Helcim vs. PaySimple
Helcim is a cloud payment processing provider that allows all types of businesses accept payment in-person and online at affordable interchange rates, no monthly fees, hidden fees or contract required. PaySimple offers more limited payment tools compared to Helcim and at higher payment processing fees, especially for debit card and in-person transactions.
Helcim vs PaySimple business models
PaySimple charges a monthly software fee ($79.95/month) for its merchant services, non-qualified rates that can add an extra 1.51% on top of the base rate, and various hidden fees (up to $109.95) and extra fees on top of the base fees. In contrast, Helcim offers low interchange-plus pricing, volume discounts, and free payment tools with no monthly costs or hidden fees.
How Helcim's model works
- Helcim uses interchange-plus pricing, meaning you pay the real interchange and network fees set by the banks and card networks, plus a single, transparent Helcim margin. This pricing model ensures that you have access to the lowest possible rates.
- Helcim does not have any hidden non-qualified fees or PCI fees. In contrast, PaySimple charges non-qualified fees that add up to an extra 1.51% on top of the base rate, alongside a PCI non-compliance fee of $109.95.
- Helcim charges an affordable debit card fee of around 9¢ in Canada and up to 1.00% + 8¢ in the U.S. In contrast, PaySimple charges an expensive 2.90% + $0.30 for debit card transactions, making it at least twice as expensive as Helcim.
- All of Helcim's payment tools (including POS software, invoicing, payment links, online checkout, recurring billing, inventory management, and customer management) are included at no extra monthly cost. In contrast, PaySimple charges $79.95 per month to use its services.
- Helcim's margin drops automatically as your monthly card volume grows across five published tiers. This requires no negotiation, no plan upgrades, and no phone calls.
- Helcim charges an affordable ACH/EFT bank transfer fee of 0.5% + 25¢ (capped at $6) with no other extra fees. In contrast, PaySimple charges an expensive fee of 1.00% + $0.30, plus other extra fees, such as an extra 0.25% fee for transaction amounts over $5000, a $5/month for anyone with ACH processing, $0.75 ACH batch fee, and extra 0.25% ACH assessment fee.
How PaySimple's model works
- PaySimple charges a monthly fee of $79.95 for its merchant services, while Helcim does not require any monthly fee.
- PaySimple charges a flat rate of 2.90% + $0.30 for all card transactions, including debit card and in-person transactions. This rate is at least twice as expensive as Helcim's debit card and in-person transaction fees.
- PaySimple charges extra surcharge fees when customers use a corporate, business, or rewards credit card. These include a Non-Qualified Surcharge (+1.51%) or a Rewards Surcharge (+0.11%) on top of the base rate, meaning the rate you are quoted isn't always the rate you actually pay.
- Unlike Helcim, which charges no PCI or hidden fees, PaySimple charges several hidden fees. These include an inquiry fee ($0.40), a batch fee ($0.85), a card-on-file fee ($9.95), a PCI program fee ($5.95), a PCI non-compliance fee ($109.95), a monthly statement fee ($109.95), and more.
- PaySimple charges 3.99% for Amex non-qualified transactions, but does not disclose what is classified as a non-qualified transaction.
- Paysimple charges an expensive chargeback fee of $40 (non-refundable), while Helcim charges $15 chargeback fee (refundable if the merchants win the dispute).
Helcim vs. PaySimple pricing and fees
Helcim uses a cost-effective interchange-plus model with no monthly software fees, whereas PaySimple charges expensive flat rates that include a mandatory $79.95 monthly charge. Additionally, PaySimple has too many hidden fees that can increase the true payment processing costs of merchants up to 4%.
