Comparison
Helcim vs Square processing fees
Helcim can be a better deal than Square’s flat rate when you’re doing meaningful volume in person and want interchange-plus transparency with volume-based markup tiers. Square is typically simpler if you prefer a published flat rate and a plan-based pricing structure (especially at lower volume or with lots of card-not-present payments).
Need narrative depth? Read the helcim review and square review.
Helcim vs Square fees (side-by-side)
| Topic | Helcim | Square |
|---|---|---|
| Card-present (in-person) | Interchange + markup (interchange/assessments are passed through)¹Tier 1 ($0–$50,000): 0.40% + 8¢Tier 2 ($50,001–$100,000): 0.35% + 7¢Tier 3 ($100,001–$500,000): 0.25% + 7¢Tier 4 ($500,001–$1,000,000): 0.20% + 6¢Tier 5 ($1,000,001+): 0.15% + 6¢ | Flat rate (varies by Square plan)²Square lists multiple in-person rates: 2.6% + 15¢, 2.5% + 15¢, and 2.4% + 15¢ |
| Card-not-present (online/invoice) | Interchange + markup (interchange/assessments are passed through)¹Tier 1 ($0–$50,000): 0.50% + 25¢Tier 2 ($50,001–$100,000): 0.45% + 20¢Tier 3 ($100,001–$500,000): 0.35% + 20¢Tier 4 ($500,001–$1,000,000): 0.25% + 15¢Tier 5 ($1,000,001+): 0.15% + 15¢ | Online: Square lists 3.3% + 30¢ and 2.9% + 30¢ depending on plan² |
| Manual entry / card on file | Uses the same keyed/online markup tiers shown above¹ | 3.5% + 15¢² |
| ACH bank transfer | 0.5% + 25¢ per approved transaction below $25,000¹Fees are capped at $6 for all approved transactions below $25,000¹A fee of 0.05% is charged for any amount above $25,000¹ | Invoice ACH: 1%, $1 min (Square also lists a $10 fee cap)² |
| Monthly subscription / software fees | Helcim pricing page states $0 monthly fees (no minimums, software fees, or statement fees)³ | Square FAQ states Square Free has no monthly subscription costs; Square also offers paid plans² |
| Chargebacks | $15 per occurrence; fee refunded if resolved in your favor¹ | — |
Table summaries are editorial — confirm live pricing, hardware bundles, and contract terms on each provider's official site before you apply.
Sources for fee footnotes
- ¹ Helcim — U.S. fee disclosures — Fee Disclosures USA (Last Updated February 2, 2026): discount tiers, ACH fees, and chargebacks.
- ² Square — U.S. pricing and processing fees — Published plan-dependent processing fees and FAQs.
- ³ Helcim — Pricing — Helcim’s $0 monthly fee claims and related disclosures.
What matters most for fees?
When Helcim can come out cheaper than Square
If you run enough card-present volume for Helcim’s markup tiers to drop, interchange-plus can undercut a flat rate — especially when your card mix includes lower-cost interchange categories.
Helcim’s pricing is structured as pass-through interchange/assessments plus a disclosed markup by volume tier, so your effective rate can move with your card mix instead of staying flat.
When Square is the simpler choice
If you want a single published rate to budget around and start taking payments quickly, Square’s flat-rate model is straightforward — you only need to choose a plan and accept the listed processing fee.
Square’s FAQ also notes that Square Free has no monthly subscription costs, which can be attractive when you’re getting set up or you don’t need a paid plan’s features yet.
What is the bottom line?
Helcim can be a better deal than Square’s flat rate when you’re doing meaningful volume in person and want interchange-plus transparency with volume-based markup tiers. Square is typically simpler if you prefer a published flat rate and a plan-based pricing structure (especially at lower volume or with lots of card-not-present payments).
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