Every business that accepts cards needs a payment processor. The problem is there are dozens of options, each claiming to be the right fit. Some charge flat rates. Others use interchange-plus pricing. A few lock you into contracts while the rest let you walk away whenever you want.
Picking the wrong one costs money. Hidden fees, clunky integrations, and slow deposits add up over weeks and months. The right choice depends on what you sell, how you sell it, and how much volume you push through each month.
This list breaks down 8 payment processors worth considering in 2025. Each one serves a different type of business, so the goal here is to help you figure out which one fits your situation.
1. Finix: The Best Option for High-Volume and Platform Businesses
Finix earns the top spot for businesses that need complete control over their payment setup. The platform gives you a unified API with 99.999% uptime, and it handles transaction authorization, settlement, and dispute management all in one place. Finix also holds the highest level of security certification in the payments industry.
In March 2025, Finix released several updates that make it easier to reduce failed transactions. The Account Updater feature pushes new card information directly to the platform when cards expire or get replaced. Network tokens can increase authorization rates, and card networks often charge lower interchange fees when you use them. Both features help you keep more revenue.
Finix now supports direct merchants with a subscription plan starting at $250 per month. You get 0% markup on interchange and small per-transaction fees. Every new account that goes live receives a free PAX payment terminal.
The platform manages multiple form factors and large fleets of devices. If you run a software platform and want to offer embedded payments to your users, Finix gives you the tools to white-label the entire payment process.
Here is where Finix makes the most sense: businesses processing high volumes that want transparent pricing and full customization. The subscription model works well when you move enough transactions to offset the monthly cost.
2. Stripe: Built for Developers and Online Businesses
Stripe is the largest privately owned fintech company with a valuation around $107 billion. In 2024, businesses on Stripe processed $1.4 trillion in total payment volume, up 38% from the year before. The company serves half of the Fortune 100 and 78% of the Forbes AI 50.
The appeal is straightforward. Stripe’s API is clean and well-documented. Developers can integrate it quickly, and the platform handles subscriptions, invoicing, and recurring billing without requiring third-party tools.
In May 2025, Stripe announced a new AI foundational model for payments and introduced stablecoin-powered accounts. The platform now offers access to more than 125 global payment methods including real-time payments like Pix and UPI.
Stripe works best for SaaS companies, eCommerce stores, and any business that operates primarily online. If you need a developer-friendly solution with global reach, Stripe is hard to beat.
The downside is pricing. Stripe charges flat-rate fees that can add up for high-volume businesses. If you process millions in transactions, you may find better rates elsewhere.
3. Square: The Go-To for In-Person Small Business Payments
Square made its name with the little white card reader that plugged into a phone. The company has grown since then, but the core idea remains the same: make it easy for small businesses to accept payments anywhere.
Square comes with point of sale features including a contactless chip reader, magstripe reader, and convertible stand. You can take payments directly from a smartphone, and the system connects with your online presence for seamless transactions.
Terminal shipments increased by 29% in 2025, showing demand for all-in-one POS hardware remains strong.
Square works well for retail stores, food trucks, market vendors, and service businesses that meet customers face to face. The software is easy to learn, and you can start accepting payments the same day you sign up.
The limitation is that Square uses flat-rate pricing. If you process large volumes, you will likely pay more than you would with an interchange-plus model.
4. PayPal: The Name Everyone Knows
PayPal supports 200+ markets and 25 currencies globally, making it the most internationally accepted digital wallet. The platform has over 300 million active users in over 200 countries.
The biggest advantage is trust. Shoppers are 3 times more likely to complete a purchase when PayPal is available at checkout. That recognition matters, especially for smaller online stores trying to convert first-time buyers.
PayPal works as a standalone processor or as an additional payment option alongside another provider. Many businesses add it to their checkout page because customers feel comfortable using it.
The downside is fees. PayPal’s rates tend to be higher than competitors, and the company has a history of freezing accounts with limited explanation. Customer service can be frustrating when problems come up.
