Helcim vs Square: Key Differences

Finding the right payment processing solution for a business may not always be easy because of how many options are currently available. Some of the most widely used services include Helcim and Square. But which one will work better in your particular situation? In this article, we take a look at Helcim vs Square and compare their features to help you make the right decision.

What Are the Fees of Helcim and Square?

Fees are one of the most important things to discuss when comparing Square vs Helcim. A significant advantage of both Square and Helcim is that users don’t have to pay monthly and cancellation fees. The main difference between the two is in their different pricing models. Square relies on the flat rate, while Helcim uses a tiered interchange plus pricing model.

Many business owners are attracted to Square's flat rate pricing due to its obvious simplicity and transparency. Another point is that Square’s hardware is easier to get — you receive the first card reader for free, and their POS system options are less expensive compared to Helcim.

At the same time, you should know that Square’s payment processing system may not save you as much money in the long run compared to the tiered pricing offered by Helcim. That is, the main advantage of Helcim is that this solution offers discounts on processing larger volumes, which is why big enterprises often choose it.

HELCIM VS SQUARE: HOW THEY STACK UP

Now that we’ve discussed different fees and pricing, the question “What is the difference between Helcim and Square in terms of features?” remains.

Square Features

Square is known in the business world for its excellent point-of-sale system. Thanks to its subscription options for restaurants, retailers, and more, the solution works for businesses of all sizes and types. You will get a multipurpose POS system for managing appointments, inventory monitoring, reporting, etc. You can also use add-ons, such as gift cards, customer loyalty, and delivery management.

Due to its wide compatibility, there won't be any trouble installing Square POS software on various devices, including smartphones and tablets. And, of course, we should mention its integration with other services. For instance, Square for Restaurants allows you to integrate the service with a delivery application, which is extremely useful.

Advantages 

• Affordable hardware;
• Extensive integration with different services;
• Marketing and payroll tools;
• Can be used on different devices.

Disadvantages

• Inventory management is fairly limited.

Helcim Features

As for the point-of-sale system of Helcim, you also get a number of useful features. Helcim works best for service-based and B2B businesses, so it’s something to keep in mind when you are looking for a payment processing solution. What is great about Helcim is that it boasts strong subscription and invoicing management, which is highly important for large companies.

If you need custom online checkout options, Helcim offers the necessary features to adjust payment parameters, and you can add notes to orders if necessary. Helcim tracks sales history, has extensive inventory features, and stores customers’ information. It can also be used for effective employee management. At the same time, it lacks loyalty tools and is not as impressive in terms of integrations with other services.

Advantages 

• Extensive subscription and invoicing management;
• Works on computers, tablets, and smartphones;
• Excellent inventory management;
• Numerous reporting options.

Disadvantages 

• Few third-party integrations;
• Not suitable for small businesses.

The above comparison makes it obvious that both systems have their strong and weak points, so you need to decide what features are non-negotiable for your business.

Conclusion

So, what is better: Helcim or Square? Both of the mentioned merchant accounts offer numerous advantages and work for different payment types, so it’s all about what you require in your work. Helcim is a perfect solution for midsize and large companies thanks to its discounts for high-volume sales, advanced feature selection, and lower interchange rates. At the same time, Square is ideal for smaller businesses, as it has a well-developed POS system that offers numerous additions and useful integrations. By using Square, a business owner gets everything they need in one place, which makes things easier.