
| Chargeback Fee | $15 | Not Available — Canada Only |
| Smart Terminal | $349 — owned outright | Not Available — Canada Only |
| See Helcim pricing | See Moneris pricing |
| Pricing Model | Monthly Software Fees | In-Person Processing | Online Processing | Virtual Terminal | US Common PIN Debit | ACH Processing | Tap to Pay on Phone | Volume Discounts | POS Software | Invoicing | Recurring Payments | Contract Terms | Hidden / Overhead Fees | Chargeback Fee | Smart Terminal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Interchange-plus | $0 — everything included | 1.79% + 8¢ Average | 2.31% + 25¢ Average | 2.31% + 25¢ Average | 1.00% + 8¢ Average | 0.5% + 25¢ (capped at $6) | 10¢ | Up to 70% off Helcim margin | Included free | Included free | Extra 0.4% per transaction | Month-to-month — no setup or cancellation fees | $0 — no PCI, statement, or batch fees | $15 | $349 — owned outright |
|
|
Not Available — Canada Only | Not Available — Canada Only | Not Available — Canada Only | Not Available — Canada Only | Not Available — Canada Only | Not Available — Canada Only | Not Available — Canada Only | Not Available — Canada Only | Not Available — Canada Only | Not Available — Canada Only | Not Available — Canada Only | Not Available — Canada Only | Not Available — Canada Only | Not Available — Canada Only | Not Available — Canada Only | Not Available — Canada Only |
The bottom line
Moneris pricing is an unnecessary black box for growing businesses. While their flat-rate starter packages look clean upfront, they charge ongoing monthly terminal rental fees and lock advanced software behind paid subscriptions. Their competitive interchange-plus rates require speaking to a sales rep, leading to inconsistent pricing. Helcim provides completely public, automatic volume discounts with no monthly fees, no hardware rentals, and no platform gatekeeping.
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. Moneris rates shown reflect their public flat-rate tiers and documented fee schedules. Actual interchange-plus terms with Moneris require manual negotiation and vary significantly by merchant. Moneris does not operate in the U.S. market.
Software comparison
Helcim vs. Moneris software feature comparison.
All Helcim software tools are available at no additional cost. Moneris offers powerful building blocks, but many of them are separate products with their own percentage fees that stack on top of processing. Pick a tool to see the full comparison.
Helcim POS
A free cloud POS that runs on phones, tablets, Macs, and Windows computers. Supports catalogues, tipping, split payments, partial refunds, and role-based employee logins — with no monthly fee, no per-device charge, and no contract.
- Free POS software — no monthly fee, no per-user or per-device charge
- Fee Saver lets you pass processing costs to customers
- Multi-location and multi-device syncing at no extra cost
Moneris POS
Moneris Go terminals come with basic payment software out of the box. Accessing tailored inventory tools or intermediate features requires upgrading to "Moneris Go Retail POS" for an extra $10/mo per device. Complex retail configurations rely on third-party integrations or "Total Commerce" bundles.
- Base terminal software is minimal; advanced retail tools cost $10/mo per device
- Multi-location data syncing often requires enterprise-tier manual setup
- Relies on third-party software partnerships for deep operational tasks
What both offer
Both turn a dedicated terminal or hardware station into a checkout tool that accepts tap, chip, and PIN payments while tracking standard transaction history.
The bottom line
Moneris Go Retail POS handles baseline transactions but hits you with extra monthly software costs and lacks deep native features. Helcim includes its complete cloud POS software package for free across all your devices.
Helcim Virtual Terminal
A purpose-built web-based terminal for phone and mail orders. Key in cards, pre-authorize funds, accept partial payments, charge cards on file, and process ACH/EFT bank payments — all included free with your account.
- Included free — no monthly fee or extra surcharge
- Native ACH/EFT processing for large or B2B transactions
- Customer vault and card-on-file support built in
Moneris Virtual Terminal
Available as part of their card-not-present solutions. Processes transactions at the standard flat online/keyed rate (2.85% + 30¢) and lacks a modern standalone web portal. Statements can also trigger minimum merchant discount fees if monthly volume drops.
