| Device | Price | Display | Connectivity | Accepts | POS Software | Receipt Printer | Battery | APIs | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Helcim Smart Terminal
|
$349 (one-time purchase) | 6.7″ HD touchscreen | Wi-Fi + built-in 4G/LTE (optional $7/month) | Tap, chip, swipe, manual entry | Full POS app pre-loaded — inventory, tipping, receipts, employee logins | Built-in thermal printer | Up to 12 hours; USB-C charging | Full Smart Terminal APIs for custom integrations | Businesses wanting a turnkey countertop POS with 4G connectivity and lower rates |
Square Terminal
|
$299 USD (one-time purchase) | 5.5″ touchscreen | Wi-Fi; Ethernet via optional Hub | Tap, chip, swipe | Square POS pre-loaded on the device | Built-in thermal printer | Up to 8 hours; USB-C charging | Square Terminal API for custom flows | Businesses that want a simple, self-contained terminal with Square's ecosystem |
Back to Comparisons
Helcim vs. Square.
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. Square business models.
Helcim passes through true network costs and automatically lowers your margins as your volume grows. Square offers a flat-rate pricing model where you pay a fixed percentage, with advanced features and lower rates often gated behind paid monthly subscription tiers.
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 Square's model works
- Square uses a flat-rate pricing model — in the U.S., the rate changes depending on which paid plan you're on. In Canada, the rate is fixed regardless of plan.
- Square offers a free POS app with industry-specific features for restaurants, retail, and services. Advanced capabilities like team scheduling, loyalty programs, and cross-location inventory are gated behind paid monthly plans.
- Square provides specialized hardware such as the dual-screen Register, self-ordering Kiosk, and Kitchen Display System — but each requires a paid plan plus a per-device monthly fee.
- Additional business tools like Square Loans, embedded banking, and integrated Afterpay are available within the Square ecosystem.
Pricing & fees
Helcim vs. Square pricing and fees.
Helcim includes every tool at $0/month and lowers your rate as you grow. Square charges a flat processing rate that only drops when you upgrade to a paid monthly plan — and many features require those paid plans to unlock.
| Feature | Helcim | Square |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Interchange-plus | Flat-rate (tiered by plan) |
| Monthly Software Fees | $0 — everything included | Free: $0 / Plus: from $35/mo / Premium: from $89/mo |
| In-Person Processing | 1.79% + 8¢ Average | Free: 2.6% + 10¢ / Plus: 2.5% + 10¢ / Premium: 2.4% + 15¢ |
| Online Processing | 2.31% + 25¢ Average | 2.9% + 30¢ |
| Virtual Terminal | 2.31% + 25¢ Average | 3.5% + 15¢ |
| US Common PIN Debit | 1.00% + 8¢ Average | Same as credit card rate |
| ACH Processing | 0.5% + 25¢ (capped at $6) | 1.0% (min $1) |
| Tap to Pay on Phone | 10¢ | Same as in-person rate |
| Volume Discounts | Up to 70% off Helcim margin | Only via paid plan tiers |
| POS Software | Included free | Free plan included / advanced features from $35/mo |
| Invoicing | Included free | Free: included / Plus plan: advanced features from $35/mo |
| Recurring Payments | Extra 0.4% per transaction | 3.5% + 15¢ per charge (Plus plan required) |
| Chargeback Fee | $15 | No fee (auto-deducted from balance) |
| Card Reader | $199 per unit | $59 (Square Reader) |
| Smart Terminal | $349 per unit | $299 (Square Terminal) |
| See Helcim pricing | See Square pricing |
| Provider | 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 | Chargeback Fee | Card Reader | 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 | $15 | $199 per unit | $349 per unit |
|
|
Flat-rate (tiered by plan) | Free: $0 / Plus: from $35/mo / Premium: from $89/mo | Free: 2.6% + 10¢ / Plus: 2.5% + 10¢ / Premium: 2.4% + 15¢ | 2.9% + 30¢ | 3.5% + 15¢ | Same as credit card rate | 1.0% (min $1) | Same as in-person rate | Only via paid plan tiers | Free plan included / advanced features from $35/mo | Free: included / Plus plan: advanced features from $35/mo | 3.5% + 15¢ per charge (Plus plan required) | No fee (auto-deducted from balance) | $59 (Square Reader) | $299 (Square Terminal) |
The bottom line
Helcim's interchange-plus rates are lower than Square's in virtually every category — even before Helcim's automatic volume discounts kick in. Square's paid plan tiers reduce processing rates slightly, but you're paying $35–$89+/month just to access them, and the rates still don't beat interchange-plus. With Helcim, every tool is included at $0/month and your rate drops automatically as you grow.
