Authorize.net vs Nickel

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.

Nickel is web software for businesses using ACH payments and payment pages. It lists recurring ACH payments, ACH credit support, same-day ACH, payment links, API access, and webhook support, with a listed ACH transaction limit of $1,000,000. Nickel Core costs nothing and includes 3 active users, a $25,000 transaction limit, 1 payment page, and unlimited bills per month. Nickel Plus costs $35 per month, with annual billing offering a stated 20% saving; it includes unlimited users, a $1 million transaction limit, 5 payment pages, and unlimited bills per month. Nickel Pro costs $300 per month when billed monthly, with unlimited users, a $1 million transaction limit, unlimited payment pages, and unlimited bills. A 14-day trial is listed. Nickel is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York.