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Last Updated: Nov 2026

The Best Merchant Services of 2026
Take your business to the next level

  • Compare
  • Sign-up
  • Accept Payments
Top 3 Merchant Services
Special Deal
Square
9.8
No monthly fees
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GoDaddy
9.1
Start saving with industry-low rates
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Kurv
8.9
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1
Square
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Accept payments quickly, easily, and securely
  • Intuitive and easy to use
  • Accept payments anywhere, even offline
  • Rates from 2.6% + 15¢
9.8
Exceptional
2
GoDaddy
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All-in-one merchant services with low fees
  • Accept payments in person, online and on-the-go
  • Get paid out as fast as the next business day
  • 24/7 support by phone, text, and chat
9.1
Excellent
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3
Kurv
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Flexible merchant services with Tap to Pay and virtual terminal tools
  • Free virtual terminal with every account
  • No hardware required
  • No monthly account fees
8.9
Very good
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4
Stax
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Best for high-volume businesses
  • 0% markup payment processing
  • Subscription-based pricing built for savings
  • Trusted by 30,000+ business owners
8.7
Very good
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5
BAMS
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Payment processing solutions built to help businesses save money
  • Get next-day funding
  • In-house support and dedicated reps
  • Easily manage and prevent chargebacks
9.1
Excellent
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FAQs about merchant services
How does payment processing work?
Payment processing is the system that moves a customer’s payment from a card, bank, digital wallet, invoice, or payment link to the merchant. The processor sends the transaction for approval, confirms the payment with the relevant banks or payment networks, deducts applicable processing fees, and settles the remaining funds into the merchant’s account.
What is the best payment processing for small businesses?
The best payment processing for small businesses depends on the business model. A retailer may need POS hardware, a service provider may need invoices and payment links, and an ecommerce business may need checkout integrations and fraud tools.
What are the best Stripe alternatives for small businesses?
The best Stripe alternatives are payment processors that match how a small business accepts payments, including in person, online, by invoice, by phone, or through payment links. Businesses should compare POS tools, merchant services support, pricing, payout timing, and chargeback policies before choosing.
Which payment processor is best for in-person sales?
For in-person sales, businesses should compare card readers, countertop terminals, POS software, inventory tools, receipts, tipping, staff access, and reporting. A processor built around physical checkout may be a stronger fit than an online-first platform.
How can small businesses avoid hidden processing costs?
Small businesses can avoid hidden processing costs by reviewing the full fee schedule before signing up. Businesses should ask about card-present rates, online rates, keyed transaction rates, chargeback fees, monthly fees, hardware fees, and contract terms.