Helcim vs. Payment Depot – No Markups vs. Wholesale Pricing (2025)

Card Processing

Oct 6

Two of the most cost-effective processors for SMBs in 2025 are Helcim and Payment Depot. Both promise lower costs than Square or PayPal, but use different models:

Helcim → no-markup interchange-plus with no monthly fee.
Payment Depot → wholesale membership pricing, flat monthly fee with low per-transaction costs.

Helcim Overview

Pricing model: Interchange + 0.15% + 6¢.
Monthly fees: $0.
Best for: Low/variable-volume SMBs, startups.

Key strength: Transparency, no contracts.

Payment Depot Overview

Pricing model: Wholesale + membership fee.
Monthly fees: $79–$199.
Transaction fees: Interchange + 5–15¢.
Best for: High-volume SMBs ($30k+/month).

Key strength: Predictable savings at scale.

Helcim vs. Payment Depot: Comparison (2025)

  
        Feature
        Helcim
        Payment Depot
      
        Pricing
        Interchange + 0.15% + 6¢
        Wholesale + interchange (5–15¢)
      
        Monthly Fees
        $0
        $79–$199
      
        Best For
        Low/variable SMBs
        High-volume SMBs
      
        Contracts
        None
        Month-to-month
      
        Key Strength
        Transparent, predictable
        Wholesale savings

Example:

$15k/month → Helcim usually cheaper.
$50k/month → Payment Depot usually wins.

Features & Capabilities

Both provide:

Online + in-person processing.
QuickBooks and accounting integrations.
PCI compliance and fraud tools.

Helcim: Better for simplicity.
Payment Depot: Better for predictable savings at higher volumes.

ScaleUp Tip

Choose Helcim if you value simplicity and no monthly fees.
Choose Payment Depot if you’re a high-volume business ready to benefit from wholesale pricing.

In 2025, Helcim is best for small/variable SMBs, while Payment Depot shines for volume processors.

FAQs

1. Which is cheaper, Helcim or Payment Depot?

Helcim under ~$30k/month, Payment Depot above.

2. Does Payment Depot require contracts?

No, memberships are month-to-month.

3. Which is easier to start with?

Payment Depot, if you’re processing consistently at higher volumes.

The Editors