Clover vs Helcim: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of Clover and Helcim — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: Helcim wins on our scorecard (7.7/10 vs 7/10).
| Scored on | Clover | Helcim |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 7 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 7 | 6 |
| Fees & pricing | 6 | 9 |
| Customer support | 5 | 7 |
| Features | 9 | 8 |
| Card-Present Rate | 2.3% + $0.10 | — |
| Starter Plan | $14.95/mo | — |
| Standard Hardware Bundle | $799+ (Typical) | — |
| Early Termination Fee | Varies by contract (can be $500+) | — |
| Monthly Subscription | — | $0 |
| Annual Fee | — | $0 |
| PCI Compliance Fee | — | $0 |
| In-person Margin (Average) | — | 0.40% + 8¢ |
| Online Margin (Average) | — | 0.50% + 25¢ |
Clover in one paragraph
Clover is a powerhouse POS with top-tier hardware, but the complex bank-partner distribution model and rigid contracts make it better for established shops than risky startups.
Skip it if: Skip Clover if you are a seasonal business or a startup that might need to switch software in six months, as the hardware is locked to Fiserv and contracts are notoriously hard to break.
Helcim in one paragraph
Helcim is the most honest payment processor for growing businesses that have outgrown flat-rate 'convenience' pricing.
Skip it if: Skip it if you process less than $2,000 per month or need to start taking payments in the next 10 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Clover or Helcim?
On our five-axis scorecard, Helcim scores higher (7.7/10 vs 7/10). Helcim is the most honest payment processor for growing businesses that have outgrown flat-rate 'convenience' pricing.
Who should skip Clover?
Skip Clover if you are a seasonal business or a startup that might need to switch software in six months, as the hardware is locked to Fiserv and contracts are notoriously hard to break.
Who should skip Helcim?
Skip it if you process less than $2,000 per month or need to start taking payments in the next 10 minutes.