5. Adyen: Enterprise-Grade Processing for Global Brands
Adyen is a global payment platform that lets businesses manage the entire payment process from checkout to settlement through a single system. The platform supports over 250 payment methods and serves companies like Uber, Spotify, and eBay.
What makes Adyen different is that it establishes direct links with card networks and local payment providers. Unlike Stripe and PayPal, which rely on third-party banks for acquiring, Adyen manages everything in-house. This leads to faster settlements and fewer transaction failures.
Adyen makes sense for enterprise-level operations with global customers. If you process payments in multiple countries and need advanced risk tools, Adyen delivers.
The catch is complexity. Adyen is built for large businesses with technical resources. Smaller companies may find the platform harder to set up and manage without dedicated staff.
6. Helcim: Transparent Pricing Without Monthly Fees
TechRepublic chose Helcim as their best overall payment processor in 2025. The reason is simple: transparent interchange-plus pricing with no monthly fees or long-term contracts.
Unlike providers that charge flat-rate markups, Helcim passes along true wholesale rates. The platform also applies volume-based discounts automatically as your business grows. You do not need to call and negotiate for better rates.
Helcim works well for small to mid-sized businesses that want to know exactly what they are paying. The pricing model rewards growth without requiring you to hit arbitrary thresholds.
The tradeoff is that Helcim does not have the same brand recognition as Square or PayPal. Some customers may not recognize it at checkout, which could affect conversion rates for certain businesses.
7. Clover: Flexible Hardware Options for Retail
Clover offers a range of POS hardware including countertop terminals, handheld devices, and full register systems. The flexibility makes it a good fit for restaurants, retail stores, and service businesses that need more than a basic card reader.
The software handles inventory, employee management, and customer loyalty programs. You can customize the setup based on what your business actually needs.
Clover is sold through merchant services providers, which means pricing and support quality can vary depending on who you buy from. Some resellers offer fair rates while others add hidden fees. It pays to shop around and read the fine print.
8. Authorize.net: Reliable Gateway for Existing Setups
Authorize.net has been around since 1996. The company does not process payments directly but acts as a gateway that connects your website to a payment processor.
For businesses that already have a merchant account, Authorize.net provides a stable and reliable way to accept online payments. The platform integrates with most shopping carts and eCommerce platforms.
The downside is that you need a separate merchant account, which adds another layer of fees and paperwork. Newer all-in-one solutions like Stripe and Square make this unnecessary for many businesses.
What to Consider When Choosing a Processor
The payment processing solutions market is on pace to reach over $190 billion by 2030. In the U.S., merchant acquirers process approximately $12 trillion in payments volume per year. With that much money moving around, processors compete hard for your business.
A few things matter more than others when making your choice.
- Pricing structure determines how much you actually pay. Flat-rate pricing is simple but often more expensive at higher volumes. Interchange-plus pricing is more transparent but requires you to understand the math.
- Integration affects how smoothly payments fit into your operations. If your processor does not connect with your accounting software, inventory system, or eCommerce platform, you will spend time on manual workarounds.
- Hardware needs depend on how you sell. Online-only businesses do not need terminals. Retail stores need reliable POS equipment. Make sure the processor supports the hardware you will actually use.
- Compliance matters too. As of April 1, 2025, all merchants must comply with PCI DSS 4.0, which includes enhanced security requirements for network security controls. Your processor should help you meet these standards.
- Over 90% of in-person transactions now use NFC or mobile wallets. A survey found that 75% of consumers reported using a mobile wallet in the past year. If your processor does not support contactless payments, you are already behind.
Picking the Right Fit
- Finix offers the strongest combination of control, transparency, and features for high-volume operations and platforms.
- Stripe dominates for developers and online businesses.
- Square leads for in-person small business payments.
- PayPal offers unmatched consumer recognition.
- Adyen serves enterprise global operations.
The best processor is the one that matches your volume, sales channels, and technical needs without charging more than necessary. Start with what your business actually requires, then compare the options that fit.