10 Best Merchant Services Companies & Providers in USA

It’s 2025, and for your business to thrive, accepting credit card payments is a must. This means securing a merchant account and a reliable credit card processor. Merchant account services act as the crucial middleman between your business and the credit card companies’ banks, enabling you to accept and process various electronic payments. Regardless of your business type or the hardware you use, a robust merchant account is essential.

The world of merchant services can seem complex, with various types of accounts (local, high-risk, offshore, direct) and bundled services (check guarantee, payment gateways, cash advances). But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

From understanding fees to exploring additional services, here’s everything you need to know about merchant services and credit card processing, along with our top picks for the best providers available this year.

Our Top 10 Best Merchant Services Companies & Providers in USA:

Here’s a quick overview of our top selections and where they truly shine:

The Best Merchant Services Providers – An In-Depth Look

1. Leaders Merchant Services: Industry-Leading CCP with Value-Added Services

Leaders Merchant Services is a top-tier credit card processing service with 20 years of experience and is a subsidiary of the reputable Paysafe Group. Leaders stands out for offering some of the best credit card processing rates in the industry, starting at just 0.15%. They boast an impressive 98% approval rating, making them a refreshing option for businesses that have struggled to secure approval elsewhere.

A significant benefit is their $500 Assurance Program, which guarantees $500 in compensation if they can’t save you money within the first six months of your contract. Leaders integrates with the reliable Clover point-of-sale system and QuickBooks. New small and medium businesses (SMBs) will appreciate their helpful glossary of terms and 24/7/365 customer service for troubleshooting. Additionally, Leaders offers valuable add-on services like business cash advances, loyalty programs, gift cards, check guarantee services, and POS systems.

• Best for: Additional value-added services, low rates
• Rates: Starts at 0.15%
• Contract Length: 3 years

Pros:

• $500 Assurance Program
• Integrates with QuickBooks
• Rates starting at 0.15%

Cons:

• Long contract terms
• Pricey early termination fee

2. Paysafe: Offers Global Payments in 17 Countries

Paysafe provides a comprehensive payment solution that transforms how businesses handle transactions. It accepts global payments in 17 currencies, including credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, POS systems, cash cards, and installment payments. Their scale-based pricing starts at 15% for low volume, 3.9% per volume, and 9.5% for higher volume, with a fixed fee of 1.5 euros per transaction. Paysafe offers various services, including online, digital wallet, and in-person payments, along with additional benefits like POS systems, receipt management, and currency conversion, making it a versatile choice for businesses of all sizes.

Paysafe offers several tools for in-store payment processing, notably their Android tablet POS system for on-the-spot payment acceptance. This system, combined with Paysafe’s sophisticated in-store payment structure, allows businesses to provide various payment options, including installment payments and mobile purchasing. For detailed pricing, contact Paysafe directly for a tailored quote.

• Best for: Businesses and corporations looking to scale up
• Rates: Quote-based
• Contract Length: From month-to-month to three years

Pros:

• Flexible pricing
• Integrates with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify
• Advanced security measures including tokenization

Cons:

• Customer support response can take up to 24 business hours
• No clear application process mentioned for setup

3. Merchant One: Custom Payment Processing and Merchant Services

Merchant One is a credit card payment processing company offering solutions to small and large businesses across various industries. They partner with Clover to resell state-of-the-art POS systems, provide free training, and offer in-house hardware servicing, ensuring a high-quality user experience.

While Merchant One has excellent reviews on Trustpilot, some complaints indicate issues with customer service, billing, and contract terms. Nevertheless, their dedicated managers will respond to queries and guide you on account setup and transaction processing. We chose Merchant One because of its ability to process both POS and mobile phone credit card payments. Our experience showed that Merchant One provides a dedicated account manager and offers lower card payment processing fees than some rivals.

