For Canadian small businesses, choosing the right payment processor can directly impact your bottom line. Whether you’re operating a retail store, launching an online business, or offering professional services, reliable, transparent, and affordable payment processing is essential.
This guide highlights the best payment processors in Canada for 2025, comparing their fees, features, and suitability for various business models — plus ScoopRate’s Insight take on who each processor is best for.
ScoopRate’s Top Pick: Helcim
Helcim stands out in 2025 for its transparent, interchange-plus pricing, no monthly fees, and automatic volume discounts. Unlike flat-rate models, Helcim adjusts your processing costs as you scale. For small businesses aiming to grow while maintaining tight margins, Helcim offers the clearest value.
Learn more about how Helcim can help your business save on processing fees.
ScoopRate’s Payment Processors Comparison
Individual Processor Reviews
1. Helcim
Best for: Transparent pricing & scaling businesses
Rates:
- In-Person: ~1.67% + 8¢ (avg.)
- Online: ~2.28% + 25¢ (avg.)
- Interac Debit: 9¢
- ACH/Bank Transfer: 0.5% + 25¢ (capped at $6 for transactions <$25,000 & +0.05% for transactions above $25,000)
Monthly Fee: $0
Includes:
- Interchange-plus pricing
- Free virtual terminal, online store & invoicing
- Volume-based automatic discounts
Hardware Fee:
- Helcim Smart Terminal: $429 one time payment or $39/month for 1 year
- Helcim Card Reader: $129 one time payment
No setup fees | Month-to-month contract | Payouts: Typically within 2 business days
ScoopRate Insight:
Helcim is the most transparent provider on the list, with flexible tools and no hidden fees. Great for scaling businesses that value predictable cost control.
Get started for free with Helcim
2. Shopify Payments + POS
Best for: Online-first or omnichannel retailers
Rates:
- In-Person: From 2.6% + 0¢ (lower with higher plans)
- Online: From 2.8% + 30¢ (drops to 2.4% on Advanced)
- ACH/Bank Transfer: 2% (reduce to 0.6% on Advanced)
Monthly Fee: $37 (Basic)
Includes:
- POS Lite (mobile checkout, inventory sync)
- Shopify Payments (no third-party processor needed)
- Seamless online & in-person integration
Optional Upgrades:
- POS Pro Add-on: $89/mo per location
- Lower processing rates on higher Shopify plans
No setup fees | Month-to-month contract | Fast payouts
ScoopRate Insight:
Shopify is ideal for businesses that want a unified system for online and in-store sales. While rates improve with higher-tier plans, starting costs are accessible. POS Pro is a powerful upgrade, but priced for serious retail setups.
Get started for free with Shopify
3. Square
Best for: New businesses & mobile sellers
Rates:
- In-Person: 2.5%
- Keyed in: 3.3% + 15¢
- Online: 2.8% + 30¢
- Interac Debit: 0.75% + 7¢
Monthly Fee: $0 (Basic POS)
Includes:
- Free POS app and dashboard
- Invoicing, virtual terminal
- Create payment links, buy buttons or QR codes.
Optional Upgrades:
- Square Plus & Premium POS
- Loyalty and automated email marketing add-on
No setup fees | Month-to-month contract | Payouts: Typically next business day
ScoopRate Insight:
Square offers unbeatable simplicity for businesses starting out or needing mobile-first tools. All-in-one platform with no contracts makes it a top choice for pop-ups and sole proprietors.
4. Moneris
Best for: Canadian brick-and-mortar businesses with steady sales
Rates:
- In-Person: 2.65% + 10¢ (flat for most cards)
- Online: 2.85% + 30¢
- Interac Debit: 10¢ (in-person) & $1 (online)
Monthly Fee: From ~$19.00 (Flat Rate Pricing)
Includes:
- Modern countertop and wireless terminals
- 24/7 bilingual support
- Built-in reporting & daily batch deposits
Optional Upgrades:
- E-commerce gateway (Moneris Online)
- Moneris Go mobile terminals
- Loyalty, gift cards, and QuickBooks integrations
Month-to-month contract | Payouts: next-day payments
ScoopRate Insight:
Moneris is a well-established Canadian provider backed by RBC and BMO. Flat pricing offers predictability, but the long-term contracts and monthly fees may not suit newer or seasonal businesses.
5. Stripe
Best for: Tech-first & online subscription businesses
Rates:
- In-Person: 2.7% + C$0.05
- Online: 2.9% + 30¢
- Interac Debit: 15¢
- ACH/Bank Transfer: 1% + C$0.40 (capped at $5)
Monthly Fee: $0
Includes:
- Developer tools & custom checkout
- Recurring billing, invoicing
- Advanced fraud protection
Optional Upgrades:
- Stripe Atlas (business registration)
- Stripe Tax, Radar, and Terminal for in-person sales
No setup fees | Month-to-month contract | Payouts: 3 business days
ScoopRate Insight:
Stripe remains the gold standard for digital-native and subscription businesses. Not for beginners, but unmatched flexibility for tech-enabled companies.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right payment processor means balancing pricing, features, customer experience, and business model compatibility. Square and Shopify excel for ease of use, Stripe is unmatched for online customization, and Helcim remains our top recommendation for small businesses ready to grow smart.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or professional advice. Rates, terms, and product details may change at any time. Please confirm all information directly with the relevant provider before making a decision. ScoopRate Canada may receive compensation from partners when you apply through certain links. This does not influence our editorial opinions or product rankings.