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. Square rates shown are from their publicly posted U.S. and Canadian pricing pages and may vary.
Software comparison
Helcim vs. Square software feature comparison.
All Helcim software tools are available at no additional cost. Square 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.
- Free POS software — no monthly fee, no per-user charge
- Fee Saver lets you pass processing costs to customers
- Multi-location support at no extra cost
Square POS
A cloud POS with industry-specific apps for restaurants, retail, and health and beauty. The free tier covers essentials, but features like team scheduling, loyalty programs, and cross-location inventory require paid plans.
- Free tier available — paid plans from $35/mo (US) for advanced features
- Industry-specific tools: table maps, coursing, calendar booking
- Team management and scheduling gated behind paid plans
What both offer
Both turn your device into a full checkout station with tap, chip, and mobile-wallet payments. Both keep in-person and online sales, inventory, and customer records in sync.
The bottom line
Both offer solid free POS options. Square adds industry-specific tools for restaurants and retail, but locks many of them behind monthly subscriptions. Helcim includes all POS features free and offers lower processing rates.
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.
- Included free — no monthly fee or extra surcharge
- ACH/EFT bank payments for large or B2B transactions
- Customer vault and card-on-file support built in
Square Virtual Terminal
A browser-based virtual terminal included on every plan. Supports keyed-in credit card transactions and offers Afterpay installments, but charges a significantly higher rate than in-person transactions.
- Higher rate: 3.5% + 15¢ (US) / 3.3% + 15¢ (CA)
- Afterpay (Buy Now, Pay Later) available for installments
- No native ACH/EFT processing for bank transfers
What both offer
Both let you key in card numbers from any browser for phone or mail orders without a card reader.
The bottom line
Helcim offers a full-featured virtual terminal at its standard online rate with ACH/EFT support for large payments. Square charges 3.5% + 15¢ (US) — significantly more expensive for phone/mail order businesses.
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.
- Included free — no monthly fee or per-invoice surcharge
- ACH/EFT payments accepted directly from invoices
- HIPAA-compliant billing with auto-reconciliation
Square Invoices
A capable invoicing tool with a free basic tier. Card and ACH acceptance are included, but advanced features like milestone invoicing and estimate-to-invoice conversion require a paid Plus plan.
- Rate: 2.9% + 30¢ to 3.3% + 30¢ (US) / 2.8% + 30¢ (CA)
- Advanced features require paid Plus plan
- Milestone invoicing and contract-to-invoice on paid plan
What both offer
Both let you create and send invoices with embedded payment links so customers can pay online.
The bottom line
Helcim includes invoicing free with lower processing rates and ACH/EFT support. Square offers strong invoicing but charges higher processing rates, and advanced features require a paid plan.
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
Square Online
A full website and online store builder with customizable themes, multi-page layouts, booking sites, and built-in features like QR-code table ordering and curbside pickup. Paid plans unlock custom domains and advanced SEO.
- Full e-commerce site builder — not just a checkout tool
- Multi-page website with customizable themes and blog
- Afterpay integration for customer installment payments
What both offer
Both let you accept payments online — but they take very different approaches to how you get there.
The bottom line
Square Online is a full website builder for businesses that need a standalone online store. Helcim Online Checkout is designed to add payment capability to your existing website — no monthly fees and lower processing rates.
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
Square Recurring Payments
Basic recurring billing through Square's virtual terminal — charge a saved card on a schedule. No extra surcharge is added, but the base rate is Square's virtual terminal rate, which is significantly higher than Helcim's interchange-plus. No ACH/EFT option.