• Best for: Businesses seeking merchant and payment processing solutions
• Rates: 0.29%-1.55% per swiped card transaction
• Contract Length: 3 years

Pros:

• Assigned account managers
• State-of-the-art technology
• Tailored solutions for different businesses

Cons:

• Free trial unavailable
• Billing and pricing issues noted

4. Clover: Payment Processing + Clover POS Apps

Many top credit card processing companies resell Clover’s point-of-sale systems. However, Clover itself offers credit card processing through its parent company, Fiserv. While primarily known for its POS hardware, Clover also provides services like payment processing, gift cards, invoicing, payroll solutions, and working capital financing.

It’s worth noting that if you’re looking for a payment processor that offers Clover devices, you should compare Clover directly with the many authorized resellers of its products. Clover’s flat-rate processing may seem convenient, but it has received hundreds of poor reviews from small business owners regarding its service.

• Best for: Restaurants, retailers
• Rates: 2.3% – 2.7% + $0.10
• Contract Length: Starts from 1 year

Pros:

• Predictable, flat-rate processing
• Access to all Clover hardware
• Large app store

Cons:

• Poor customer service reputation
• Monthly fees

5. Stax: Payment Processing with a Monthly Subscription

Stax by Fattmerchant offers payment processing for small businesses through a monthly subscription model, eliminating percentage-based transaction fees. This makes it a good option for businesses with high monthly transaction volumes.

Stax also provides a software dashboard called Stax Pay, which includes built-in analytics, an API, and support for e-commerce payments. All Stax customers receive 24/7 customer support by email, and the service does not charge early termination fees.

• Best for: Small businesses with high transaction volumes
• Rates: No percentage-based transaction fees
• Contract Length: Month-to-month

Pros:

• No percentage-based transaction fees
• Includes swiped and keyed-in payments
• 24/7 customer support

Cons:

• Software requires an additional monthly subscription
• Pricing structure is expensive for low-volume businesses

6. Square: Fast, Dependable, Affordable Mobile Processing

Square revolutionized the industry by introducing a mobile, convenient, and affordable POS system for small businesses. It continues to innovate, earning a reputation as the best mobile credit card processing option. Square’s credit card processor handles all payment types, including EMV chip cards, contactless payments (NFC), and e-wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay). This versatile reader is packaged into a pocket-sized, powerful piece of hardware.

The Square credit card processor comes with a flat rate for both dip and tap transactions, zero additional fees, wireless connection, and the ability to process payments in just 2 seconds. The optional dock keeps the reader on your countertop, and its design allows for easy portability. Plus, you get a free magstripe reader as a backup.

• Best for: Mobile payment processing, lightning-fast
• Rates: 2.6% + $0.10
• Contract Length: No contract

Pros:

• Extremely compact, mobile design
• Flat rate fees and no additional fees
• Fast processing

Cons:

• Not a good fit for high-risk industries
• Merchant services are limited

7. Payment Depot: Affordable and User-Friendly Merchant Service

Payment Depot is a cost-effective and user-friendly merchant service offering comprehensive equipment solutions and features to help you run your business. It uses a monthly subscription membership model and charges wholesale rates to keep your expenses low. Crucially, it saves you money by not marking up the interchange rates or taking a cut from your sales. A custom option is available for businesses processing annual transactions of $500,000.

Payment Depot is suitable for all business types and sizes and receives high ratings in online reviews. It’s scalable and offers several customer support options. There are no cancellation fees, and its satisfaction guarantee means you may be eligible for a partial refund after 90 days.

• Best for: All business types and sizes
• Rates: From $49 monthly and $0.15 transaction fee
• Contract Length: No long-term contracts

Pros:

• Positive online reviews of the service
• Extensive equipment solutions
• Doesn’t mark up interchange rates

Cons:

• Live chat agent took long to respond
• Can’t view package features without registering

8. Nadapayments: Surcharge Model – Eliminating Credit Card Fees

Since 2018, Nadapayments’ innovative payment solutions have helped companies eliminate their credit card processing fees. Instead of the business incurring credit card fees, Nadapayments offers customers the option of paying a 3.5% surcharge, effectively shifting the fee to the consumer, while offering cheaper debit card fees onto the business (1% + $0.25).

