Head-to-head · Payment Processing Software
Stripe Terminal vs Helcim
Stripe Terminal leads on 0 checks, Helcim on 4, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Most featuresHelcim · 4 of 4
Stripe Terminal and Helcim score identically on our rubric (5.2 out of 10) for payment processing software; Stripe Terminal sits at #28 and Helcim at #29 in our editorial ranking, so the choice comes down to fit.
Helcim offers recurring billing; Stripe Terminal doesn't publish it. Helcim offers payment links; Stripe Terminal doesn't publish it. Helcim offers in-person payments; Stripe Terminal doesn't publish it. Helcim offers multi-currency support; Stripe Terminal doesn't publish it.
Stripe Terminal is the better fit for businesses extending Stripe to in-person payments. Helcim is the better fit for small businesses wanting processing plus POS tools.
- Stripe Terminal fits best
Businesses extending Stripe to in-person payments
- Helcim fits best
Small businesses wanting processing plus POS tools
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Side by side
| Feature | Stripe Terminal 5.2/10 Visit ↗ | Helcim 5.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Ranking | #28 in Payment Processing Software | #29 in Payment Processing Software |
| Best for | Businesses extending Stripe to in-person payments | Small businesses wanting processing plus POS tools |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome extension |
| Support | Docs | Email, Phone, Tickets, Docs |
| Integrations | 6 integrations | 10 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Stripe Terminal 0/4 · Helcim 4/4 | ||
| Recurring billing | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Payment links | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| In-person payments | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Multi-currency support | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Payment methods | credit cards, debit cards, contactless cards, digital wallets | Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, credit cards, debit cards, ACH, EFT/PAD, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Interac Debit, HSA/FSA cards |
| Payout schedule | Not published | Daily |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Stripe Terminal adds in-person payment acceptance to Stripe through certified card readers or Tap to Pay on compatible iPhone and Android devices. It is aimed at internet businesses, SaaS platforms, retailers, hospitality companies, and… Read the review → |
Helcim is a payment processing platform for small and medium-sized businesses in the United States and Canada. It brings online and in-person card acceptance together with ACH and EFT/PAD processing, hosted payment pages, shareable links,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Stripe Terminal — where it wins
- Accepts in-person payments by reader or Tap to Pay on compatible phones.
- APIs and SDKs support custom POS integrations across mobile platforms.
- Unifies online and in-person payment data with supported offline collection.
Where it doesn't
- Transaction fees include an added charge for international cards and Tap to Pay.
- Readers are sold separately, and cellular service costs extra per reader.
- Offline and Tap to Pay availability depends on market, device, and configuration.
Helcim — where it wins
- Supports online and in-person cards, ACH, EFT/PAD, and digital wallets
- Combines POS, invoicing, recurring billing, payment links, and virtual terminals
- Offers interchange-plus pricing with automatic volume discounts and no monthly account fee
Where it doesn't
- Recurring payments add 0.4% per transaction
- Designed for businesses in the United States and Canada
- No built-in AI features
- Stripe Terminal5.2/10 · Paid
A focused in-person extension for businesses already building on Stripe.
Try Stripe TerminalFull verdict → - Helcim5.2/10 · Paid
A broad payment stack for small businesses that need online, in-person, and POS tools.
Visit HelcimFull verdict →
All payment processing software comparisons → · Full ranking →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Last updated · How we research and update