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Helcim Review and Pricing
Table of Contents
- Helcim's all-in-one platform features an intuitive user interface with simple, easy-to-use tools.
- The vendor offers various payment options for omnichannel businesses.
- There are no contracts or monthly fees.
- Helcim doesn't include free hardware.
- The POS solution may be too limited for some businesses.
- There are no same-day deposits, which may impair your cash flow.
Helcim’s all-in-one platform provides merchants with tools that go far beyond its core credit card processing features. Its rich functionality allows businesses to manage multiple forms of billing and payments — as well as customer, inventory and employee data — through full-featured, free POS software. Helcim also makes life easier with its transparent costs and competitive interchange-plus pricing. In-person processing rates are lower than average, and it’s one of the few payment processing companies with a rate guarantee. Helcim also boasts quality customer service and no contracts or termination fees.
Helcim Editor's Rating:
8.9 / 10
- Pricing and fees
- 9.2/10
- Customer service
- 9.2/10
- Third-party integrations
- 8.5/10
- Payment options
- 9.2/10
- Added POS tools
- 8.5/10
Why We Chose Helcim for Businesses That Want an All-In-One Platform
Businesses that need a payment processing solution to accept credit cards and digital payment methods likely also require other tools, such as a POS system, billing programs and additional finance-focused functions. In the best-case scenario, these assets are integrated with a payment processor, helping you streamline daily operations without getting bogged down by juggling multiple platforms.
However, Helcim goes beyond even the best-case integration scenario. This platform provides POS software at no additional cost to help you manage your business’s sales effortlessly while also supporting invoicing, subscriptions, payment links and hosted payment pages.
We were impressed that Helcim’s software can be used on any device, making it a flexible and inexpensive way for merchants to run their businesses. Additionally, Helcim’s combination of affordable interchange-plus pricing and no monthly fees makes it an attractive option for small businesses looking to save money. For all these reasons and more, Helcim is our pick for the best credit card processor for businesses seeking an all-in-one platform.
Helcim combines payment processing with POS functions for a robust, all-in-one platform. Source: Helcim
Ease of Use
During our hands-on demo, we were impressed by Helcim’s intuitive user interface and modern, clean design. Business owners and their teams will likely have no trouble getting up and running with the platform. We like that Helcim’s primary functions are divided into clearly defined categories, including Payment Tools (e.g., invoicing, payment processing and e-commerce functions) and Merchant Tools (e.g., customer data and reporting functions).
The virtual terminal and invoicing functions are particularly well-designed. We like that Helcim makes it easy to customize billing templates with your business’s branding. We also appreciate how simple it is to generate custom links and a quick-response (QR) code to facilitate remote customer payments.
Merchant tools are similarly straightforward, including robust reporting functionality that gives business owners a good idea of where they’re making money and where they could improve for more efficient operations. The Helcim POS app is notably polished and easy to use. It enables merchants to accept payments on the go, track inventory, store customer information, record transaction history, display sales trends and generate POS reports.
Helcim’s user interface is well-organized and intuitive. Source: Helcim
Helcim Features
As an all-in-one solution, Helcim stands out from other credit card processors for the breadth of its features, which encompass POS functions and payment options. Here’s an overview of the most useful tools.
Virtual Terminal
Helcim’s well-designed virtual terminal helps you accept payments online using a desktop computer or mobile device. Sellers can easily key in transactions manually, which businesses that accept payments over the phone will appreciate. We like that merchants can also send secure payment links via email or embed them on their website, allowing customers to enter their credit card information. You can also issue refunds, void transactions, preauthorize credit cards and accept payments made through automated clearing house (ACH) transfers.
QR Code Payments
We really liked Helcim’s QR code feature — another convenient option for accepting payments. Customers scan the code with their smartphone and are taken to a secure Helcim payment page to enter their payment details. This unique offering is especially helpful for businesses that attend trade shows or sell products in public settings.
Helcim allows merchants to generate QR payment codes for their customers. Source: Helcim
Recurring Payments
With Helcim’s software, you can easily manage the financial side of a subscription-based business with recurring payments. This feature lets you customize subscription plans with trial periods, one-time fees, metered billing and prorated charges.
Hosted Online Store
Businesses that want to add an online component will love that Helcim provides a hosted online store — a feature we didn’t see from many competitors we reviewed. These e-commerce storefronts include a shopping cart; discount codes; shipping integrations; a content management system; theme editor; search engine optimization settings; and a secure sockets layer (SSL) certificate for security. Restaurants can use Helcim’s quick-order online store to create a menu, take orders and accept payments.