- No extra surcharge — but base rate is 3.5% + 15¢ (US) / 3.3% + 15¢ (CA)
- Basic card-on-file billing only — limited subscription management
- No ACH/EFT option for recurring payments
What both offer
Both automate repeat billing using stored cards, so memberships, retainers, and payment plans run without manual invoicing each cycle.
The bottom line
Helcim offers a full recurring billing suite with subscription management, ACH/EFT support, and automatic retries. Square's recurring billing is basic and uses its higher virtual terminal rate (3.5% + 15¢ US). Even with Helcim's +0.4% surcharge, the total cost is lower thanks to interchange-plus pricing.
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, 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
Square Customer Directory
A free customer directory with profiles, card on file, and dynamic customer segments. Marketing, loyalty, and email engagement tools are available as paid add-ons.
- Free directory with dynamic segments (Loyal, Lapsed, etc.)
- Loyalty and marketing tools are paid add-ons
- Customer profile lookup at checkout for rewards and promotions
What both offer
Both keep customer records with transaction history and securely stored payment methods, so repeat customers don't need to re-enter their card details.
The bottom line
Both offer strong customer management. Helcim includes a free self-service customer portal and ACH vault. Square offers customer segmentation and loyalty, but those engagement tools are paid add-ons.
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
Square Inventory
Strong inventory features, especially for retail. The free tier includes item variations and stock alerts. Cross-location stock transfers, purchase orders, and vendor management require a paid plan.
- Free tier with basic variations and stock alerts
- Cross-location transfers and vendor management on paid plan
- Deep retail-specific inventory features on Plus plan
What both offer
Both track stock in real time across the register and online, with variants, categories, and low-stock alerts.
The bottom line
Both offer solid inventory management. Helcim includes all features — including wholesale pricing — at no extra cost. Square's advanced retail features like cross-location transfers require a paid plan.
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
Square Integrations
Square's 400+ integrations are mostly industry-specific operational add-ons — restaurant tools, scheduling platforms, hospitality software, and vertical-specific apps that extend Square's ecosystem.
- 400+ integrations — mostly industry-specific operational tools
- Restaurant, retail, and hospitality add-ons: OpenTable, Acuity, SevenRooms
- Square API and In-App Payments SDK for custom flows
What both offer
Both offer ways to connect payments with other business software — but the approach is very different.
The bottom line
Square has more integrations, but they're mostly industry-specific add-ons for its ecosystem. Helcim's integrations are about helping merchants use their existing software with Helcim's lower rates — especially the Payment Extension, which has no Square equivalent.
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.
Cash App & Buy Now, Pay Later
Square can route orders through Cash App and offer integrated Afterpay "Buy Now, Pay Later" options directly at checkout, giving customers more ways to pay.
Self-Serve Kiosk & Kitchen Display System
Square offers a self-ordering kiosk and an Android-based Kitchen Display System (KDS) for high-volume restaurants. Both require a paid platform plan plus a monthly per-device software fee.
Hardware comparison
Helcim vs. Square hardware comparison.
Both Helcim and Square offer standalone terminals with built-in receipt printers and compact card readers. Here's how each device compares on specs, connectivity, and what's included.
Head-to-head
Both are standalone all-in-one terminals with built-in receipt printers and full-day batteries. The Helcim Smart Terminal has a larger 6.7″ screen, built-in 4G/LTE for connectivity anywhere, and runs on interchange-plus rates that drop as you grow. The Square Terminal is about $50 cheaper upfront with a 5.5″ screen, but only connects via Wi-Fi out of the box and runs on Square's flat-rate pricing.