Pricing Model
Monthly Software Fees
In-Person Processing
Online Processing
Virtual Terminal
US Common PIN Debit
EFT-PAD Processing
Tap to Pay on Phone
Volume Discounts
POS Software
Invoicing
Recurring Payments
Contract Terms
Hidden / Overhead Fees
Chargeback Fee
Smart Terminal
Card Reader
Helcim
PaySimple
| Provider | Pricing Model | Monthly Software Fees | In-Person Processing | Online Processing | Virtual Terminal | US Common PIN Debit | EFT-PAD Processing | Tap to Pay on Phone | Volume Discounts | POS Software | Invoicing | Recurring Payments | Contract Terms | Hidden / Overhead Fees | Chargeback Fee | Smart Terminal | Card Reader |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
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) | Extra 10¢ | Up to 70% off Helcim margin | Included free | Included free | Extra 0.4% per transaction | No contract | $0 – no PCI, statement, or batch fees | $15 (refundable if merchants win the dispute) | $349 | $199 |
|
|
Flat-rate | $79.95 per month | 2.90% + $0.30 + 1.51% (non-qualified surcharge) + 0.11% (reward surcharge). 3.99% for Amex non-qualified transactions. | 2.90% + $0.30 + 1.51% (non-qualified surcharge) + 0.11% (reward surcharge). 3.99% for Amex non-qualified transactions. | 2.90% + $0.30 + 1.51% (non-qualified surcharge) + 0.11% (reward surcharge) + $9.95/month (a card-on-file fee). 3.99% for Amex non-qualified transactions. | 2.90% + $0.30 + 1.51% (non-qualified surcharge) + 0.11% (reward surcharge). | 1.00% + $0.30 (extra 0.25% for transaction amounts over $5000, $5/month, extra $0.75 ACH batch fee, and extra 0.25% ACH assessment fee) | Unavailable | Unavailable | $79.95 per month | Included in paid monthly plan | Included in paid monthly plan | No contract | Inquiry fee ($0.40), a batch fee ($0.85), a PCI program fee ($5.95), a PCI non-compliance fee ($109.95), a monthly statement fee ($109.95) | $40.00 (non-refundable) | Not published | Not published |
The bottom line
Helcim provides an affordable and transparent online and in-person payment solution, while PaySimple charges an expensive payment processing fees, monthly fee and many hidden fees that drain merchant's profits. Helcim uses interchange-plus pricing with average processing fees ranging from 1.72% + 8¢ for in-person payments and just 9¢ for Interac Debit, compared to PaySimple's flat 2.90% + $0.30 rate across all transaction types, including debit card and in-person transactions. Furthermore, Helcim doesn't charge any hidden fee; in contrast, PaySimple charges multiple extra fees on top of base rates, such as extra 0.25% for ACH transaction amounts over $5000, extra 1.51% (non-qualified surcharge fees), extra 0.11% (reward surcharge fees), 3.99% for Amex non-qualified transactions, and more. Paysimple only has other hidden fees like Inquiry fee ($0.40), a batch fee ($0.85), a card-on-file fee ($9.95), a PCI program fee ($5.95), a PCI non-compliance fee ($109.95), and a monthly statement fee ($109.95).
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. PaySimple rates shown are from their publicly posted U.S. and Canadian pricing pages and may vary.
Helcim vs PaySimple software feature comparison
All Helcim software tools are available at no additional cost. PaySimple 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 System
A cloud-based POS that turns your phone, tablet, Mac, or Windows computer into a functional register. You can connect the Helcim Card Reader or Helcim Smart Terminal to process payments in person. Both U.S. and Canadian merchants can access the Helcim POS system.
- Syncs all transactions, inventory changes, reporting, and customer data across all sales channels, both online and in person.
- Process partial or full refunds, split bills for group checkouts, and trigger a connected cash drawer, all from the same device.
- Helcim offers Tap to Pay on iPhone, which lets merchants accept payments using only their iPhone.
- All basic and advanced POS features, such as customer databases, customer portals, secure card vaults, SMS/email messaging, and automations, are included at $0 in monthly software fees.
PaySimple POS
The PaySimple POS system offers the necessary features for merchants to accept payments online and in person, alongside some unique strengths and limitations.
- Unlike Helcim, PaySimple lacks built-in physical inventory tracking, which is a disadvantage for brick-and-mortar businesses like restaurants, retail stores, auto shops, and healthcare clinics.
- Unlike Helcim, PaySimple does not support splitting transactions for group checkouts or setting custom tip percentages on the POS register or payment terminal.
- PaySimple charges a monthly fee of $79.95 per month for its POS system.
- PaySimple features built-in booking software that allows service providers to schedule customer appointments and seamlessly link them to point-of-sale transactions.
What both offer
Both Helcim and PaySimple POS systems let merchants accept payments in-persion via credit cards and debit cards. Merchants simply download or install POS software on their smartphones, tablet, computer or laptop to have a working POS register, no need to buy an external one.