If you already have a website, you can accept online transactions by adding Helcim’s hosted payment pages to your site. Tech-savvy business owners can also connect a website using Helcim’s application programming interface (API).
Helcim makes it easy to set up and customize an online store. Source: Helcim
Online Invoicing
Helcim has exceptional invoicing capabilities. You can send unlimited professional invoices customized with your logo and branding, issue automatic payment reminders, and accept online payments. You can also send invoices via text — a convenience customers will appreciate. We especially liked that invoices sent via email feature a built-in “pay now” button that takes customers directly to Helcim’s virtual terminal for payment.
Customers can pay directly through digital invoices with a built-in “pay now” button. Source: Helcim
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Helcim’s software also includes serviceable CRM features via its Customer Manager function. You can add contact information and notes to customer profiles, view purchase histories, and store credit card details in the platform’s secure vault. You can also add your branding to Helcim’s self-service customer portals. Here, clients can update their contact and credit card information, view order histories, and pay invoices online.
If you already use a CRM platform, Helcim integrates with some of the best CRM software, including Zoho CRM. This way, you can leverage more advanced features like sales automation, marketing campaigns or detailed analytics. However, you may need some tech help to ensure seamless data flow.
Integrations
In addition to popular CRM and accounting software like QuickBooks Online, Xero and Zoho CRM, Helcim integrates with various shopping carts and e-commerce platforms, including Magento, WooCommerce, Foxy, Ecwid and BigCommerce.
For businesses that need something more custom, developers can use Helcim’s robust API to build tailored integrations for websites, apps or other systems. Just keep in mind that some integrations — especially those involving CRMs and external platforms — may require third-party automation tools like n8n or Pipedream. Plus, setup might call for a bit of tech know-how.
Security
Helcim is a Payment Card Industry (PCI) Level 1 service provider, meeting the PCI’s highest security standards. It protects payment data with encryption and tokenization, and two-factor authentication is available to help keep your account secure. Every account also includes Helcim’s Fraud Defender service, which scores transactions for credit card fraud risk. We were impressed that you can even set a custom risk threshold — any transactions that score below it are automatically declined.
Helcim’s Fraud Defender assesses risk for online, customer-initiated payments. Source: Helcim
POS System Features
Helcim’s no-frills POS software is free and includes online ordering, a mobile app, and a desktop workstation. When combined with its payment processing features, merchants have everything they need to process sales and collect payments. Here’s an overview of Helcim’s POS features:
- Hardware: Helcim sells its own payment hardware, including the Helcim Card Reader ($99), which accepts magstripe, EMV and contactless NFC mobile payments. It works with the Helcim POS app to sync transactions, track sales and send digital receipts. Helcim also offers the Helcim Smart Terminal ($329) — a wireless, touch-screen, POS device with built-in POS software and a receipt printer. It supports in-person credit, debit and mobile payments, along with inventory management and emailed receipts.
Helcim’s Smart Terminal has POS software and a receipt printer built in. Source: Helcim
- Mobile app: Helcim’s mobile POS app — Helcim Payments — works on iOS and Android devices. You can process payments directly through the app using the virtual terminal or pair it with the Helcim Card Reader for secure in-person transactions. The app supports unlimited users and lets you control employee permissions for secure team access. You can also add compatible accessories like a cash drawer, barcode scanner or receipt printer.
- Desktop POS app: Helcim’s desktop POS app is a unique feature that turns any Windows or Mac computer into a checkout station. You can manage inventory, track stock, and take payments through a web browser or the app. Pair it with the Helcim Card Reader or add third-party accessories like a barcode scanner or cash drawer for in-person sales. It’s included with Helcim at no extra cost and with no per-user fees.
- Online ordering: We were happy to see that Helcim provides small businesses with a solution for online ordering. With Helcim’s online POS system, a restaurant can post a menu, accept payments, and offer various delivery and pickup options. This is an excellent tool for businesses that want to cut out third-party delivery apps and other expensive intermediaries.
- Online checkout: Helcim’s online checkout makes it easy to get paid through a secure, mobile-friendly experience. You can embed hosted payment pages or branded checkout buttons on your site or share payment links and QR codes via social media, email or text. It works with credit cards and digital wallets like Apple Pay and integrates with Helcim’s invoicing tools for both one-time and recurring payments.
Helcim Pricing
We appreciate that Helcim lists its rates transparently on its website, doesn’t require contracts, and doesn’t charge monthly or PCI compliance fees. It uses an interchange-plus pricing model, which means you’ll pay the standard interchange rate set by the credit card company, plus a small markup and a fixed per-transaction fee.
