Question 1

How are credit card  processing fees generally determined by credit card processors?

Accepted Answer

Different companies charge for credit card processing in different ways. The processing fees you pay to accept payments could depend on several factors, such as:

The pricing model and your processor's margin
The interchange rate
The card and transaction type
Your business industry

Question 2

What is the Interchange-plus credit card pricing model?

Accepted Answer

Interchange Plus pricing takes the wholesale cost of the credit card transaction - or interchange rate - adds a set margin on top, and passes on the savings directly to our merchants.

Other credit card pricing models, like flat rate pricing, charge you a flat rate despite the real cost of the credit card transaction— often taking a larger margin which ultimately comes out of your pocket. Learn more about Interchange Pricing

Question 3

Is there a fee for providing a refund to a customer?

Accepted Answer

Unlike many payment processors, Helcim does not charge an added fee for refunds. However, we are not able to return the processing fees for the original transaction. One way to avoid paying processing fees for same-day refunds is to void the original transaction before closing your batch rather than refunding a separate transaction.

Question 4

Does Helcim offer volume discounts for processing large numbers of credit card transactions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Helcim offers discounts for high-volume transactions. The exact discount amount may vary based on your business needs and the volume of transactions you process. For more information, please contact our sales team.

Question 5

Does Helcim charge equipment leasing fees?

Accepted Answer

No, Helcim does not lease our equipment and we try to warn merchants against leasing equipment from other providers. Instead, we offer affordable equipment and accessory options which you can purchase outright from us, avoiding costly leases and contracts. Unlike other providers, Helcim has no contracts or cancellation fees.

Question 6

What type of funding options does Helcim offer?

Accepted Answer

Helcim offers both gross and net deposit options to business owners. Those preferring gross deposits will have total sales deposited directly into their bank account, with processing fees deducted as a separate line item on the same day. This ensures accurate daily revenue and cash flow data so you always know exactly how much you've earned and what's available. Those who prefer net deposits will only see the sale minus processing fees deposited directly into the account.

Question 7

Why are in-person credit card fees lower than online fees?

Accepted Answer

In-person credit card transactions are lower risk because the card is physically present, which reduces the likelihood of fraud. The card brands (Visa and Mastercard) set lower interchange "wholesale" costs for these transactions because they are more secure. We simply pass those savings directly to you rather than charging you a single, high "flat rate" for everything.

Question 8

How often does the interchange fee change?

Accepted Answer

Interchange rates, the "wholesale" costs set by the card brands, typically move twice a year, in April and October. While other processors might use these shifts as an excuse to "play games" and pad their margins, Helcim provides a transparent pass-through. If the bank's cost goes down, your cost goes down automatically.

Question 9

Are there any monthly, PCI, or "hidden" fees for Helcim merchant services?

Accepted Answer

No. You only pay when you process a transaction. We’ve eliminated the $30 monthly "statement fees," the $100 annual "PCI compliance fees," and the "subscription taxes" that eat into your profit margins. If you don't process a dime in a month, you don't pay a dime.

Question 10

How does the Interchange-plus credit card pricing model actually save me money?

Accepted Answer

Flat-rate processors, such as Square and Stripe, charge you the same high price for every card, even "cheap" debit cards, to protect their own profit. Helcim passes the direct cost from the banks (Interchange) straight to you and only adds a small, transparent margin on top. As your volume grows, your margin automatically decreases—meaning your rates stay honest without you having to call and negotiate a better deal.

In-person rate	Monthly credit card volume	Discount tier
Interchange+ 0.40% + 8¢	$0 – $50K	1
Interchange+ 0.35% + 7¢	$50K – $100K	2
Interchange+ 0.25% + 7¢	$100K – $500K	3
Interchange+ 0.20% + 6¢	$500K – $1M	4
Interchange+ 0.15% + 6¢	$1M – $5M	5
Custom rates	$5M+

Keep more of your revenue.

Interchange plus pricing

Accept ACH bank payments

Pass credit card fees to customers

No games, just transparency.

Equipment that doesn’t break the bank.

All the tools you need, no monthly fees.

View our pricing alongside 15+ other processors.

Thank you!

Lower rates aren't a secret. They’re wholesale.

Lower rates aren't a secret.They’re wholesale.

Real owners. Real math. Real savings.

Laura, Laura Brows

Noami, Sweet Rice

Wendy, Dr. Wendy Vet

JP, Kingly

Laura, Laura Brows

Noami, Sweet Rice

Wendy, Dr. Wendy Vet

JP, Kingly

Laura, Laura Brows

Noami, Sweet Rice

Wendy, Dr. Wendy Vet

JP, Kingly

Laura, Laura Brows

Frequently asked questions.

How are credit card processing fees generally determined by credit card processors?

What is the Interchange-plus credit card pricing model?

Is there a fee for providing a refund to a customer?

Does Helcim offer volume discounts for processing large numbers of credit card transactions?

Does Helcim charge equipment leasing fees?

What type of funding options does Helcim offer?

Why are in-person credit card fees lower than online fees?

How often does the interchange fee change?

Are there any monthly, PCI, or "hidden" fees for Helcim merchant services?

How does the Interchange-plus credit card pricing model actually save me money?

Start accepting payments today.

Lower rates aren't a secret.
They’re wholesale.