In today’s competitive business landscape, choosing the right merchant services provider isn’t just a matter of convenience—it’s a vital step toward sustainable growth, regulatory compliance, and long-term profitability. From secure payment processing and chargeback protection to multi-currency acceptance and recurring billing features, the right merchant account can shape how effectively you serve your customers and grow your revenue. But with hundreds of providers on the market, finding one that aligns with your business goals and payment needs can be overwhelming.
Whether you’re a startup navigating limited capital, a nonprofit seeking donor-friendly rates, or a high-risk merchant requiring tailored fraud tools and underwriting, your payment processor must support your success—not restrict it. In this guide, we break down the 10 best merchant services of 2025 based on performance, flexibility, industry specialization, and transparency. We’ve evaluated features like global capabilities, monthly fee structures, POS integrations, and risk mitigation to help you make an informed decision.
Who Needs a Merchant Services Provider?
A merchant services provider enables businesses to accept and process credit and debit card payments, whether online, in person, or through mobile apps. These providers often bundle services like payment gateways, POS systems, fraud detection tools, and access to various payment methods. Businesses across every industry—eCommerce, retail, healthcare, nonprofits, and regulated verticals—rely on these tools to process transactions securely and efficiently.
While large corporations often use enterprise-level processors, small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) need solutions that are both customizable and cost-effective. In 2025, the best merchant service providers offer scalable plans with clear pricing, integrated security protocols, and strong customer support[1]. Finding the right provider ensures you don’t overpay on fees, miss out on international sales, or face unexpected account suspensions due to industry classification.
What to Look for in a 2025 Merchant Services Provider
Before committing to any provider, it’s important to assess the core features that matter most to your business. Transparent pricing, especially the option for no monthly fees, is a key concern for startups and nonprofits[2]. International businesses require multi-currency support and global fraud screening, while high-risk merchants need providers that offer flexible underwriting, MOTO processing, and chargeback mitigation. Integration with POS systems and accounting software also streamlines operations and saves time.
In 2025, the merchant services landscape favors flexibility and compliance. Many leading providers have rolled out customizable platforms that work seamlessly with Shopify, WooCommerce, Salesforce, and custom-built platforms. Reliable API access, low latency transaction speeds, and real-time analytics are now standard offerings for top-tier providers[3]. Whether you’re processing payments in person, online, or through recurring subscriptions, the following providers deliver dependable and secure merchant solutions.
1. Payment Nerds
Payment Nerds remains the top choice for high-risk merchants in 2025 due to its industry specialization, transparent pricing, and unmatched support. Whether you’re in CBD, firearms, MLM, adult services, or other restricted verticals, Payment Nerds offers custom merchant account solutions that address chargebacks, fraud, and compliance risks head-on. With a network of acquiring banks that welcome high-risk businesses, Payment Nerds eliminates the uncertainty that plagues most off-the-shelf providers. Their team provides ongoing statement reviews, proactive underwriting support, and fraud management tools, ensuring you stay ahead of card network rules and avoid shutdowns. Payment Nerds also supports ACH, eChecks, and pay-by-link solutions—all secured by real-time fraud screening and PCI-compliant infrastructure. With no POS restrictions, flexible gateway integrations, and tailored support for startups, Payment Nerds is the best all-around solution for high-risk businesses in 2025.
2. Square
Square continues to dominate for small businesses and sole proprietors seeking payment processing without monthly commitments. The platform offers free POS software, predictable flat-rate pricing (2.6% + 10¢ per transaction), and seamless integration with mobile and desktop devices. For businesses with low or inconsistent sales volume, Square’s no-contract, no-monthly-fee structure is ideal. It supports in-person, online, and invoice-based transactions, all accessible through a simple dashboard. While Square does not support high-risk industries, it’s a great fit for retail, food trucks, and service-based businesses. Square’s built-in features like inventory tracking, tipping, and customer feedback make it a full business toolkit. Just be aware that account stability can be a concern if your business has atypical transaction behavior or spikes in volume.
3. Helcim
Helcim shines for startups due to its transparent pricing, no monthly fees, and all-in-one capabilities. With interchange-plus pricing and no long-term contracts, Helcim offers affordability and scalability. The platform includes a robust virtual terminal, online checkout builder, invoicing, recurring billing, and inventory management—making it a solid solution for both eCommerce and service-based startups. Helcim’s easy onboarding process and access to low processing rates help early-stage companies save money while still presenting a professional checkout experience. Startups also benefit from built-in fraud protection, customer portals, and CRM tools. While it’s not suited for high-risk verticals, Helcim is ideal for lean businesses that want transparency and room to grow without getting bogged down in hidden fees or hardware lock-ins.
4. Stax
Stax delivers a subscription-based pricing model that appeals to growing businesses processing at least $10,000 monthly. Instead of charging a percentage of each transaction, Stax offers flat-rate monthly plans starting around $99, which can drastically reduce processing costs at scale. This model is great for established companies looking to control margins. The platform includes advanced reporting, inventory tools, mobile apps, and invoicing, and integrates with over 90 third-party tools. Stax also supports MOTO transactions and recurring billing, making it ideal for hybrid business models. While it may be too expensive for smaller businesses, the savings add up quickly for those with consistent volume. Additionally, Stax offers real-time analytics that help growing teams make smarter business decisions.
