Authorize.net vs Helcim
Authorize.net
authorize.netHelcim
helcim.comSide by side
| Figure | Authorize.net | Helcim |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $25/mo | $0.40/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 6 |
| Spec score · Virtual Terminal Software | 8.2 (#5) | 9.1 (#2) |
| Founded | 1996 | LinkedIn lists Helcim as founded in 2006. |
| Integrations | Authorize.net provides an API with XML and JSON variants, and a certified network of technology and solution partners. | Listed integrations include QuickBooks Online, Xero, WooCommerce and Foxy, with additional software connections available. |
| Payment methods | It supports major cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and eChecks. | Its in-person tools accept major payment types, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. |
| Recurring billing | Automated Recurring Billing supports subscriptions, retainers, and payment plans. | Recurring payments support subscription plans and automatic customer billing. |
| Security | The pricing page describes its gateway as secure and lists customizable fraud detection tools. | Helcim identifies itself as a PCI Level 1 Service Provider and says it protects cardholder data with AES-256 encryption and TLS 1.2 or higher in transit. |
| Support | Merchant support is available 24x7, except major holidays, by phone, online chat, or support case. | Helcim offers phone support Monday through Friday 7 a.m.–5 p.m. MT and Saturdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m. MT, and says contact-form questions receive a reply within one business day. |
| What it does | Authorize.net helps businesses accept electronic and credit card payments in person, online, and over the phone. | Helcim is a payment-processing platform for small and medium-sized businesses accepting card, debit and ACH/EFT payments online and in person. |
Plans
Authorize.net
- All-in-one$25 a month
- Gateway only$25 a month
- Gateway + eCheck$25 a month
Helcim
- Helcim payment processingFree
- Helcim platformFree
- Recurring payments$0.40 a month
- 4G wireless data$7 a month
- Helcim Card Reader$199, paid once
- Helcim Smart Terminal$349, paid once
In their own words
Authorize.net
Authorize.net helps businesses accept electronic and credit card payments online, in person and by phone. It supports major cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and eChecks, with channels for website checkout, mobile payments, in-person card readers, phone orders through Virtual Terminal and digital invoicing. Automated Recurring Billing supports subscriptions, retainers and payment plans. Customer Information Manager stores payment details for returning customers, while Advanced Fraud Detection Suite offers customizable rules to flag suspicious activity. The service lists web, iOS, Android and API platforms, XML and JSON API variants, and a certified network of technology and solution partners. Merchant support is available 24x7 except major holidays. Authorize.net says its processing is designed for small businesses and that it has worked with merchants and small businesses since 1996. There is no free plan. All listed plans cost $25 per month: All-in-one adds 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction; Gateway only adds 10¢ per transaction plus a 10¢ daily batch fee and requires an existing merchant account. Gateway + eCheck lists 0.75% for eCheck and 10¢ per card transaction plus a 10¢ daily batch fee; eCheck is available only to U.S.-based businesses.
Helcim
Helcim provides businesses with payment processing tools for in-person and online sales, invoices, and virtual-terminal transactions. Its tools include point of sale, online checkout, payment links, recurring payments, invoicing, a customer vault, and an inventory catalog. In-person payments support major payment types such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Eligible merchants can also accept ACH through invoicing, recurring payments, payment requests, and the Virtual Terminal. Helcim lists integrations with QuickBooks Online, Xero, and WooCommerce, as well as its API and HelcimPay.js for custom integrations and website payments. The Card Vault tokenizes stored payment details for future or recurring payments, while Helcim says it protects cardholder data with AES-256 encryption and TLS 1.2 or higher in transit. It identifies itself as a PCI Level 1 Service Provider. The POS app is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, with listed device requirements. The processing plan costs nothing, with no account monthly fees; transaction rates vary by volume and payment method.