Credit Card Processing background

Best Credit Card Processing of 2026

Find affordable and transparent payment processing for your business

Top Rated Providers

Compare features, pricing, and customer ratings to find the best option for your needs.

#1
Square logo
Square
4.7(4521 reviews)
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Starting at
Free
2.6% + 10¢
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Pros

  • No monthly fees
  • Easy setup
  • Great for small business

Cons

  • Higher per-transaction fee

Key Features

Online Payments
In-Person
Invoicing
Next-Day Deposits
#2
Stripe logo
Stripe
4.8(3892 reviews)
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Starting at
Free
2.9% + 30¢
See Offer

Pros

  • Powerful API
  • Global support
  • Developer friendly

Cons

  • Technical setup required

Key Features

Online Payments
In-Person
Invoicing
Next-Day Deposits
#3
PayPal logo
PayPal
4.5(5234 reviews)
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Starting at
Free
2.99% + 49¢
See Offer

Pros

  • Trusted brand
  • Buyer protection
  • Easy integration

Cons

  • Higher fees
  • Account holds

Key Features

Online Payments
In-Person
Invoicing
Next-Day Deposits

Credit card processing is essential for modern businesses, enabling you to accept payments online, in-person, and via mobile. With transparent pricing models, easy integration, and features like invoicing and inventory management, today's payment processors help businesses of all sizes grow.

What to Look For

Consider your business type and transaction volume. Retail stores need in-person terminals, while e-commerce businesses require robust online payment gateways. Look for transparent pricing, PCI compliance, integration with your existing tools, and reliable customer support. Avoid providers with hidden fees.

Pricing Guide

Payment processing fees typically include a percentage (2.5%-3.5%) plus a per-transaction fee ($0.10-$0.30). Some charge monthly fees ($10-$50) while others are pay-as-you-go. In-person transactions usually have lower rates than online. High-volume businesses can often negotiate better rates.

Key Features

Modern payment processors offer online and in-person payments, mobile card readers, invoicing, recurring billing, fraud protection, chargeback management, virtual terminals, inventory management, analytics and reporting, and integration with accounting software like QuickBooks.

Top Considerations

Evaluate your average transaction size, monthly volume, business type (retail, restaurant, online), international payment needs, and integration requirements. Check deposit speed (next-day vs. standard), contract terms, cancellation policies, and whether equipment is purchased or leased.