Helcim vs Privacy.com
Helcim
helcim.comPrivacy.com
privacy.comSide by side
| Figure | Helcim | Privacy.com |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $0.40/mo | $5/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 6 | 7 |
| Spec score · Payment Processing Software | 9.2 (#3) | 8.3 (#18) |
| Founded | LinkedIn lists Helcim as founded in 2006. | 2014 |
| Integrations | Listed integrations include QuickBooks Online, Xero, WooCommerce and Foxy, with additional software connections available. | The site links browser extensions for Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox, plus iOS and Android apps; paid Plus and higher plans include API access. |
| Product | Helcim provides payment processing tools for businesses to accept payments in person, online, by invoice, or through a virtual terminal. | Privacy creates virtual payment cards that mask a user's actual payment information for online transactions. |
| Security | 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. | Privacy states it is PCI-DSS compliant, ISO 27001 compliant, and SOC 1 and SOC 2 Type 2 certified. |
| Support | 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. | Privacy provides a support center with articles on account setup, cards, funding sources, limits, disputes, fraud protections, and business use. |
Plans
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
Privacy.com
- PersonalFree
- Plus$5 a month
- Pro$10 a month
- Premium$25 a month
- Plus$60 a year
- Pro$120 a year
- Premium$300 a year
In their own words
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.
Privacy.com
Privacy.com creates virtual payment cards that mask the payment information a user would otherwise share for online transactions. Cards lock to their first merchant, so they cannot be used elsewhere if stolen or compromised. A card can also be set to close after one transaction, or given transaction, monthly, yearly, or total spending limits; charges above a limit are declined. Users can pause or close cards at any time. The free Personal plan allows 12 new cards each month. Paid plans start at $5 a month: Plus adds API access, while Pro includes up to three open Everywhere Cards and 1% cashback on eligible transactions up to $4,500 per month. The service has web, iOS, Android, and browser extension access; paid Plus and higher plans include an API for creating and configuring cards, retrieving real-time payment data, and setting permissions and limits. To transact, users must be US citizens or legal residents aged 18 or older with a checking account at a US bank or credit union, and must pass identity verification.