Best Credit Card Processors for Small Businesses: 2025 Price Guide & Fee Comparison (U.S.)
Finding the best credit card processor for your small business doesn’t just come down to features - it’s about transparent pricing. From flat-rate simplicity to interchange-plus savings, this 2025 price guide breaks down credit card processing fees for the top U.S. providers based on different business types.
Whether you're a freelancer sending invoices, a retail shop using a POS system, or a subscription-based business billing monthly, we’ll help you find the lowest-cost payment processor that fits your model.
Want more tailored recommendations? Check out our full Credit Card Processor Comparison by Business Type for best-in-class picks by industry and payment model.
| Business Type | Processor | Pricing Model | Transaction Fees | Monthly Fee | Why It’s the Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freelancers / Consultants | Square | Flat Rate | 2.6% + 10¢ (in-person) 2.9% + 30¢ (online) |
$0 | Best credit card processor for freelancers with no monthly fees and invoice support |
| Online Stores / eCommerce / SaaS | Stripe | Flat Rate / Custom | 2.9% + 30¢ 3.9% for international cards |
$0 | Best processor for online businesses with recurring billing and global reach |
| Service-Based Businesses | Square | Flat Rate | Same as above | $0 | Best payment processor for contractors and service pros using mobile payments |
| Restaurants (Quick-Service / POS) | Toast | Custom / Quote-Based | Avg 2.49% + 15¢ | From $69/mo | Best card processor for restaurants with full POS and tip management |
| Retail / Brick & Mortar Stores | Clover | Tiered or Flat (reseller dependent) | Avg 2.3% + 10¢ | From $14.95/mo | Best credit card processor for small retail shops needing inventory and POS |
| Subscription / Membership-Based | Stripe | Flat / Custom | 2.9% + 30¢ + recurring billing | $0 | Best card processor for subscription billing with built-in automation |
| Nonprofits & Charities | PayPal | Discounted Nonprofit Rates | 1.99% + 49¢ (donations) | $0 | Best card processor for nonprofits accepting online donations |
| Seasonal / Low-Volume Sellers | PayPal Zettle | Flat Rate | 2.29% (tap/dip/swipe) 3.49% + 49¢ (online) |
$0 | Best credit card processor for seasonal small business with mobile payments |
| B2B / Consultants / Invoicing | Helcim | Interchange-Plus | Interchange + 0.3% + 8¢ (avg) | $0 | Best transparent pricing for B2B invoicing & ACH support |
Looking to compare PayPal with a merchant account provider? Our PayPal vs. Merchant One comparison covers cost, scalability, and when each is the better fit.
Pricing Models Explained
Below is a breakdown of the different pricing model typically used by providers including how these fees are calculated.
| Model | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Flat Rate | Fixed % + fee per transaction. Easy to predict. | Freelancers, low-volume businesses |
| Tiered Pricing | Rates vary based on transaction “type” (qualified/non-qualified). Can be unclear. | Older POS systems, resellers |
| Interchange-Plus | Real card network fee + processor markup. Very transparent. | B2B, high-volume businesses |
| Custom / Subscription | Monthly platform fee + 0% markup (e.g. Stax, Toast) | High-volume or specialized POS users |
For a deeper look into merchant solutions, check out our 2025 guide to card processing for small businesses.
ScaleUp Tip
How to Choose Based on Price
Watch out for hidden fees: PCI compliance fees, chargeback fees, and terminal rentals can sneak in.
Flat rate is best for simplicity, but may cost more long term if you're processing over $10k/month.
Interchange-plus can save money if your business does high volume or B2B payments.
Use this guide as a starting point, then request quotes if you're doing custom volume.