- Processes at the higher online flat rate with no native volume reductions
- Lacks native bank-to-bank transfer (EFT/ACH) capabilities
- Statements can trigger minimum monthly processing fee penalties
What both offer
Both allow you to key card numbers directly into a browser to collect payments for phone, mail, or remote orders without a physical reader.
The bottom line
Helcim includes its virtual terminal for free with native bank transfer options at standard online rates. Moneris applies its top-tier card-not-present flat rate and can add minimum volume overhead penalties to your monthly statement.
Helcim Invoicing
Unlimited invoices included with every account. Send recurring or one-off invoices via email or SMS, accept card, debit, or ACH payments, and send estimates, quotes, and purchase orders. HIPAA-compliant for healthcare businesses.
- Included free — no monthly fee or per-invoice surcharge
- ACH/EFT payments accepted directly from invoices
- Eight document types: invoices, quotes, estimates, purchase orders, and more
Moneris Invoicing
Moneris allows you to send basic payment links through its online merchant dashboard. Full invoicing lifecycles — automated recurring schedules, milestone payments, or converting quotes into invoices — require upgrading to paid Wix software packages.
- Native capabilities are limited to basic "pay links"
- Advanced invoicing or recurring templates require paid third-party add-ons
- Online payments process at a fixed flat rate with no built-in volume discounts
What both offer
Both let merchants send digital invoices via email with an embedded link so customers can complete payments online.
The bottom line
Helcim provides a complete invoicing and quote-management suite with zero monthly costs. Moneris limits you to basic payment links unless you pay for external software integrations.
Helcim Online Checkout
A checkout tool — not a hosted store. Add embeddable buy buttons, payment pages, and shareable payment links to your existing website. Helcim handles the payment flow while you keep full control of your site.
- Included free — no additional software fee
- Embeddable buy buttons and payment pages for your website
- HelcimPay.js SDK for custom developer integrations
Moneris Online
Moneris does not build its own robust e-commerce store builder. Their "Moneris Online" and "Total Commerce" programs are partnerships with Wix. Merchants pay a monthly platform fee ($27–$149+ CAD) to access e-commerce site builders and advanced store checkouts.
- Relies entirely on a paid partnership with Wix for e-commerce sites
- High monthly software costs ($27–$149+ CAD) on top of transaction rates
- Processing locked into flat online rates (up to 2.85% + 30¢)
What both offer
Both provide infrastructure to receive credit card transactions over the internet, linking websites directly to secure checkout options.
The bottom line
Moneris relies entirely on paid third-party partnerships to deliver e-commerce checkout experiences. Helcim provides versatile, code-free checkout links and embeddable payment forms completely free.
Helcim Recurring Payments
A robust recurring billing suite with flexible schedules, automatic retry on failed payments, free trials, add-ons, and detailed subscription management. Accepts both cards and ACH/EFT. Helcim adds a small +0.4% surcharge on top of its interchange-plus rate.
- Full subscription management with trials, add-ons, and retries
- ACH/EFT accepted — highly cost-effective for large recurring charges
- +0.4% surcharge on top of interchange-plus rates
Moneris Recurring Payments
Moneris supports basic recurring credit card tokens through its web gateway — charge a card on file at fixed intervals. It lacks subscription lifecycles, automated retry settings, or trial periods without custom development or a third-party application.
- Basic scheduled token charging only — no advanced subscription logic
- No automated retry workflows for expired or declined cards
- EFT-PAD is not natively integrated into the recurring system
What both offer
Both support securely saving customer payment profiles to run automated transactions on a repeating schedule for subscriptions, memberships, or retainers.
The bottom line
Helcim offers a ready-to-use subscription management tool for a small surcharge. Moneris provides the underlying payment plumbing but requires manual work or external paid software to manage true subscription lifecycles.