As part of its unique package, Nadapayments provides surcharges displayed as separate line items on customer receipts, a Wi-Fi-enabled EMV terminal, surcharge notices to display to customers, and a system that integrates into your e-commerce solution.

• Best for: Businesses looking to save money on credit card transactions
• Rates: Credit card: 3.5% to customer, zero to business; Debit card: 1% + $0.25% to business, zero to customer
• Contract Length: None

Pros:

• Transparent pricing structure
• You don’t pay a dime for credit card transactions (really)
• Allows you to offer customers payment flexibility

Cons:

• No funding or other merchant services
• Monthly fee for credit card terminal

9. National Processing: Transparent, Tiered Pricing Structure

National Processing is a credit card processing company primarily targeted at low-risk merchants. Its differential pricing structure means restaurants pay the lowest amounts, retailers pay a bit more, and e-commerce platforms pay the most. Larger businesses can opt for higher or lower monthly fees in exchange for higher or lower per-transaction fees.

All price plans are displayed transparently on their website, along with details about included features. Highlights include setup assistance, reprogramming of existing equipment, and a free mobile reader. National Processing is an authorized reseller of Clover’s suite of payment terminals and readers.

• Best for: Restaurants, retail, e-commerce
• Rates: Monthly cost – $9.95; Transaction – 0.14-0.29% + $0.07-$0.15 + interchange fees
• Contract Length: Varies

Pros:

• Transparent fee structure
• Free reprogramming of existing equipment
• QuickBooks integration

Cons:

• Not suitable for high-risk businesses
• Costs vary with interchange fees

10. Chase for Business®: Secure and Flexible Payments for All Business Types and Sizes

Chase for Business® offers merchant services from JP Morgan Chase, providing fortress-level security and flexible payments for various business types and sizes. Their solutions enable you to accept in-store, online, or on-the-go payments. Depending on Chase’s policies, you may be eligible for same-day approval and funding. Its business analytics can help boost sales and enhance customer understanding.

There are no long-term contracts, with month-to-month agreements available. Customer support is accessible 24/7/365, though you must sign in to access it. Additional customer resources can be found on the Chase website.

• Best for: All business types and sizes
• Rates: 2.90% online rate
• Contract Length: No contract

Pros:

• High-level security
• 24/7 customer support
• Flexible payment solutions

Cons:

• Must sign in to receive customer support
• Confusing pricing information

What Are Merchant Services?

Merchant services is a broad term referring to the services that enable a business to accept payments using a customer’s credit or debit card. The merchant services provider (MSP), also known as a credit card processor (CCP), acts as the intermediary between your business and your customer’s credit or debit card account, facilitating the transaction while adhering to security requirements.

Here’s how it generally works:

1. A customer initiates a purchase using their credit card (swiping or entering information).
2. Your point-of-sale (POS) system sends this data to your chosen MSP.
3. The MSP contacts the customer’s credit card association (e.g., Visa, Mastercard) to verify sufficient credit.
4. The card association checks with the customer’s bank, which then approves (or declines) the transaction.
5. The MSP completes the transaction and sends you a receipt for the customer.

Tips for Choosing the Best Merchant Service Provider

With many options available, here are vital factors to consider:

• Cost: Merchant services offer different pricing models and rates. Carefully review what’s on offer to determine if it fits your needs, as hidden costs or unexpected processing fees can drain your budget.
• Payment options: Check whether the MSP offers various payment solutions for processing transactions from debit cards, credit purchases, and mobile payments. Also, be aware of Independent Sales Organizations (ISOs) which are third-party services that manage transactions for a share of your sales.
• Equipment/Hardware: Ask what equipment is offered, such as card readers, POS systems, and handheld devices. They might be included in your contract, or you may need to pay separately. Setup should typically take a few business days.
• Customer support: When something goes wrong, you’ll need help managing your merchant account or conducting transactions. A comprehensive customer support system is crucial for faster challenge resolution and preventing business disruptions.
• Ease of use and scalability: Consider how straightforward the merchant service is to use and whether it can scale with your business’s future growth.