The bottom line
Choose Helcim if you run an online or brick-and-mortar business, because the Helcim POS system offers features suited for all types of businesses, such as online billing, inventory tracking, etc. Helcim also charges $0 in monthly and hidden fees, and offers lower payment processing rates compared to PaySimple. Besides, merchants should also choose Helcim if they want the Helcim Tap to Pay on iPhone feature that lets them accept in-person tap payments using their iPhone. Choose PaySimple if you want built-in appointment scheduling and are willing to accept a $79.95 monthly fee, expensive payment processing rates, and hidden fees for this feature.
Helcim Virtual Terminal
A browser-based terminal that allows you to process keyed card and ACH payments from any computer, tablet, or phone.
- Accepts ACH and bank-transfer payments directly at 0.5% + 25¢ (capped at $6).
- Link Helcim Invoices to the Helcim Virtual Terminal to collect partial, outstanding, or past-due payments faster.
- Helcim provides full access to its virtual terminal and secure credit card vault with $0 in monthly software fees, whereas PaySimple charges $79.95 per month.
- The Helcim Virtual Terminal links directly to the platform's built-in inventory management system, allowing users to select physical products and track stock levels while manually keying in remote orders.
PaySimple Virtual Terminal
A web-based terminal for building an order from your product/service catalog and charging it manually.
- PaySimple charges a monthly fee of $79.95, plus a $9.95 monthly card-on-file fee, to use its Virtual Terminal. In contrast, Helcim does not charge any monthly subscription fees.
- PaySimple's Virtual Terminal does not allow merchants to link client invoices directly to it for seamless processing.
- The PaySimple Virtual Terminal connects directly with its built-in scheduling software, allowing service providers to select booked appointments and process payments for them.
What both offer
Both let you manually charge a card or bank account from a browser, with no card reader required, which is the standard way to bill someone over the phone, by mail, or for a job where the customer isn't standing in front of you.
The bottom line
Choose the Helcim Virtual Terminal if you want a completely free solution that connects with your invoicing and physical inventory management without any monthly subscription or card vault fees. Choose PaySimple if you want to process payments directly from booked appointments and you are willing to pay a steep $79.95 monthly fee alongside an additional $9.95 monthly card-on-file charge for that convenience.
Helcim Invoicing
Unlimited invoicing included with every Helcim account at $0 monthly fee. You only pay the processing fee.
- Customers can pay by credit card, debit, or ACH/EFT through a secure "Pay Now" button embedded directly in the emailed invoice.
- Merchants can set up automated reminders, recurring invoices, and partial payments (such as deposits and installments).
- Helcim merchants can pass on credit card processing fees to customers using Helcim Fee Saver.
- Helcim Invoicing offers eight document types (estimate, quote, order, purchase order, invoice, statement, registration, and credit) for different stages of a sale.
PaySimple Invoicing
Electronic invoicing built around accounts-receivable automation for service businesses.
- PaySimple Invoicing allows merchants to configure rules that automatically apply late fees or percentage penalties to overdue invoices.
- Paysimple charges a subscription fee of $79.95 per month for using the invoicing tool, while Helcim Invoicing doesn't charge any monthly fee.
- Paysimple doesn't offer other document types like estimate, quote, order, purchase order, invoice, statement, registration, and credit.
What both offer
Both Helcim and PaySimple let you build a branded invoice, email it to a customer, and let them pay by card or bank transfer without you having to key anything in. Both providers also support recurring invoices, automatic late fees, and payment reminders, so you're not manually chasing every bill.
The bottom line
Choose Helcim if you want invoicing at no extra monthly cost, low payment processing fees, and zero hidden fees. Choose PaySimple if you want to automatically apply late fees or percentage penalties to overdue invoices and are willing to accept higher processing rates and hidden fees.
Helcim Online Checkout
Includes a free, no-code online store with every U.S. and Canadian account, requiring zero monthly fees, upfront costs, or contracts. You can host it for free at yourname.helcim.app to start selling immediately.
- Enables you to build a complete store featuring product listings, custom branding, shipping and pickup options, and promotional discount codes.
- Automatically pulls items from your existing Helcim product catalog—making in-person products immediately available online—and accepts credit cards, Google Pay, and ACH/EFT bank payments.
- Connects seamlessly with Helcim Inventory Management to track stock levels automatically across all sales channels.
- Allows merchants to include custom coupon and discount code fields at checkout.
PaySimple Online Storefront
Provides a branded online store for selling services, products, and recurring subscriptions.
