Helcim vs Stripe: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of Helcim and Stripe — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: Stripe wins on our scorecard (7.8/10 vs 7.7/10).
| Scored on | Helcim | Stripe |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 8 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 6 | 9 |
| Fees & pricing | 9 | 7 |
| Customer support | 7 | 5 |
| Features | 8 | 9 |
| Monthly Subscription | $0 | — |
| Annual Fee | $0 | — |
| PCI Compliance Fee | $0 | — |
| In-person Margin (Average) | 0.40% + 8¢ | — |
| Online Margin (Average) | 0.50% + 25¢ | — |
| Online Transaction Fee | — | 2.9% + $0.30 |
| Monthly Account Fee | — | $0 |
| In-person Transaction Fee | — | 2.7% + $0.05 |
| Stripe Tax (per transaction) | — | 0.5% (optional) |
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.
Stripe in one paragraph
The most powerful payment tool for digital businesses, provided you can handle the automated support and modular costs.
Skip it if: You run a high-risk business like tobacco, gambling, or adult entertainment, as Stripe will likely freeze your funds.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Helcim or Stripe?
On our five-axis scorecard, Stripe scores higher (7.8/10 vs 7.7/10). The most powerful payment tool for digital businesses, provided you can handle the automated support and modular costs.
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.
Who should skip Stripe?
You run a high-risk business like tobacco, gambling, or adult entertainment, as Stripe will likely freeze your funds.