Helcim
4.5/5 stars
A payment processor with a unique pricing model built for maximum flexibility and cost optimization.
Pros
- Transparent and competitive pricing with no hidden fees
- No long-term contracts for ultimate flexibility
- Emphasizes security with PCI compliance and advanced encryption
Cons
- Limited physical presence since it’s primarily an online platform
- Could be complex for solopreneurs or smaller businesses
The Bottom Line
Helcim is great for businesses that are looking for a cost-effective pay-as-you-go solution.
This page may contain affiliate links. Our assessments are grounded solely in the product’s merits and performance.
Plans & Pricing
Transaction Fees
Variable/
- In-person: 1.93% + 8¢
- Keyed & Online (Average): 2.49% + 25¢
- Online ACH Bank Payments: 0.5% + 25¢
Continue on Helcim website
Pricing information is retrieved from publicly accessible pricing materials. The actual cost may vary based on specific plans chosen. Always check directly with the seller for the final quote.
Pricing information last updated March 7, 2024.
Helcim has no monthly fees, no setup fees, no cancellation fees, no deposit fees, and no user fees. The only thing you pay for is each transaction that you process through the platform.
Helcim uses a pricing model called interchange plus pricing, in which they take the wholesale cost of the transaction (the interchange rate) and add a set margin on top. The higher volume of transactions you process, the lower the margin is. This is generally seen as the most honest and affordable pricing model, ensuring consistent savings across all transactions so that you’re not overcharged. They publish the interchange rates (which are updated each April and October) so that you know exactly what you’re being charged for.
Product Review
Helcim is a payment processing solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses across a variety of industries. Known for its transparent pricing and merchant-focused services, Helcim facilitates both in-person and online transactions, making it a versatile choice for businesses looking to streamline their payment systems. Beyond basic payment processing, Helcim offers a suite of tools including a POS system, invoicing, customer management, and detailed reporting and analytics, all integrated within a user-friendly interface.
Here are some of its key features:
- Omni-Channel Payment Processing: Helcim supports a wide range of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, NFC/contactless payments, and ACH bank transfers, catering to both in-person and online transactions.
- Integrated POS System: The Helcim POS is designed to work seamlessly across devices, providing a flexible and mobile-friendly solution for sales, inventory management, and customer interactions.
- Invoicing and Recurring Payments: Helcim enables businesses to generate and send invoices directly through the platform, and set up recurring billing for subscription-based services.
- Customer Management: The platform includes tools for managing customer information, tracking purchase history, and storing payment details securely.
- Comprehensive Reporting: Helcim offers in-depth reporting features, providing insights into sales trends, payment methods, and customer data.
Best for: Flexible Pay-as-You-Go Pricing
Helcim is particularly suited for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a comprehensive, integrated payment processing solution. Its transparency, competitive pricing, and lack of long-term contracts make it attractive to new and growing businesses. Retail stores, e-commerce businesses, restaurants, and professional services that require a reliable, flexible POS and payment system would benefit significantly from Helcim’s offerings.
Businesses that might find Helcim less suitable include those with very low transaction volumes, where the cost benefits of Helcim’s pricing model might not be as impactful, or highly specialized industries that require bespoke POS solutions.
Why We Love It
- Helcim Commerce: An all-encompassing platform that integrates payment processing with other essential business tools (at no extra cost!).
- Interchange-Plus Pricing: Offers transparent, interchange-plus pricing, often resulting in lower fees for merchants.
- Multi-Currency Support: Enables businesses to accept payments in various currencies, ideal for companies serving international customers.
- Developer Tools: Provides a range of APIs and developer tools for custom integrations, catering to businesses with specific technical requirements.
Helcim
Helcim is great for businesses that are looking for a cost-effective pay-as-you-go solution.
Transaction Fees
No monthly, setup, deposit or user fees. Variable fees for transactions, depending on type.
Continue on Helcim website
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