Based on your monthly sales volume, Helcim estimates the following average effective rates:
Monthly Sales Volume | In-Person Transactions | Online and Manually Keyed Transactions |
|---|---|---|
$0-$50,000 | 1.83% plus 8 cents | 2.27% plus 25 cents |
$50,001-$100,000 | 1.78% plus 8 cents | 2.22% plus 20 cents |
$100,001-$500,000 | 1.68% plus 7 cents | 2.12% plus 20 cents |
$500,001-$1,000,000 | 1.63% plus 6 cents | 2.02% plus 15 cents |
$1,000,001+ | 1.58% plus 6 cents | 1.92% plus 15 cents |
Additional pricing considerations:
- Card types: Helcim’s markup is consistent for all card types, but rewards cards and American Express transactions may incur higher interchange rates, increasing total costs.
- Chargeback fees: There’s a $15 chargeback fee per incident, which is lower than average. Helcim refunds the fee if you win the dispute.
- Currency conversion fees: Helcim charges 1% above the daily market rate for multicurrency processing.
- Hardware: The Helcim Card Reader costs $99, and the Smart Terminal is $329 (or 12 monthly payments of $30).
- Tap to pay: Helcim charges 10 cents per transaction for Tap to Pay with its mobile app.
Implementation and Onboarding
Signing up for Helcim is quick and free through the company’s website. You’ll provide basic business details, such as your legal name and tax ID number, along with information about your industry, products, and average credit card sales volume and transaction amount. After submitting the online application, Helcim will email you requesting documentation like a business license, utility bill, driver’s license and voided check.
Applications may be approved the same day or the next day, though it can take up to two business days if any information is missing or can’t be verified. Keep in mind that Helcim does not support high-risk payment processing, so businesses in restricted industries may not be approved.
We like that Helcim makes it easy to get up and running. Its website offers a step-by-step guide to setting up your account, adding inventory, creating an online store and more. If you need help along the way, you can call Helcim’s technical support team.
If you purchase Helcim hardware, expect the card reader to arrive in 2 to 3 business days. As with the software, Helcim offers online tutorials and setup guides so you can start taking payments quickly.
Customer Service
In an era during which many vendors rely on automated systems and outsourced agents, we like that Helcim maintains in-house customer support specialists and offers phone support.
- Channels: Helcim’s phone helpline is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT. The company also provides responsive email support, and you can submit support tickets directly through the mobile app.
- Online resources: Helcim’s website includes a robust Learning Center with answers to frequently asked questions, as well as step-by-step guides for using both the software and hardware. You’ll also find developer documentation for businesses that want to take advantage of Helcim’s integration and API features.
Limitations
Helcim is a great credit card processing choice for many businesses, but there are a few limitations to keep in mind:
- Hardware limitations: Unlike some competitors, Helcim doesn’t include free hardware. Its equipment is sold separately and is more limited than what we saw from many rivals. If you want to add peripherals like a cash drawer, receipt printer or barcode scanner to build a POS station, you’ll need to purchase them from third-party vendors. See our Clover review for a credit card processor that offers its own high-quality POS equipment.
- Higher rates: We love Helcim’s transparent pricing and lack of hidden fees, but its processing rates are higher than those of some competitors we reviewed. If you don’t need all its extra tools and services, a different provider may be more cost-effective — especially for online-only businesses. Check out our review of Stripe for a more affordable alternative.
- No same-day deposits: Helcim doesn’t offer same-day deposits, which may be a deal-breaker for merchants concerned about cash flow. Expect 1 to 2 business days for credit card deposits and 5 to 6 days for ACH transfers. Check out our Chase Payment Solutions review if same-day deposits are important to you.
- No high-risk approvals: Helcim doesn’t work with businesses in certain high-risk industries. For a credit card processor that does support high-risk payment processing, see our National Processing review.
Methodology
We researched and analyzed the best credit card processors to find the top services for small businesses. These investigations included demos and free trials, a careful examination of user reviews, and interactions with each vendor’s customer service teams. We looked at the usability of each company’s hardware and software offerings, as well as how fair the contract terms are to the merchant. Additionally, we scrutinized the rates and fees charged by each processor. To identify the best all-in-one platform, we paid particular attention to the breadth of features offered, including POS features and payment options.
Helcim FAQs
Bottom Line
We recommend Helcim for …
- Omnichannel businesses looking for an all-in-one credit card processing platform with various payment options.
- Small businesses that want transparent, interchange-plus pricing without long-term contracts.
- Seasonal businesses that want to avoid monthly processing fees.
We don’t recommend Helcim for …
- Business owners who want free hardware from their credit card processor.
- Businesses that need a more advanced POS solution.
- High-risk companies that may not qualify for Helcim’s services.
Anna Baluch contributed to this review.