| Device | Price | Display | Connectivity | Accepts | Standalone Mode | POS Software | Battery | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Helcim Card Reader
|
$199 (one-time purchase) | 4″ color touchscreen | Wi-Fi + built-in 4G (optional $7/month) | Tap, chip, and PIN | Yes — enter amount and process without pairing to a phone or app | Pairs with Helcim POS app, mobile apps, tablets, workstations, and Payment Extensions for existing software | Built-in rechargeable battery, all-day use | Fleets, mobile businesses, affordable countertop chip & PIN, and standalone on-the-go payments |
Square Reader
|
$59 USD (one-time purchase) | No screen — status LEDs only | Bluetooth LE 5.3 to host device | Tap and chip | No — must be paired to a phone or tablet running the Square app | Pairs with Square POS app on your phone or tablet | Built-in rechargeable battery; USB-C | Micro-businesses and startups wanting the lowest entry price for card acceptance |
Head-to-head
The Square Reader is the cheapest way to start accepting cards, but it has no screen and can't work on its own — it needs your phone or tablet running the Square app. The Helcim Card Reader costs more upfront but includes a 4″ touchscreen, standalone mode, Wi-Fi, and built-in 4G. It's ideal for fleets, pop-ups, and businesses that need chip & PIN without pairing to another device.
Additional hardware only Square offers
Square sells specialized hardware that Helcim doesn't offer. These devices are designed for specific use cases like full countertop registers, self-serve ordering, and floor-roaming staff.
Square Register
A dual-screen countertop station with a merchant display and a customer-facing screen for line-item review and payment. Designed for high-volume retail and restaurant counters.
Square Kiosk
A self-serve ordering station where customers browse a menu, customize their order, and pay — all without staff. Requires a paid Square plan plus a monthly per-device app fee.
Square Handheld
A pocket-sized terminal with a built-in barcode scanner and camera. Designed for staff to assist customers on the retail floor, check inventory, and process payments anywhere in the store.
Strengths
Where each platform shines.
Both Helcim and Square 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 low, transparent pricing
Helcim's interchange-plus model passes the exact wholesale cost charged by the banks directly to you, plus a transparent markup on top.
Fast start for micro businesses
Square offers a free card reader to new merchants and a free POS app, making it one of the fastest ways for a brand-new business to start accepting cards.
You're growing
Your processing rate drops automatically as your sales volume rises (saving you up to 70% off Helcim's markup). Square's flat rate only drops when you upgrade to a paid monthly plan.
Embedded banking and lending
Square offers business checking and savings accounts, Square Loans, integrated Afterpay installments, and native Cash App payments — all within its ecosystem.
You don't want monthly fees stacking up
Every register, physical location, and staff login is included for free — your monthly bill won't grow just because your team or footprint expands. Square charges monthly fees for advanced features starting at $35/mo.
Industry-specific features
Square offers specialized tools for restaurants (table maps, coursing, KDS), retail (cross-location inventory, vendor management), and services (calendar booking, contracts). Some features require paid plans.
You want every tool ready with no code
Helcim POS, Invoicing, Online Store, Recurring Billing, Virtual Terminal, CRM, and Inventory Management work out of the box — no developer required.
The broadest hardware lineup
Square sells a dual-screen Register, self-ordering Kiosk, a Handheld with barcode scanner, and a Kitchen Display System — hardware options Helcim doesn't offer.
You take a lot of debit
Helcim charges a low flat fee for Canadian Interac debit and competitive U.S. debit rates. Square runs debit at its standard, more expensive credit card flat rate.
A large app marketplace
Square connects with 400+ third-party apps across restaurants, retail, hospitality, and more — a significantly larger integration ecosystem than Helcim's.
You want human support
Helcim is known for amazing and friendly customer service. Reach real humans by phone, email, or chat — no bots, no phone trees, no ticket queues.
You want low, transparent pricing
Helcim's interchange-plus model passes the exact wholesale cost charged by the banks directly to you, plus a transparent markup on top.
You're growing
Your processing rate drops automatically as your sales volume rises (saving you up to 70% off Helcim's markup). Square's flat rate only drops when you upgrade to a paid monthly plan.
You don't want monthly fees stacking up
Every register, physical location, and staff login is included for free — your monthly bill won't grow just because your team or footprint expands. Square charges monthly fees for advanced features starting at $35/mo.
You want every tool ready with no code
Helcim POS, Invoicing, Online Store, Recurring Billing, Virtual Terminal, CRM, and Inventory Management work out of the box — no developer required.
You take a lot of debit
Helcim charges a low flat fee for Canadian Interac debit and competitive U.S. debit rates. Square runs debit at its standard, more expensive credit card flat rate.
