Compare the top credit card processors in 2025: Swipesum, Square, Stripe, Elavon & Checkout.com. See rates, features, and find your best-fit provider.
Updated: October 22, 2025
TL;DR:
Finding the best credit card processing solution is crucial for businesses accepting card payments in 2025. Swipesum offers a free service to help businesses choose the right processing partner. Our top picks for Best Merchant Services Providers include Swipesum, Square, Stripe, Elavon, and Checkout.com. Each has unique features and pricing structures.
Here’s a quick breakdown of our expert-reviewed picks for the best processors by business type and pricing model.
Main Points:
These shifts make it harder to compare providers apples-to-apples. Swipesum helps businesses navigate these changes with objective analysis and transparent cost audits.
The big names in card processing are big names for a reason. They’re very accessible and generally have what seem like reasonable fees (although often not the lowest fees). Additionally, they offer an acceptable level of support or better.
One of the following credit card processors might be the best choice for your business, but don’t jump to conclusions. Make sure you find a credit card payment processor that can truly support and enhance your operations.
Swipesum is the best fit for all merchants, as you get a consultation to help Swipesum curate the best providers at the lowest cost for any business type. As a payment consulting firm dedicated to helping businesses identify and implement the most suitable payment processing solutions, the company has rapidly established itself as a trusted advisor in the payments industry.
Key Services and Features:
Square is a top company in the world of credit card processing. The advantage of a processor that handles just about everything needed to accept card payments can’t be ignored. Neither can Square’s prioritization of mobile payments and its easy options for set-up.
We specifically recommend Square for merchants with very little volume and small ticket sizes. If that description matches your business, you will have the best experience with Square’s pricing structure. Square can be effective for merchants with higher volumes and ticket sizes, but it’s certainly worth exploring other options.
Stripe’s most well-known feature is likely its strong integration capabilities. That makes this credit card processing provider a popular choice for ecommerce merchants. Offering near-instant provision of funds from completed transactions can also help merchants better manage their cash flow.
We specifically recommend Stripe for new SaaS businesses. This provider’s pricing is notably expensive. So, it makes sense to take advantage of Stripe’s many benefits with lower sales volume, then look at other options as volume grows.
Elavon is well-known for offering a wide range of card payment solutions for ecommerce and brick-and-mortar businesses. Specifically, multiple integration options make it easy for online merchants to start making sales. Its chargeback management tools and reporting features are also often cited as benefits for its customers.
The potential negatives of Elavon include the lack of clarity in pricing due to its quote-based system for potential customers. Elavon also has a reputation for slower access to recent payments, which can cause complications for some merchants.
Checkout.com is another established payment processing provider with a strong overall reputation. It can capably serve a wide range of payment processing needs. However, we’ve found that it’s best for two specific scenarios:
Our recommendations are based on 2025 pricing sheets where available, public docs, hands-on consulting across 70+ providers, and recent client outcomes. We update this page quarterly.
The first step to finding the right processing solution is to start with the business management software you already use to accept payments. Whether that’s an ERP, a point-of-sale system, or a vertical-specific platform, your software will often dictate what integrations are available. Increasingly, software providers double as payment processors and while that might be convenient, it doesn’t always mean you’re getting the best deal. Call your software’s customer support team and explain that, due to a unique circumstance (like a required banking relationship), you need to explore outside processing options. This can unlock access to alternative integrations that aren’t publicly listed, giving you more flexibility and leverage.
Once you know your integration options, compare them based on capabilities first, not just price. Can the solution support your hardware? Do they process internationally? What’s their customer service like? These are the details that will impact your daily operations. When you’ve narrowed the field, share three consecutive months of credit card processing statements with each provider. This helps them spot hidden fees, like quarterly or annual charges, and gives them the data they need to offer accurate pricing. With a clear comparison in hand, you’ll be ready to move forward with the best-fit solution for your business. And if you want expert help at no cost, Swipesum is here to make it simple.