Helcim Customer Manager
A built-in CRM that ties customers to payments, invoices, and subscriptions. Includes a tokenized vault for up to 10 cards per customer, ACH bank accounts, pre-authorized debit agreements, and a free self-service customer portal.
- Included free — integrated across all Helcim tools
- Secure card + bank account vault (PCI Level 1 compliant)
- Free customer portal for self-service account management
Moneris Customer Management
Moneris utilizes secure tokenization via its vault to save customer profiles for card-on-file billing. However, it lacks a customer-facing self-service portal, meaning merchants must manually edit or update expired card info on behalf of the client.
- Secure, enterprise-grade card data tokenization
- Lacks an integrated, customer-facing self-service portal
- No native architecture to save and vault client bank account details
What both offer
Both securely encrypt and store customer information and card data in a secure repository, allowing fast repeat purchases while maintaining PCI compliance.
The bottom line
Both vaults are fully secure and PCI-compliant. Helcim wins by offering an integrated CRM and a free self-service customer portal, saving you the administrative task of manually updating card details.
Helcim Inventory
A free product and inventory tool built into the platform. Set advanced pricing options like wholesale pricing, tiered/volume pricing, and BOGO promotions. Multi-location tracking included.
- Included free — no per-SKU fees
- Wholesale and tiered volume pricing built in
- Syncs across POS, invoicing, and online checkout
Moneris Inventory
Moneris Go terminals support a basic item catalog for quick sales. For advanced tracking, item modifiers, low-stock reports, and multi-location syncing, merchants must upgrade to paid Moneris Go Retail ($10/mo) or Wix Total Commerce plans.
- Base terminal catalog is rudimentary and restricted to simple items
- Advanced modifier tracking and low-stock alerts require a paid retail upgrade
- Cross-location inventory mapping relies on paid third-party platforms
What both offer
Both let you build an item catalog with names, categories, and custom pricing to speed up the checkout process.
The bottom line
Moneris keeps its native inventory tools extremely basic, hiding advanced retail catalog management behind monthly software upgrades. Helcim includes comprehensive catalog and tier-pricing features entirely free.
Helcim Integrations
Helcim's integrations are built to help merchants use Helcim with the software they already run. The Payment Extension is a unique no-code Chrome extension that connects Helcim to 30+ billing tools with closed payment systems — like Jane, Wave, and Zoho — so you keep your software but pay Helcim's lower rates.
- Payment Extension: use Helcim inside software that locks you into its own processor
- Native integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and WooCommerce
- Helcim API and HelcimPay.js for custom development
Moneris Integrations
As a legacy acquirer, Moneris integrates deeply with corporate ERP suites and traditional Canadian point-of-sale systems (large grocery and hospitality setups). For modern cloud-based business apps, their marketplace is limited, relying mostly on custom builds or their Wix partnership.
- Deep legacy compatibility with enterprise ERPs and big-box store lanes
- Limited library of out-of-the-box cloud software connections
- Requires custom development to bridge with most modern SaaS options
What both offer
Both provide developer APIs and standard connections to bridge payment processing with external accounting or operations platforms.
The bottom line
Moneris is well-suited for enterprise retailers running legacy on-premise infrastructure. Helcim's unique Payment Extension and native cloud integrations make it far easier for modern small-to-mid-sized businesses to connect their workflows.
Unique Features
Payment tools only one side has.
Beyond the shared essentials, each platform has exclusive tools the other doesn't offer. These differences can be deciding factors depending on how your business operates.
Compliant Surcharging & Convenience Fees
Helcim's Fee Saver dynamically calculates and passes credit card processing fees to customers across invoices, online payment pages, and in-person transactions — fully compliant in supported states and provinces.
The Payment Extension
A no-code Chrome extension that lets you process payments through Helcim inside 30+ billing tools that normally lock you into their own processor — like Jane, Wave, and Zoho. Keep the software you love, pay Helcim's lower rates. Moneris has no equivalent.
Direct Canadian Bank Acquiring
Built as a joint venture of RBC and BMO, Moneris provides direct, deeply entrenched settlement infrastructure into the Canadian banking network, optimized heavily for nationwide enterprise retail chains.