You want human support
Helcim is known for amazing and friendly customer service. Reach real humans by phone, email, or chat — no bots, no phone trees, no ticket queues.
Fast start for micro businesses
Square offers a free card reader to new merchants and a free POS app, making it one of the fastest ways for a brand-new business to start accepting cards.
Embedded banking and lending
Square offers business checking and savings accounts, Square Loans, integrated Afterpay installments, and native Cash App payments — all within its ecosystem.
Industry-specific features
Square offers specialized tools for restaurants (table maps, coursing, KDS), retail (cross-location inventory, vendor management), and services (calendar booking, contracts). Some features require paid plans.
The broadest hardware lineup
Square sells a dual-screen Register, self-ordering Kiosk, a Handheld with barcode scanner, and a Kitchen Display System — hardware options Helcim doesn't offer.
A large app marketplace
Square connects with 400+ third-party apps across restaurants, retail, hospitality, and more — a significantly larger integration ecosystem than Helcim's.
Making your decision
When to choose Helcim vs. Square.
Both Helcim and Square serve small businesses, but they're optimized for different stages and priorities. Helcim is built for growing businesses that want transparent pricing and every tool included. Square is built for brand-new or micro businesses that want the simplest possible start with industry-specific features they can grow into.
You're processing meaningful volume (around $10,000+/month or growing), you want interchange-plus pricing that drops automatically as you scale, and you prefer having every payment tool — POS, invoicing, online checkout, recurring billing — included at no monthly cost.
You're just starting out, prefer a simple flat-rate model that's easy to understand, want industry-specific tools for restaurants or retail, or need Square's ecosystem features like embedded banking, Afterpay, and Cash App.
Frequently asked questions.
-
For most businesses processing a meaningful volume of transactions, yes. Helcim uses interchange-plus pricing, which passes through the actual wholesale cost of each transaction plus a transparent margin — and that margin drops automatically as your volume grows. Square charges a flat rate (2.6% + 10¢ in-person in the U.S.) that only decreases if you upgrade to a paid monthly plan. For online, virtual terminal, and recurring payments, the savings gap is even wider.
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No. Helcim has no monthly fees, no setup fees, no cancellation fees, and no PCI compliance fees. Every payment tool — POS, invoicing, virtual terminal, online checkout, recurring billing, and inventory — is included at no extra cost. Square's free plan covers basic features, but advanced tools like team scheduling, loyalty programs, cross-location inventory, and lower processing rates require paid plans starting at $35/month (U.S.).
-
Helcim provides free next-business-morning deposits for all U.S. and Canadian merchants — no extra charge. Square offers next-business-day deposits for free as well, but if you want instant transfers, Square charges 1.95% (U.S.) or 1.5% (Canada) of the transfer amount.
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Yes. Square offers a free POS app with industry-specific versions for restaurants, retail, and services. Advanced features like team management, loyalty, and cross-location inventory require paid plans. Helcim also offers a free POS app that runs on phones, tablets, and computers, with all features included at no monthly cost.
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Square has a broader hardware lineup — including a dual-screen Register, self-ordering Kiosk, and a Handheld with barcode scanner. Helcim offers two devices: a Smart Terminal with a larger 6.7″ screen, built-in receipt printer, and 4G/LTE, and a Card Reader with standalone mode and its own touchscreen. The right choice depends on whether you need specialized hardware or a versatile, connectivity-rich device.
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Helcim charges competitive rates for U.S. debit and a low flat fee for Canadian Interac debit transactions. Square processes debit at the same flat rate as credit cards, which means you don't benefit from the lower interchange costs that debit cards typically carry. If you accept a lot of debit, Helcim can save you significantly.
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Yes. Helcim's Merchant Buyout Program helps you transition from other processors. If you're locked into a contract or have early termination fees, Helcim may cover up to $500 in cancellation fees to help you switch.
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Yes. Square has specialized features for restaurants (table maps, coursing, Kitchen Display System), retail (cross-location inventory, vendor management), and services (calendar booking, contracts). Many of these require paid plans. Helcim focuses on core payment tools that work across industries, with all features included free.