- Less suitable for brick-and-mortar businesses expanding online because it lacks an inventory management system.
- Allows merchants to tie an online purchase directly to an appointment booking slot.
- Does not support setting custom shipping or customer pickup rules.
What both offer
Both Helcim and PaySimple let you build a hosted online store without hiring a developer, add your own branding, and sell products, services, or subscriptions to anyone with a link.
The bottom line
Choose Helcim Online Checkout if you operate a retail or e-commerce business that requires integrated inventory management, shipping controls, and discount codes at zero monthly cost. Choose PaySimple Online Storefront if you run a service-based business that needs customers to schedule appointments directly during checkout and you do not require physical product tracking.
Helcim Payment Pages
A free, no-code online store that comes with every Helcim account, hosted at yourname.helcim.app.
- The setup wizard walks you through branding, shipping or pickup options, and products in a few steps, and the store pulls directly from your existing Helcim product catalog, so you're not maintaining two separate product lists.
- Customers can create an account for a personalized experience or check out as a guest, and can pay with Google Pay in addition to cards.
- Apply discount codes at checkout, and track store performance (top products, inventory counts, gross sales) from the same Helcim reporting you already use.
PaySimple Payment Pages
A branded online store for selling services, products, and subscriptions, with the option to run more than one store under one account.
- Sell one-time and recurring items side by side, take event registrations with payment attached, and collect donations, all from the same storefront.
- Promote the store with one-click social sharing so customers can shop from a link on your website or social channels.
- Add an embeddable Buy Now Button to an existing website for a lighter-weight way to sell without the full storefront.
What both offer
Both let you build a hosted online store without hiring a developer, add your own branding, and sell products, services, or subscriptions to anyone with a link. Every sale updates your reporting and customer records automatically, so you're not reconciling a separate storefront against your books by hand.
The bottom line
Choose Helcim if you want your storefront pulling directly from the same product catalog and reporting as the rest of your account, at no added monthly cost. Choose PaySimple if you want to run multiple distinct storefronts, or if event registration and donations alongside product sales are central to how you sell.
Helcim Recurring Payments
Helcim offers a robust, built-in recurring payment tool featuring flexible schedules, automatic retries on failed payments, free trials, customizable add-ons, and detailed subscriber management.
- Merchants can set daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly billing cycles, include free trial periods or one-time setup fees, and allow customers to sign up via a payment link.
- Helcim automatically retries failed payments based on configurable logic, helping you spend less time chasing payment declines.
- Helcim accepts credit cards as well as ACH/EFT bank transfers—making it cost-effective for large recurring charges—for an additional fee of 0.4% per transaction.
PaySimple Recurring Billing
Provides automated billing schedules for subscriptions, memberships, and service retainers, with each transaction tied directly to a central CRM record.
- PaySimple does not allow merchants to configure customizable add-ons, free trial periods, or complex tiered pricing rules.
- Unlike Helcim, PaySimple lacks an automated recovery feature to retry failed transactions.
- Similar to Helcim, PaySimple offers a customer portal where clients can view and manage their subscriptions.
What both offer
Both Helcim and PaySimple support automated recurring billing schedules for subscriptions and memberships, accept credit cards alongside ACH/EFT bank transfers, and provide self-service customer portals where clients can manage their payment information.
The bottom line
Choose Helcim if you want a recurring payment system with free trial options, customizable add-ons, and automated payment retries to protect your revenue.
Helcim Customer Manager
A dedicated CRM with a self-service Customer Portal customers can log into directly.
- Helcim offers a self-service portal where customers can view their payment history, update payment methods, pay outstanding balances, or manage personal information.
- Stores up to 10 tokenized cards per customer using AES-256 encryption, with no full card numbers retained.
- Merchants can configure options for each customer, such as tax exemptions or VAT numbers, or flag accounts as "wholesale" so wholesale pricing automatically applies across invoices and the online store.
- Merchants can store ACH/PAD agreements to ensure authorizations remain valid and unexpired.
PaySimple Customer Database & Portal
A basic CRM built to centralize every in-person, phone, and online transaction under one customer record.
- PaySimple doesn't allow merchants to mark a customer who can benefit from special pricing like wholesale pricing or automatically link automated VAT numbers to trigger tax exemptions on itemized invoices.
- PaySimple doesn't support complex customer information import or bulk migration.