When to Invest in Merchant Services

Merchant services are crucial for e-commerce and service-oriented businesses. The shift towards digital payments (credit cards, debit cards, digital payments) means that finding a solution capable of handling both in-person and online transactions, while meeting all legal and financial requirements for fund transfers, is essential.

Failing to invest in a merchant service solution can diminish the customer experience and limit your business’s revenue potential. Merchant services are flexible to fit various business models. For example, retailers might prefer mobile options that can process transactions on the spot. High-risk businesses (those with frequent credit card chargebacks) can also find solutions, though they may be more expensive.

Another reason to invest is the extensive features offered, such as invoicing tools, app integrations, virtual terminals, shopping cart integration, payment processing hardware, and more. Many merchant services are scalable, allowing you to leverage services and features to grow your business.

However, cost is a key consideration. Each MSP has its own rates and fees. Explore different pricing options, such as flat fees, monthly rates, or per-charge transactions, to determine what works best for your budget.

Merchant Services Fees and Rates

Merchant service fees and rates depend on merchant account service fees, payment processing fees, and equipment costs. Some providers charge setup fees, though better ones don’t. A provider might offer bundled pricing, per-transaction pricing, or a flat monthly rate, and there may also be markup fees.

Standard merchant account service fees typically include:

• A gateway fee of around $10 per month or from $0.10 per transaction to process online credit card payments.
• A statement fee of $5 for billing statements and customer support.
• A PCI compliance fee of around $100 annually for securing customer data.
• A chargeback fee starting at $15.

Payment processing fees involve an interchange rate plus pricing, usually from around 1.5% per transaction. The payment method can also affect the cost; swiping a card may be charged differently than an online transaction.

Equipment costs include POS systems, card readers, and other necessary appliances, which can be expensive. You can opt for a virtual terminal like PayPal to save money.

Types of Merchant Service Providers

Merchant service providers offer various services and come in three main types:

1. Merchant account provider: Provides a solution that processes funds from a credit/debit card transaction and deposits them into the seller’s bank account. Some only offer the account without card processing capabilities.
2. Payment services provider (PSP): Services like PayPal offer alternatives to dedicated merchant accounts. They have lower account fees because you won’t receive a unique merchant identification (ID), and you’re not bound to the strict contract agreements found with a traditional merchant account.
3. Payment gateway provider: Essential for online transactions. This technology automatically connects all parties involved to process payments instantly. Payment gateway providers can either open a merchant account for you or link to your existing merchant account to conduct transactions.

What Are the Benefits of Accepting Credit Cards Online?

Accepting credit cards and other online payment forms is crucial as many customers prefer this method. It opens new revenue streams, enhances customer experience, and offers a fast, secure payment option. Setup is straightforward with the ideal MSP, and costs are competitive.

Customers appreciate the convenience of online shopping and service delivery, so a credit card payment processing solution simplifies their experience. You can integrate “Buy Now” buttons on your website to encourage immediate purchases using a credit card, which can entice impulse buyers or encourage higher spending.

Credit card payments also help maintain cash flow, as they are settled immediately, reducing the risk of bad checks. For invoices, some online payment processors generate links or instant payment buttons, allowing customers to input their credit card data and settle the transaction instantly.

What Are Payment Processing Contracts?

A payment processing contract is an agreement between a merchant and a payment processor that outlines the fees, rates, and liabilities for providing the service. Contract lengths range from month-to-month to three-year terms, and there may be a termination fee if you end the contract early.

The contract will detail:

• Interchange rate: Fees owed to credit card companies like Visa or Mastercard for processing transactions.
• PCI DSS compliance fees: Essential for demonstrating that your business is secured for debit and credit card payments.
• Equipment leasing costs: For hardware like credit card readers.

Since salespeople aren’t legally required to disclose all fees, you might sign an expensive contract with hidden fees. Therefore, you must meticulously check all fees you’ll be obligated to pay per month and per transaction with the MSP.