On-Site Enterprise Field Services
Moneris offers physical, on-site technician deployment across Canada to install, configure, and troubleshoot hardware networks for high-volume commercial environments.
Hardware comparison
Helcim vs. Moneris hardware comparison.
Helcim sells its handheld all-in-one Smart Terminal outright with zero recurring fees. Moneris features the Moneris Go Plus terminal, utilizing a perpetual monthly rental framework. Here's how they stack up.
Head-to-head
Both devices are capable standalone touchscreen terminals with built-in printers. However, the Helcim Smart Terminal gives you a larger display and is owned outright with no recurring costs. The Moneris Go Plus is locked into a perpetual monthly rental fee (~$34.95/mo), meaning you will pay thousands of dollars over the lifespan of a single device, plus extra software fees to unlock standard retail tools.
Strengths
Where each platform shines.
Both Helcim and Moneris are strong payment platforms — but they're built for different types of businesses. Here's an honest look at where each one excels.
You want to avoid endless hardware rental fees
Helcim lets you buy your smart terminals and readers outright, removing them from your monthly bill forever. Moneris locks you into permanent equipment rentals, making you pay for your devices over and over again.
You are a nationwide enterprise or big-box chain
Moneris excels at processing massive volume across thousands of brick-and-mortar retail lanes utilizing institutional legacy networks.
You want transparent, automatically declining rates
Helcim's public interchange-plus model passes the true cost of processing directly to you, and the markup drops by up to 70% automatically as your volume grows. Moneris hides its competitive rates behind custom sales quotes and manual rep negotiations.
You require on-site technical deployment
If your corporate footprint requires an on-site technician to physically wire, install, and service hardware across your locations, Moneris offers dedicated field services.
You refuse to pay hidden statement or batch fees
Helcim has $0 monthly fees, $0 PCI fees, and $0 batch fees. Moneris accounts frequently accumulate small, hidden operational costs like aged close batch fees ($2.50) and paper statement fees.
You want an institutional bank-backed provider
As a direct joint venture of RBC and BMO, Moneris provides institutional security for corporations that prefer processing through Canada's primary banking backbone.
You need a complete software suite for $0/month
Invoicing, virtual terminals, online checkout links, and subscription tools are all included out of the box with Helcim. Moneris gates advanced invoicing and online storefronts behind paid upgrades or Wix software subscriptions.
You use a legacy on-premise POS network
Moneris is deeply integrated into traditional, corporate cash register ecosystems and legacy hardware infrastructure common in major supermarket and hospitality chains.
You process online Interac Debit transactions
Helcim charges a low, competitive rate for Interac debit. Moneris charges an expensive $1.00 flat fee for every card-not-present online Interac transaction on its flat-rate plans.
You want dedicated human support
Helcim connects you directly to an in-house customer service team via phone, email, or chat. Moneris is a massive banking joint venture known for long hold times and traditional bank bureaucracy.
You want to avoid endless hardware rental fees
Helcim lets you buy your smart terminals and readers outright, removing them from your monthly bill forever. Moneris locks you into permanent equipment rentals, making you pay for your devices over and over again.
You want transparent, automatically declining rates
Helcim's public interchange-plus model passes the true cost of processing directly to you, and the markup drops by up to 70% automatically as your volume grows. Moneris hides its competitive rates behind custom sales quotes and manual rep negotiations.
You refuse to pay hidden statement or batch fees
Helcim has $0 monthly fees, $0 PCI fees, and $0 batch fees. Moneris accounts frequently accumulate small, hidden operational costs like aged close batch fees ($2.50) and paper statement fees.
You need a complete software suite for $0/month
Invoicing, virtual terminals, online checkout links, and subscription tools are all included out of the box with Helcim. Moneris gates advanced invoicing and online storefronts behind paid upgrades or Wix software subscriptions.
You process online Interac Debit transactions
Helcim charges a low, competitive rate for Interac debit. Moneris charges an expensive $1.00 flat fee for every card-not-present online Interac transaction on its flat-rate plans.
