Whether you’re selling online, in-store, or on the go, credit cards are now a payment method for most customers. In fact, nearly 3 in 4 Canadians used them for everyday purchases in the past year.

That shift makes a reliable credit card processing system in Canada essential. It keeps payments quick, secure, and easy for both sides of the counter.

When a customer pays by card, credit card processing companies transfer funds to your business account through payment terminals or online gateways. With trusted credit card merchant services, you can get paid faster and keep cash flow steady.

This article will explore how credit card processing works, the benefits, and key considerations to help you choose the best software for accepting credit card payments online.

1. QuickBooks Payments

One of the top credit card payment processing companies is QuickBooks Payments. In addition to processing transactions, it centralizes and automates invoicing, payment collection, and accounting processes. 

You can easily send invoices in English and French, accept credit cards or bank payments, and track deposits. And every transaction automatically updates your books and keeps your finances accurate and up to date. 

Payments fully integrates with the QuickBooks suite of tools to help your growing business simplify operations, while its intuitive interface keeps the solution user-friendly. There's also built-in fraud protection and PCI-compliant security to keep transactions and sensitive data safe.

Key features:

• Accepts Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, JCB, and Apple Pay
• Pay-enabled invoices and recurring billing for regular clients
• Automatic payment matching to keep your books accurate
• Next-day deposits for most credit-card payments

User reviews:

• "Great payment processing for small business" — Karenmarie B
• "Best payment integration" — Chris M, Online Marketing Specialist

2. Stripe

Stripe gives you complete control over how you accept and manage payments. It’s ideal for scaling e-commerce and SaaS companies that need smooth integrations. However, its setup can feel a bit technical, especially if you don’t have developer support to help you get started.

Key features:

• Customizable API for online and mobile payments
• Built-in tools for recurring billing and invoicing
• Real-time reporting and analytics dashboard
• Advanced fraud protection through Stripe Radar

User reviews:

• "Stripe Payments makes payment management effortless and clear" — Paul B, Customer Experience Manager
• "High volume of payments brings some performance sluggish" — Miles L, Senior Accountant

3. Square Payments

Square Payments works well for businesses that sell both online and in person, integrating card payments, point-of-sale tools, and invoicing. The system also easily connects with popular mobile payment apps in Canada for a seamless checkout experience on the go. 

Still, you’ll want to watch the processing fees. They can be higher for certain payment types, especially as your sales grow.

Key features:

• Free POS app with integrated payment processing
• Supports contactless, chip, and swipe transactions
• Next-day deposits for most payments
• Real-time tracking and sales reports

User reviews:

• "The program is versatile in supporting payments"— Nhonil L, Cost Accountant
• "The only problem with Square is the high transaction costs" — Aditya Raj G, Program Management Lead

4. Helcim

Helcim is built for small businesses that want simple, affordable credit card processing in Canada with no hidden fees. It supports both online and in-person payments with tools for invoicing, customer management, and reporting. 

Its interchange-plus pricing is clear and predictable, but unsatisfactory customer support may negatively impact the overall value. 

Key features:

• Accepts in-person, online, and mobile payments
• Built-in invoicing and customer management tools
• Simple setup and intuitive dashboard
• No long-term contracts or hidden charges

User reviews:

• "Helcim is so easy and user friendly" - Anthony A
• "Enormous potential marred by reliability issues and poor customer support"- Gareth M, Co-founder and CEO at Metareal Inc.

6. PayPal

PayPal is a fast way to start accepting payments. You can open an account, link it to your site, and begin collecting card or PayPal payments in just a few minutes.

It’s especially handy for freelancers and small businesses that want a trusted, ready-to-go option without complex setup. Just keep in mind that transaction fees can add up, particularly for international or high-volume sales.

Key features:

• Fast setup with no technical integration needed
• Accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal balance payments
• Built-in fraud detection and buyer/seller protection
• Integrates easily with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce

User reviews:

• "Pay[P]al has helped us manage payments with ease" — David G, Founder and Director
• "PayPal doesn't protect customers from fraud" — Greg R, DevOps Transformation Director

8. Chase Payment Solutions Canada

Chase Payment Solutions Canada is designed for larger businesses and enterprises that need secure, scalable payment processing solutions. It supports high transaction volumes across in-store, online, and mobile channels. 

It also offers advanced fraud prevention and data protection features. However, if you’re running a smaller operation, the platform can feel more complex than you need.

Key features:

• Supports large transaction volumes across multiple sales channels
• Range of terminals and POS systems for in-person sales
• Detailed reporting and analytics for business insights

User reviews:

• "Great way to pay and manage credit card payments" — Megan K, Business Operations Specialist
• "Difficult to get used to the platform at first" — Robin T

9. Adyen

Adyen is a global payment platform built for businesses that sell across borders. It supports transactions in multiple currencies and payment methods, including cards, digital wallets, and local options like Alipay and iDEAL. 

However, it may feel pricey or overly complex if you’re just starting out or managing lower or local payments.

Key features:

• Unified platform for online, in-person, and mobile transactions
• Supports global and local payment methods like Alipay and iDEAL
• Advanced fraud prevention and risk management tools
• Real-time analytics and performance tracking

User reviews:

• "Provides full visibility of transactions" — Bernardo D, E. Com Manager
• "Adyen is not meant for the low volume or high-risk merchants" — Thomas A, IT Professional

Benefits of using a payment processing company

As more customers choose cards and digital wallets, partnering with a payment processing company helps you stay competitive, get paid faster, and manage cash flow more efficiently.

Here are some key benefits:

• Funds are approved and deposited automatically, so you don’t have to wait days for transfers.
• Encryption and built-in fraud tools protect both you and your customers.
• Most processors take care of the terminals and online gateways to simplify setup for you.
• Quick transfers mean steadier income week to week.
• Real-time dashboards make tracking and reconciling payments easy.
• From cards and bank transfers to mobile wallets, a good payment processor will cover various electronic payment methods to support a smooth customer experience.

Key considerations for choosing a credit card payment processor

The payment processor you choose affects how fast you get paid and how secure each transaction feels. Here’s what to keep in mind before you pick one:

• Pricing and fees: Most providers charge per transaction, plus setup or monthly fees. Look for clear, transparent pricing so you always know the real cost of credit card processing.
• Security: Choose a processor with strong fraud protection, encryption, and EMV chip readers. For online payments, tools like Address Verification Systems (AVS) and CVV codes help keep transactions safe.
• Integrations: Make sure the processor connects easily with your accounting software, POS system, or online store. This helps you save time and reduce manual entry.
• Customer support: Quick, reliable support can make all the difference when you run into an issue or need help setting up payments.
• Scalability: Pick a provider that can grow with your business, whether you’re adding new payment methods or expanding online.

Use QuickBooks Online for payment processing

The best credit card processor is one that keeps every transaction secure, connects easily with your systems, and grows with your business.

QuickBooks Online does all of that; it protects every transaction with built-in fraud prevention and bank-level encryption. Our payments solution, QuickBooks Payments, also syncs automatically with your invoices and accounting, so you don’t have to move data between systems. 

Simplify how your business handles payments and accounting with QuickBooks.

Disclaimer

Money movement services are provided by Intuit Canada Payments Inc.

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