How to Set Up a Merchant Service Account

Once your business is registered and you have a business bank account, you can start looking for an MSP.

1. Compile your records: Gather business records, financial statements, and a copy of your credit score to provide insights into your business’s credit risk.
2. Compare providers: Select an MSP that suits your business needs. Determine your preferred payment methods (card, ACH, online, mobile, etc.).
3. Check features and support: Analyze the features and the quality of customer support.
4. Review pricing and contracts: Carefully analyze pricing, fees, and contract lengths to avoid long-term deals that don’t benefit your business.
5. Finalize and submit: Complete your application and submit it for review.
6. Review and sign: Carefully review the contract terms before signing.
7. Account activation: You’ll be notified once your account is successfully opened.

What is the Best Credit Card Processing Company for a Small Business?

Accepting credit card payments is the norm today, so adding this capability can significantly boost your income. Small businesses can choose from online credit card processing, conventional credit card readers, or mobile credit card processors that integrate with a smartphone or tablet.

• Conventional card readers are best for businesses with many face-to-face sales.
• If most of your credit card transactions occur online, an online CCP and payment gateway will be most useful.
• Sole traders and mobile businesses (e.g., electricians, entertainers) might find a mobile CCP that works with their smartphone to be the best fit.

There isn’t one “best” credit card processor for everyone, as every business is unique. What suits a large retail chain won’t necessarily suit a small e-commerce business. However, here are some things to look for:

• An MSP with experience serving your sector.
• A CCP that can service all your needs in one—for example, if you have both an online store and a brick-and-mortar store, look for an MSP that can process both face-to-face and online transactions.
• Beware of hidden fees. Many companies engage in “bait and switch” tactics where advertised prices don’t include all real costs.
• Compare fees carefully. Different transparent pricing models can make direct comparisons difficult. An MSP that initially seems like a great value might cost more in the long run, especially when comparing flat-rate models.
• Check the minimum monthly transaction amount and ensure you expect to meet it.
• Pay attention to whether rates fluctuate based on sales volume. If you have many transactions, you’ll want a CCP that lowers fees as sales increase. If you make just a few high-value sales per month, you’ll want the lowest fees to apply to the lowest sales volume.

What to Expect in 2025

Advances in financial technology (fintech) mean that 2025 will bring greater innovations in the merchant services sector. We can expect next-generation Application Programming Interface (API) integrations, increased cryptocurrency use, and wider blockchain technology adoption for recording transactions and storing data.

Global economic challenges like inflation, high-interest rates, and potential recession will challenge MSPs, as many businesses may face cash flow issues and diminished revenues. MSPs will need to evaluate their pricing structures to remain competitive and retain customers.

Customer experience will remain paramount. Merchant services should develop novel solutions, provide ample customer support, and find opportunities to reward customers through loyalty programs. Mobile payments and digital wallets are dominant in the smartphone age, requiring continued development of better user interfaces and solutions to make using merchant services on mobile phones even more convenient.

Our Methodology: How We Rated the Best Merchant Services

Every business has specific needs, and finding a convenient, affordable merchant service with tailored features is crucial. We’ve selected top merchant services consistently mentioned and conducted detailed reviews. Our rating criteria included:

• Pricing and rates
• Best and extensive features
• The business type that would benefit from the service
• Service contract lengths: short, month-to-month, three years, contractless services
• Free equipment included in the contract, such as card readers
• Types of credit and debit cards allowed
• Ability to perform an online transaction
• Approval and funding speeds

Bottom Line

Our top picks for the best merchant services are Leaders Merchant Services, Paysafe, Merchant One, Clover, Stax, Square, Payment Depot, Nadapayments, National Processing, and Chase for Business®.

Merchant services can streamline your business operations by processing card and online transactions faster and more securely. By utilizing these services, you can provide your customers with superior service and a positive user experience. The services are convenient, agile, and competitively priced, offering businesses multiple options for solving their payment needs.

Do any of these providers or features particularly align with what you’re looking for in your business?