You want dedicated human support
Helcim connects you directly to an in-house customer service team via phone, email, or chat. Moneris is a massive banking joint venture known for long hold times and traditional bank bureaucracy.
You are a nationwide enterprise or big-box chain
Moneris excels at processing massive volume across thousands of brick-and-mortar retail lanes utilizing institutional legacy networks.
You require on-site technical deployment
If your corporate footprint requires an on-site technician to physically wire, install, and service hardware across your locations, Moneris offers dedicated field services.
You want an institutional bank-backed provider
As a direct joint venture of RBC and BMO, Moneris provides institutional security for corporations that prefer processing through Canada's primary banking backbone.
You use a legacy on-premise POS network
Moneris is deeply integrated into traditional, corporate cash register ecosystems and legacy hardware infrastructure common in major supermarket and hospitality chains.
Making your decision
When to choose Helcim vs. Moneris.
Helcim is a modern, direct payment processor offering fully transparent interchange-plus pricing, free merchant software tools, and a month-to-month relationship with no hidden fees. Moneris is Canada's legacy institutional giant, optimized for massive nationwide retail corporations but heavily burdened with hardware rentals and outdated fee structures for growing independent businesses.
You are an independent or growing business looking to cut processing expenses through clear interchange-plus rates that drop automatically as your sales climb. You want to own your equipment outright, eliminate recurring terminal rental fees, and access advanced features like custom invoices, virtual terminals, and online checkout forms with $0 monthly platform costs.
You are a major Canadian enterprise, national franchise system, or big-box retailer requiring legacy checkout lane pinpads, corporate ERP system links, and physical on-site field technicians to configure and deploy your physical hardware network across the country.
Frequently asked questions.
-
For the vast majority of small and mid-sized businesses, yes. Helcim uses transparent interchange-plus pricing, passing through the exact wholesale cost of every transaction plus a clear margin that drops automatically as your volume grows. Moneris relies on flat-rate plans for smaller merchants and adds ongoing monthly hardware rental fees (~$29.95 to $34.95/mo per terminal). Moneris also carries overhead expenses like aged close batch fees ($2.50) and statement fees that don't exist with Helcim.
-
No. Helcim does not rent equipment. You buy your Helcim Smart Terminal or Card Reader one time, and you own it outright with no ongoing monthly device bills. Moneris operates primarily on a rental model, meaning you pay a continuous monthly fee for every terminal on your counter for as long as you use their processing services.
-
Because Moneris caters heavily to enterprise contracts and custom legacy accounts, fine print can vary. Common overhead fees listed in their public pricing schedules include aged close batch fees ($2.50), Moneris Go software fees ($5.00), minimum merchant discount fees ($5.00) if monthly volumes dip, paper statement fees ($2.00), and a $25.00 fee per chargeback ($80.00 for authorization chargeback handling).
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Both are portable touchscreen payment terminals with built-in thermal receipt printers and cellular data capabilities. However, you purchase the Helcim Smart Terminal upfront with no recurring device fees or forced contracts, and it includes full POS software free. The Moneris Go Plus requires a perpetual monthly rental fee (~$34.95/mo) and charges an extra $10/mo software fee if you want to unlock standard retail inventory features.
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No. Moneris operates exclusively within Canada, having fully exited the U.S. market. Helcim serves businesses throughout both the United States and Canada, providing free next-business-morning deposits across both countries.
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Helcim charges competitive, low rates for Canadian Interac debit transactions. On its public flat-rate plans, Moneris charges a low fee ($0.10 to $0.12) for in-person Interac transactions, but spikes its rate to an expensive $1.00 flat fee for card-not-present online Interac debit transactions.
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Yes. Helcim's Merchant Buyout Program is designed to help merchants looking to step away from restrictive processing environments. If you are locked into a processing agreement or have outstanding hardware return terms, Helcim may cover up to $500 of your transition or cancellation expenses to help you move to our contract-free platform.