When evaluating credit card processing solutions, the first priority should always be the solution itself. At Swipesum we tell clients, if the solution is right we can always get the pricing where it needs to be. Ensure that the provider offers the right integrations with your existing software or point-of-sale system. This includes looking into their hardware options, whether you need in-person card readers, mobile payment capabilities, or integrations for ecommerce. It's crucial to choose a processor that can seamlessly integrate with your business’s operations. Whether you need advanced security features, international processing, or the ability to accept various payment methods like NFC and mobile wallets, make sure the solution can meet all of your requirements for today and the future.
Customer service is the backbone of a solid payment processing partnership, and it should be your next focus. Before committing to any provider, test their support services. Call their customer support line and experience the responsiveness firsthand. If possible, ask for reviews or opinions from your professional network, or look for feedback on platforms like LinkedIn or other industry forums. This can give you insight into how quickly and efficiently they handle inquiries, troubleshoot issues, and resolve problems. A reliable, accessible support team can make all the difference when you encounter an issue that could impact your business. Don't settle for less. Invest the time to ensure you choose a processor that offers both a robust solution and exceptional service.
In 2025, Square remains the best credit card processor for small businesses processing under $25,000 per month. Its flat-rate pricing of 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction and easy setup make it ideal for startups and local shops.
For higher-volume businesses, Swipesum can benchmark your rates and find a more cost-efficient provider through its 70+ partner network.
No single processor always has the lowest fees. Rates depend on volume, risk, and card mix. Swipesum helps businesses compare interchange-plus pricing from dozens of providers to find the lowest total effective rate, often reducing overall costs by 15–40% compared to flat-rate plans.
Stripe continues to lead in 2025 for SaaS and eCommerce companies. Its developer-friendly API, subscription tools, and global reach make it the best choice for online payment scalability. However, Swipesum can negotiate interchange-plus rates with Stripe alternatives to improve margins as your volume grows.
Elavon is an excellent fit for enterprises processing over $1 million annually or operating across multiple locations. It integrates with major POS and ERP systems and offers advanced chargeback and analytics tools. Swipesum’s enterprise consulting helps businesses customize Elavon solutions and manage ongoing fee audits.
For businesses with global customers, Checkout.com provides consistent cross-border performance and supports 150+ currencies. It’s a strong alternative to Stripe for international payments, especially for merchants using Shopify or WooCommerce. Swipesum ensures your pricing structure accounts for FX markups and local interchange differences.
In 2025, most U.S. businesses pay between 2.3% and 3.5% total fees per transaction. Online and keyed-in payments tend to cost more than in-person card-present transactions. By analyzing statements and optimizing provider selection, Swipesum helps merchants bring that number closer to 1.7%–2.2%.
Look beyond the advertised rate. Calculate your effective rate, total monthly fees divided by total processed volume. Compare apples-to-apples across pricing models (flat-rate vs. interchange-plus) and evaluate customer support, software compatibility, and contract terms. Swipesum simplifies this with a free side-by-side rate comparison.
Prioritize:
Swipesum’s experts evaluate all these factors to match businesses with the ideal fit.
Major trends include FedNow real-time payments, embedded finance in business software, and NFC adoption surpassing 90% of in-person transactions. Processors offering faster funding, flexible APIs, and strong security are seeing the highest merchant satisfaction. Swipesum helps businesses stay ahead of these changes and control rising costs.
To reduce fees:
With so many options, from major industry players to smaller providers, finding the perfect credit card processing solution for your business can feel overwhelming. This business is complicated on purpose in order to protect margin.
Why navigate this complex landscape alone? Swipesum’s expert consultants are here to simplify the process, leveraging our deep industry knowledge to match you with the ideal processing partner tailored to your needs, at no cost to you. Don’t leave your decision to chance; trust Swipesum to deliver the best rates, service, and technology for your business today!
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Michael Seaman
Michael Seaman is the co-founder and CEO of Swipesum. A veteran of the payments industry and former employee at one of the largest payments companies, Michael, along with his brother Stephen, has led Swipesum since its inception in 2016. Swipesum is committed to providing innovative payment solutions and exceptional service to its diverse clientele. In his free time, Michael enjoys traveling with his wife Kelsey and their three children, pole vaulting, and engaging in typical Midwestern dad activities.
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