How is Helcim compared to Square?
Helcim vs Square pricing and fees.
Helcim
Square
Helcim uses an interchange-plus pricing model that passes the true transaction fees charged by banks and payment networks to merchants. These true fees vary every transaction. Average fees are based on common credit cards, excluding American Express, and an average transaction amount of $300.
Helcim vs Square pricing and fees.
Helcim
Square
Pricing model
Interchange-plus pricing
Flat-rate pricing
Monthly costs
$0
Square Free: $0
Square Plus: $49/month
Square Premium: $149/month
In-person payment processing fees
1.83% + 8¢ average*
Square Free: 2.6% + 15¢
Square Plus: 2.5% + 15¢
Square Premium: 2.4% + 15¢
Online payment processing fees
2.27% + 25¢ average*
Square Free: 3.3% + 30¢
Square Plus: 2.9% + 30¢
Square Premium: 2.9% + 30¢
Keyed in: 3.5% + 15¢
ACH processing fees
0.5% + 25¢ for transaction below $25,000 (fees capped at $6)
1% (minimum $1)
Volume Discounts
Up to 70% discount
Invoice Management
POS Solution
Recurring Payments
Virtual Terminal
Inventory Management
API Solution
Hosted Payments Pages
POS Hardware costs
Helcim Card Reader
Helcim Smart Terminal
Square Reader: $59
Square Stand: $149
Square Terminal: $299
Square Handheld: $399
Square Register: $799
Chargeback fees
Additional fees and charges
Extra 0.4% per transaction when using Recurring Payments
Extra 10¢ per transaction when using Tap to Pay on iPhone
2.5% load fee for gift cards
1.75% for instant deposits
Additional fees for premium products
PCI compliance fees
Helcim uses an interchange-plus pricing model that passes the true transaction fees charged by banks and payment networks to merchants. These true fees vary every transaction. Average fees are based on common credit cards, excluding American Express, and an average transaction amount of $300.
How much do Helcim merchants pay compared to Square?
In-person
Keyed & Online
Estimated savings at $40,000 Monthly Volume
Helcim’s displayed fees are estimated averages based on $40,000 in monthly processing volume and an average transaction size of $300. The average fees account for standard credit cards, but do not include American Express. Helcim’s interchange-plus pricing passes through the actual interchange and network fees charged by issuing banks and card networks. Since these underlying fees can vary by transaction, Helcim processing fees vary.
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Helcim vs Square: Pros and cons.
Helcim has lower payment processing fees, with automatic fee discounts as your processing volume grows
Helcim provides essential in-person and online payment tools for multiple industries such as invoicing, payment links, recurring billing, a virtual terminal, hosted payment pages, and POS software at no monthly cost.
Helcim gives free access to advanced features like multi-location data sync, inventory tracking, or invoice customization.
Helcim has limited POS hardware options compared to Square
Helcim doesn't offer management features such as staff management, custom floor plans, or appointment booking
Square offers registers, stands, kits, and kiosks that give in-person businesses multiple ways to expand their operations.
Square's business management features designed for restaurant and food & beverage businesses, including floor plan management, staff management, seat management, and course management
Square's payment processing fees are typically around 25%–30% higher than Helcim’s
Some Square's essential POS features, such as invoice customization, multi-location management, and inventory tracking, are locked behind paid subscription plans
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Frequently asked questions.