What both offer
Both Helcim and PaySimple keep a searchable customer record with saved payment methods, purchase history, and a self-service portal where a customer can update their card or pay an outstanding balance without calling you.
The bottom line
Choose Helcim if you need a feature-rich customer portal with account-level pricing rules, like wholesale rates or tax exemptions, and bulk data migration capabilities at no extra monthly cost. Choose PaySimple if you only need a basic CRM to log transaction histories under centralized customer profiles and do not need advanced pricing customization or self-service features.
Helcim Integrations
Helcim's integrations are built to help merchants use Helcim alongside the software they already run.
- The Helcim Payment Extension is a unique, no-code Chrome extension that connects Helcim to over 30 billing tools with closed payment systems (like Jane, Wave, and Zoho), allowing you to keep your existing software while taking advantage of Helcim's lower rates.
- The extension enables merchants to use Helcim inside software platforms that would otherwise lock them into their own payment processor.
- Offers native integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and WooCommerce.
- Provides the Helcim API and HelcimPay.js for custom developer builds.
PaySimple Integrations
Offers a Payments API, a Mobile SDK, and the PaySimpleJS SDK for custom payment integrations.
- Provides native integrations with Mailchimp and Constant Contact to help merchants create targeted marketing campaigns.
- Unlike Helcim, PaySimple does not offer direct integrations with e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce.
- Lacks an out-of-the-box tool like the Helcim Payment Extension to connect directly with third-party business management and operational SaaS platforms.
What both offer
Both Helcim and PaySimple allow you to connect your payment or POS system with essential third-party business software to streamline your operations and accounting.
The bottom line
Choose Helcim if you need seamless integration with popular accounting software, e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce, or a Chrome extension to bypass closed payment systems on third-party software. Choose PaySimple if your priority is integrating directly with email marketing platforms like Mailchimp and Constant Contact, and you do not require native e-commerce connections or browser-based payment extensions.
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.
Helcim Payment Extension
This tool lets merchants connect Helcim to the software they already use, allowing them to process payments at Helcim's transparent rates without leaving their preferred platform.
Helcim Inventory Management
Helcim includes stock tracking, product variants, low-stock alerts, tiered and wholesale pricing, and BOGO promotions. While PaySimple's product and service catalog supports adding line items to an invoice or online cart, it lacks dedicated stock-tracking features like low-stock alerts or variant tracking.
PaySimple Booking Page
PaySimple offers an appointment scheduling tool that lets merchants create a booking page where clients can choose a service, pick an open time slot on the calendar, and enter their credit card to pay or leave a deposit upfront.
PaySimple partners with Stripe for payment hardware
PaySimple does not develop its own payment hardware, it partners with Stripe to offer Stripe Reader M2 and Stripe WisePOS E. For a deeper look at Stripe hardware pricing, features and specs, read our full side-by-side review.
Read our Stripe ComparisonWhere each platform shines
Both Helcim and PaySimple 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 affordable rates on every transaction
Helcim uses an interchange-plus model that offers affordable processing fees, which automatically drop by up to 70% as your transaction volume increases.
You don't want to pay monthly service fees
Helcim offers all POS software and payment tools for a $0 monthly fee. In contrast, PaySimple charges multiple monthly fees for its services, including $79.95 per month for merchant services, $9.95 per month for card-on-file payments, and $5 per month for ACH/EFT payment processing.
You want affordable debit and in-person transaction rates
Helcim charges low debit card fees (9¢ in Canada and 1.00% + $0.30 in the U.S.) alongside competitive in-person credit card rates. On the other hand, PaySimple charges an expensive rate of 2.90% + $0.30 for debit cards.
You want to accept low-cost ACH bank payments
Helcim offers ACH payments at a low rate of 0.5% + 25¢ (capped at $6). In contrast, PaySimple charges higher ACH rates alongside multiple extra fees: 1.00% + $0.30 (an extra 0.25% for transactions over $5,000, $5 per month, an extra $0.75 ACH batch fee, and an extra 0.25% ACH assessment fee).
You need an inventory management system
Helcim offers built-in inventory management that lets you manage inventory, track stock levels, create product variants, and set low-stock alerts. PaySimple does not have a dedicated inventory management system for brick-and-mortar merchants.
You want ready-to-use payment hardware
The Helcim Smart Terminal and Helcim Card Reader are sold directly by Helcim, allowing you to log in and use them immediately. In contrast, PaySimple relies on third-party hardware, such as the Stripe Reader M2 and Stripe WisePOS E.
