Helcim vs Thimble: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of Helcim and Thimble — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: it's a tie on our scorecard — pick on fit, not score.
| Scored on | Helcim | Thimble |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 8 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 6 | 9 |
| Fees & pricing | 9 | 7 |
| Customer support | 7 | 6 |
| Features | 8 | 8 |
| Monthly Subscription | $0 | — |
| Annual Fee | $0 | — |
| PCI Compliance Fee | $0 | — |
| In-person Margin (Average) | 0.40% + 8¢ | — |
| Online Margin (Average) | 0.50% + 25¢ | — |
| Sign-up Fee | — | $0 |
| Hourly Premium | — | Starts at ~$5 |
| Additional Insured Cost | — | $0 |
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.
Thimble in one paragraph
Thimble is the ultimate survival tool for freelancers who need instant, short-term credibility without the burden of an annual contract.
Skip it if: You work 40+ hours every week and can afford the upfront cost of a standard annual policy.
Frequently asked questions
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 Thimble?
You work 40+ hours every week and can afford the upfront cost of a standard annual policy.