The Short Answer by Volume
Under $5k/month: Square or Stripe. Simple, no surprises, easy setup. You're paying a convenience premium but it's worth it at this stage.
$5k–$15k/month: Start comparing. Helcim or Payment Depot will likely beat Stripe by 0.3–0.5%. That's $180–$900/year.
Over $15k/month: Interchange-plus pricing required. Helcim, Dharma, or a local ISO. At $30k/month, the difference between flat-rate and interchange-plus is $1,800–$3,600/year.
Restaurants specifically: Toast or Clover for the POS ecosystem, but negotiate the processing rate separately — don't accept the bundled default.
Google: "cheapest credit card processing"
Results: 47 articles, all written by companies that get paid when you click their affiliate link.
SideGuy: We don't have affiliate deals. We just tell you what's actually cheapest for your situation.
The Real Cost Comparison
At $20,000/month in card volume:
- Stripe (2.9% + 30¢): ~$620/month
- Square (2.6% + 10¢): ~$540/month
- Helcim (interchange-plus ~1.93% avg): ~$390/month
- Savings by switching to Helcim: $1,800–$2,760/year
These are estimates based on average card mix. Your actual savings depend on your specific transaction profile. The calculator is the honest way to know.
What "Cheapest" Actually Means
The cheapest rate means nothing if the processor has terrible support, holds your funds for 7 days, or locks you into a 3-year contract with a $500 ETF. True cost = rate + fees + risk + support quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the cheapest payment processor for small businesses in San Diego?
For under $10k/month: Square or Stripe are fine. Over $10k/month: Helcim with interchange-plus pricing is typically 20-30% cheaper than flat-rate processors. - Is Helcim really cheaper than Stripe?
For most businesses doing over $8k/month: yes, by a meaningful amount. Helcim uses interchange-plus pricing with no monthly fee. The savings depend on your card mix but typically range from $100–$400/month at $20k in volume. - How do I calculate which processor is cheapest for my business?
Take your last 3 months of statements, calculate your effective rate (total fees ÷ total volume), then compare that to interchange-plus quotes from 2-3 processors. Text PJ and we'll walk through it. - Are there hidden fees I should watch out for?
Yes: monthly minimums, PCI compliance fees, batch fees, statement fees, and early termination fees. Always ask for an all-in cost estimate, not just the advertised rate. - Can I negotiate credit card processing rates?
Yes — above $5k/month you have leverage. Ask specifically for: waived monthly fees, month-to-month terms, and interchange-plus pricing structure.