You need flexible integration options
The Helcim Payment Extension allows you to connect Helcim to over 60 SaaS platforms so you can process payments using Helcim's low rates without leaving your preferred software.
You don't want to pay hidden fees
Helcim doesn't charge any hidden fees, while PaySimple charges numerous hidden fees, such as an inquiry fee ($0.40), a batch fee ($0.85), a PCI program fee ($5.95), a PCI non-compliance fee ($109.95), and a monthly statement fee ($109.95).
You need native marketing integrations
PaySimple supports direct integrations with Mailchimp and Constant Contact so you can use payment data for targeted marketing campaigns.
You need an appointment scheduling feature
PaySimple has a built-in appointment scheduling tool that lets your clients book meetings, with scheduling data natively linked to the payment processing system
When to choose Helcim vs PaySimple
Choose Helcim if you run a retail, e-commerce, or multi-channel business that requires transparent interchange-plus pricing, built-in inventory tracking, and zero monthly software or hidden fees. It is ideal for merchants looking to maximize profit margins with automatic volume discounts while avoiding recurring subscription overhead.
Choose PaySimple if you operate a service-based business that relies heavily on built-in appointment scheduling linked directly to payment processing. It suits service providers who prioritize native email marketing integrations and client booking tools over physical inventory management or low-fee pricing structures.
FAQ
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Helcim uses interchange-plus pricing that drops automatically as your volume grows, up to 70% off, with $0 in monthly, PCI, or statement fees. PaySimple charges a flat 2.90% + $0.30 on every card transaction, including debit and in-person sales, on top of a mandatory $79.95 monthly subscription. PaySimple also adds a Non-Qualified Surcharge (+1.51%) and a Rewards Surcharge (+0.11%) whenever a customer pays with a business, corporate, or rewards card, so the rate you're quoted isn't always the rate you pay. Helcim's full toolset, including POS, invoicing, online checkout, recurring billing, and inventory management, is included at no extra cost, while PaySimple's $79.95 monthly fee just gets you access to the platform and it still has no dedicated inventory management system. PaySimple's one real edge is a built-in appointment scheduling and booking page, which Helcim doesn't offer, so it can make sense for a service business built around that specific workflow.
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The saving that you can get with Helcim gets wider as volume grows. Helcim's margin drops automatically across five published tiers, so a high-volume merchant keeps paying less over time with no negotiation required. PaySimple doesn't publish any volume discount, so a business processing $500,000 a month pays the same flat 2.90% + $0.30, plus any non-qualified or rewards surcharges, as a business processing $10,000 a month. In practice, that means a growing business on Helcim watches its rate fall while the same business on PaySimple keeps paying the same rate, plus the $79.95 monthly fee, indefinitely.
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No. Both Helcim and PaySimple run month-to-month with no long-term contract. The real difference is what you're still paying without one: Helcim's month-to-month plan has no monthly software fee to worry about, while PaySimple's month-to-month plan still carries its $79.95 subscription plus extras like the $9.95 card-on-file fee and $5 ACH processing fee for as long as the account stays open.
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Helcim doesn't charge PCI, statement, or batch fees of any kind. PaySimple's hidden fees include an inquiry fee ($0.40 per transaction), a batch fee ($0.85), a card-on-file fee ($9.95/month), a PCI program fee ($5.95/month), a PCI non-compliance fee ($109.95/month), and a monthly statement fee ($6.50). It also adds an extra 0.25% on ACH transactions over $5,000, a $5/month ACH processing fee, and a $0.75 ACH batch fee. Chargebacks work differently too: Helcim charges $15 and refunds it if the merchant wins the dispute, while PaySimple charges $40 with no refund either way.
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Yes, especially if processing costs and hidden fees are why you're looking. Helcim charges no monthly, PCI, or statement fee, and its interchange-plus pricing gets cheaper automatically as you process more, while PaySimple's flat 2.90% + $0.30 rate stays fixed regardless of volume and comes with a $79.95 monthly subscription on top. Helcim also includes inventory management and sells its own payment hardware directly, while PaySimple relies on third-party Stripe hardware (the Stripe Reader M2 and WisePOS E) and has no built-in inventory tracking. The one exception is appointment scheduling: if your business runs on a native booking page tied to payment collection, PaySimple has that built in and Helcim doesn't, so that's worth weighing before you switch.