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.
Credit Card Processing Fees Comparison Table (2025 U.S.)
| 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.
Scale Up Pro 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.