Accepting credit and debit cards shouldn’t eat into your profits, yet many businesses pay too much in processing fees unnecessarily. We’ve scoured the market to bring you the top merchant services providers known for low transaction fees, transparent pricing, and powerful features so you can keep more of your hard-earned revenue. All fees below are based on the latest industry data and pricing trends for 2025–2026.
1. Helcim
Helcim consistently tops lists for having low, transparent fees without hidden charges. It uses an interchange-plus pricing model, which means you pay the actual card network cost plus a small markup, typically cheaper than flat-rate models for growing businesses. Helcim also offers automatic volume discounts that decrease your per-transaction cost as you scale, making it ideal for both online and in-person merchants. No monthly fees, no setup fees, and no long-term contract make it a favorite for small and medium businesses focused on savings.
2. Payment Depot
Payment Depot’s subscription model flips the traditional fee structure on its head: you pay a flat monthly membership and then wholesale interchange rates with minimal markup on transactions. This model usually results in some of the lowest effective fees, especially for high-volume merchants, since you avoid hefty percentage-based fees on every sale. While smaller merchants might find the monthly commitment less appealing, those with predictable sales can save significantly year after year.
3. Square
Square is a top pick for small businesses and startups thanks to its simple pricing and no monthly fees. Online and in-person transactions have straightforward, flat rates with no surprises, making it easy to budget for payment processing costs. While its per-transaction rate might be slightly higher than interchange-plus solutions for high-volume businesses, Square’s ease of use, free POS app, and seamless hardware ecosystem make it one of the most cost-effective all-around solutions for merchants just starting out.
4. Stripe
Stripe is a leading choice for online-focused businesses due to its developer-friendly platform and competitive pricing. Its standard transaction fees are clear and predictable, and for merchants with higher volume or custom setups, Stripe offers tailored pricing that can drive down your per-transaction cost. Plus, integrated tools for subscriptions, invoicing, and international sales add value without surprise fees, making Stripe a smart low-fee option for e-commerce entrepreneurs.
5. Shopify Payments
If you run an online store on Shopify, using Shopify Payments can lower your fees significantly compared with third-party processors. The fees integrate directly into your platform subscription, and higher-tier plans often enjoy better rates. That means fewer per-transaction charges to eat into your margin, especially if you sell a lot online or in multiple regions. Shopify’s built-in sales tools and analytics also help maximize revenue beyond just payment savings.
6. Stax (formerly Fattmerchant)
Stax uses a subscription-plus-interchange pricing model that can be cheaper than traditional processors for businesses with steady or growing sales volumes. You pay a predictable base fee and then enjoy transparent interchange costs with no hidden markups, reducing your overall fee burden. This structure works especially well for mid-size and larger merchants that want both savings and robust integration options for billing and loyalty programs.
7. PayPal
PayPal remains one of the easiest ways to accept both online and in-person payments, and its fee structure is competitive for low-volume or mobile businesses. While its flat percentage fees might be slightly higher than some interchange-plus providers, PayPal’s lack of setup fees, global reach, and buyer trust make it a strong contender, especially when you factor in its full suite of payment tools and financing options for customers.
8. Payline Data
Payline Data stands out for offering competitive interchange-plus fees and flexible contracts you can often negotiate lower rates based on your projected volume. It’s a solid option for businesses processing $5,000+ per month that want both low fees and hands-on support. Features like recurring billing, POS integrations, and security tools are included without surprising extra costs, making it a practical pick for growing companies.
9. Dharma Merchant Services
Dharma is known for straightforward pricing that includes interchange-plus pricing with transparent markup, and excellent support for nonprofits and service-based businesses. While it isn’t always the absolute cheapest by the penny, Dharma’s clarity and ethical pricing philosophy help you avoid confusing fee structures that drive up costs. Its customer service and reporting tools add value for merchants focused on long-term growth without surprises.
10. National Processing
National Processing offers some of the lowest interchange-plus rates available, especially for businesses willing to negotiate a contract. Its services cover restaurants, retail, e-commerce, and B2B payments, and the ability to process ACH and eCheck payments adds extra savings on non-card transactions. If you’re ready to talk volume and lock in competitive terms, National Processing can deliver substantial fee reductions.
Conclusion
Lower transaction fees don’t automatically translate to overall savings. Always check monthly fees, hidden charges, contract terms, and hardware costs before you commit. Combining good pricing with the right features and support will ensure your payment processing strategy actually helps your bottom line.