5. PayPal
PayPal remains a leader in digital payments with unmatched consumer recognition and multi-channel capabilities. It’s particularly effective for eCommerce platforms that want to accept PayPal, Venmo, and traditional credit card payments through a single API. For marketplaces or B2C sellers, PayPal’s built-in buyer protections increase trust and conversions. The platform is easy to set up and includes tools for recurring billing, invoicing, and international payments. While PayPal’s per-transaction fees (around 2.9% + 49¢) are higher than some competitors, the tradeoff comes in brand familiarity and streamlined checkout. Businesses should be aware that PayPal has strict compliance rules and may freeze funds for perceived risk, so it’s best suited for lower-risk verticals.
6. Stripe
Stripe remains the go-to for developers and tech-first businesses needing flexible APIs and global scalability. With its suite of products—from Stripe Connect to Billing and Radar—this platform allows complete control over the checkout experience. Stripe supports 135+ currencies and includes tools for subscription management, fraud prevention, and instant payouts. For SaaS platforms, Stripe enables embedded payments, split payouts, and automated tax calculation. Though it’s not suitable for high-risk industries, Stripe is one of the most advanced and customizable merchant service providers available. Its deep documentation and developer-friendly sandbox make it ideal for digital-first teams with complex billing models or custom UI requirements.
7. Dharma Merchant Services
Dharma is a socially-conscious payment processor offering discounted rates and specialized features for nonprofit organizations. With interchange-plus pricing and no annual or monthly minimums, Dharma is transparent and ethical in its billing practices. Nonprofits benefit from custom donation forms, recurring gift capabilities, and integrations with fundraising platforms. Dharma’s customer support team is U.S.-based and known for responsiveness and integrity. Although it lacks advanced APIs or custom POS hardware, it’s a solid choice for charities, churches, and educational groups looking to optimize donor engagement without high overhead. Dharma also donates a portion of its profits to social causes, aligning well with mission-driven organizations.
8. National Processing
National Processing offers some of the lowest rates in the industry, especially for businesses willing to commit to a longer-term contract. Their interchange-plus pricing is competitive, and their services cover restaurants, retail, eCommerce, and B2B payments. The platform also supports ACH and eCheck processing, making it versatile for businesses wanting to diversify their payment channels. National Processing includes a free virtual terminal and POS integrations, but some merchants may find their pricing structure confusing. While not suited for high-risk businesses, National Processing is a top pick for those prioritizing savings and traditional POS setups. It also includes a free Clover Mini or terminal depending on processing volume.
9. Easy Pay Direct
Easy Pay Direct specializes in high-risk industries and high-volume businesses that struggle with traditional payment gateways. Their proprietary “load-balancing gateway” allows merchants to spread transactions across multiple MID accounts, reducing the risk of shutdowns and maximizing uptime. Industries served include supplements, coaching, crypto, firearms, and other verticals considered high-risk. Easy Pay Direct works with a large network of acquiring banks, helping clients find stable accounts despite high chargeback ratios or complex business models. Monthly fees are higher than average, but they reflect the added support, underwriting guidance, and fraud tools. For merchants with over $50,000 in monthly processing, Easy Pay Direct offers unmatched reliability.
10. CDGcommerce
CDGcommerce is a lesser-known provider that consistently ranks high among businesses needing tailored support. With both flat-rate and interchange-plus pricing models, CDG allows merchants to choose the structure that works best for them. CDGcommerce also includes free gateway access, virtual terminals, and chargeback assistance—all without binding long-term contracts. The platform is suitable for eCommerce, retail, and SaaS businesses, and provides detailed analytics and fraud prevention tools. CDG’s strength lies in its commitment to customer service, with personalized account management and no setup fees. It’s a great option for small to mid-sized merchants seeking custom plans without enterprise-level complexity.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, merchants have more options than ever before—but also more potential pitfalls when it comes to selecting the right payment partner[4]. Whether you prioritize low fees, global reach, nonprofit functionality, or high-risk support, the best merchant services providers are those that align with your specific needs and business goals. Take the time to evaluate features like platform integration, chargeback support, recurring billing, and global payment acceptance before committing[5].
If you’re in a high-risk industry or unsure where to begin, Payment Nerds can help you cut through the confusion. We specialize in custom merchant accounts and work with both high-risk and low-risk businesses across the U.S. Our experts review your current setup, help reduce fees, and connect you with the right provider—no matter your vertical. Reach out today to get the support you need to grow your business with confidence.
Sources
- Visa. “Risk Evaluation Guidelines for Merchant Accounts.” Accessed June 2025.
- Federal Trade Commission. “Best Practices for Transparent Billing and Refunds.” Accessed June 2025.
- Forbes. “The Future of Payment Processing for Small Businesses.” Accessed June 2025.
- Harvard Business Review. “What Makes a Great Merchant Services Provider.” Accessed June 2025.
- Business News Daily. “Best Credit Card Processing Services of 2025.” Accessed June 2025.
