Helcim vs Stax: fees compared
Helcim publishes a flat 2.46% effective rate; Stax uses subscription / membership pricing, so compare on your real card mix. Helcim uses interchange-plus pricing (2.30% + $0.08); Stax uses subscription / membership pricing (Subscription / membership). Beyond the headline rate, compare international surcharge, chargeback fees, monthly cost and payout speed in the table below. Snapshot June 2026 — processors change pricing; verify on the provider's pricing page before relying on a figure.
Data as of June 2026.
Note: These are general estimates, not a quote or offer. Your real rate depends on your card mix, volume, region, risk profile and the contract you sign.
Helcim vs Stax overview
| Factor | Helcim | Stax |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Interchange-plus | Subscription / membership |
| Headline rate | 2.30% + $0.08 | Subscription / membership |
| Effective @ $50.00 | 2.46% | Subscription / membership (varies) |
| Monthly fee | $0 — no monthly fee, no contract | $99–$199/mo subscription depending on volume tier |
| International / cross-border | Interchange + assessments pass through; a small cross-border margin | Interchange + assessments pass through at cost |
| Chargeback fee | $15.00 (refunded if dispute won) | $25.00 per chargeback (varies by plan) |
| Payout speed | 1–2 business days | 1–2 business days |
| Best for | small and mid-size businesses wanting transparent interchange-plus | high-volume merchants ($15k+/mo) who want 0% markup |
Sources: Helcim Inc. pricing · Stax Payments (formerly Fattmerchant) pricing.
Effective rate by transaction size
| Transaction size | Helcim | Stax | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10.00 | 3.10% | Subscription / membership (varies) | depends on mix |
| $50.00 | 2.46% | Subscription / membership (varies) | depends on mix |
| $200.00 | 2.34% | Subscription / membership (varies) | depends on mix |
Verdict
On headline rates it is close between Helcim and Stax. But the cheapest processor depends on your average ticket (fixed-fee weight), international card share and volume. Read each one's full breakdown — Helcim and Stax — and model your own numbers in the effective-rate calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is Helcim or Stax cheaper?
Helcim publishes a flat 2.46% effective rate; Stax uses subscription / membership pricing, so compare on your real card mix. Run your real volume and card mix in the calculator to see which actually costs less. Snapshot June 2026 — processors change pricing; verify on the provider's pricing page before relying on a figure.
Helcim vs Stax: what is the difference in pricing model?
Helcim uses interchange-plus (2.30% + $0.08); Stax uses subscription / membership (Subscription / membership). Flat rate is simplest for small merchants; interchange-plus and subscription win at higher volume; Merchant-of-Record bundles global tax.
Which should I choose, Helcim or Stax?
Helcim is best for small and mid-size businesses wanting transparent interchange-plus; Stax is best for high-volume merchants ($15k+/mo) who want 0% markup. Beyond sticker price, weigh international surcharge, chargeback fees, payout speed and features. These are general estimates, not a quote or offer. Your real rate depends on your card mix, volume, region, risk profile and the contract you sign.
More comparisons
Last updated: 2026-06-29