Inside this Article
What We Look For in the Best Online Merchant Accounts1. Leaders Merchant Services: Industry-Low Rates for Online Merchants2. Flagship Merchant Services: Cheap Payment Gateway and Quick Onboarding3. Square Payments: Free Online Merchant Account & Mobile Reader4. Stax: Save up to 40% in Processing Fees With an Online Merchant Account5. Payment Depot: Two Cost-Effective Pricing Models To Choose From6. Chase Payment Solutions: For Online Merchants Who Need a Bank AccountThese Are the Best Online Merchant Accounts for E-Commerce Businesses in FAQ
Short on Time? These Are the Best Online Merchant Accounts for E-Commerce in 2024
- Expert’s Choice
Leaders Merchant Services
Leaders Merchant Services is a popular choice with our readers– Industry-low rates, negotiable pricing, and solid e-commerce features for new online shops. -
Flagship Merchant Services – Discounted access to payment gateways and same-day funding for e-commerce businesses.
-
Square – A proprietary gateway, free plan, and complimentary online store builder.
What We Look For in the Best Online Merchant Accounts
When evaluating the best online merchant account providers, I focused on features that directly enhance the efficiency and profitability of internet-based businesses.- Low rates. You’ll save significantly by choosing a merchant that offers low rates and minimal markups for online transactions. In addition, make sure to avoid online merchant accounts that charge additional and hidden fees.
- Access to a payment gateway. Access to a low-cost payment gateway makes a big difference, especially for online-only businesses. To maximize your revenue, I looked for merchants offering free or discounted payment gateways.
- E-commerce integrations. You’ll want quick and easy access to your online store, especially when managing sales across multiple platforms. Whether it’s access to BigCommerce or MailChimp, consolidating your resources can help your business grow.
- Security features. Protecting your customers’ data is non-negotiable, especially when one breach can destroy the relationships you’ve built with your customers. To ensure your business is protected, I looked for PCI compliance and active fraud prevention.
- Global payment support. You’ll probably want a service that supports multiple currencies and local payment methods. This allows you to increase your revenue by enabling a wider audience to purchase your products.
![LMS-alt](https://dt2sdf0db8zob.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/LMS-alt-1.png)
Our Score
Our Score
Negotiable Low Credit Card Processing Rates
Monthly Fee:
$9
Transaction Fee:
From 0.15% + $0
Pricing Model:
Multiple options
Multiple options
This payment processor allows you to choose from two or more different pricing models for paying credit card processing fees. Each model will come with its own advantages and disadvantages, so make sure to consider your options carefully before deciding which is right for your business.
Features and Benefits
- 98% approval rate. LMS accepts practically everyone, including high-risk businesses, making it one of the safest bets to open an online merchant account.
- Business loans. Get quick funding without stressful deadlines or putting up collateral – all you have to do is pay back a small percentage of future sales until the loan is paid.
- Dedicated chargeback team. LMS has one of the industry’s largest chargeback and fraud prevention teams, ensuring disputes are resolved quickly and efficiently.
- Meet or beat policy. LMS aims to beat your current rates. LMS is so confident that it will give you $200 if its offer doesn’t meet or beat your online transaction fees.
Payment gateway | Authorize.Net |
Virtual terminal | ✔ |
Fraud detection & monitoring |
✔ |
Transaction fees on cheapest plan |
~2.9% + 30¢ |
Monthly fee on cheapest plan |
$9.00 |
![Flagship-logo-alt](https://dt2sdf0db8zob.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Flagship-logo-alt.png)
![Flagship-logo-alt](https://dt2sdf0db8zob.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Flagship-logo-alt.png)
![image](https://dt2sdf0db8zob.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/flagship-UIcard.png)
![image](https://dt2sdf0db8zob.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/flagship-UIcard.png)
Our Score
Our Score
Fast Onboarding & Quick Payouts With Same-Day Funding
Monthly Fee:
From $15
Transaction Fee:
From 1.58% + 19¢
Pricing Model:
Multiple options
Multiple options
This payment processor allows you to choose from two or more different pricing models for paying credit card processing fees. Each model will come with its own advantages and disadvantages, so make sure to consider your options carefully before deciding which is right for your business.
Features and Benefits
- Customer incentives. Flagship lets you offer gift cards and also works with the digital loyalty program Pirq. This makes it easy for you to bring in new customers and retain the loyalty of existing ones.
- Flexible contracts. Month-to-month contracts and no cancellation fees give you peace of mind, especially if you’re a startup with limited payment processing experience.
- Easy onboarding. With Flagship, online merchants are usually approved within two business days or less. They also receive help from a representative in choosing the right services and equipment.
- Personal account manager. When you open a merchant account, you get an account manager who will outline every service at your disposal and give you personalized advice.
Payment gateway | Authorize.Net |
Virtual terminal | ✔ |
Fraud detection & monitoring |
✔ |
Transaction fees on cheapest plan |
1.98% + 0.21¢ (online) |
Monthly fee on cheapest plan |
$7.95 |
![img](https://dt2sdf0db8zob.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/quiz-astronaut.png)
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![image](https://dt2sdf0db8zob.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/square.png)
![image](https://dt2sdf0db8zob.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/square.png)
Our Score
Our Score
Advanced E-Commerce and Security Solutions for Start-Ups
Monthly Fee:
From $0
Transaction Fee:
From 2.5% + 10¢
Pricing Model:
Flat rate
Flat rate
Flat rate pricing simplifies your payment processing bill by charging the same percentage markup on every credit or debit card transaction you receive. The payment processor still pays the variable interchange fee set by the card network (e.g. Visa, Mastercard) on each transaction, but you always pay the same fixed rate regardless.
Features and Benefits
- Built-in marketing. You can pay extra for Square’s email and text marketing plans. While these tools aren’t as advanced as dedicated marketing platforms, it’s a great option to consolidate the tools you use to run your business.
- Free business tools. Square offers a comprehensive dashboard for valuable customer insights, sales reporting, free scheduling and time-tracking software, and an app marketplace with free plans and trials for apps like Setmore and Wix.
- Instant payouts. If you open one of Square’s FDIC-insured checking accounts, you get instant access to your funds. You won’t be required to read any paperwork or submit to a credit check, making the process quick and easy.
- PCI compliance. Square handles all compliance, regulation, and processing matters free of charge, ensuring you meet PCI requirements.
Payment gateway | Square |
Virtual terminal | ✔ |
Fraud detection & monitoring |
✔ |
Transaction fees on cheapest plan |
2.6% + 10¢ |
Monthly fee on cheapest plan |
N/A |
![staxx alt logo](https://dt2sdf0db8zob.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/imageedit_22_4428346349.png)
![staxx alt logo](https://dt2sdf0db8zob.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/imageedit_22_4428346349.png)
![image](https://dt2sdf0db8zob.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/stax-2.png)
![image](https://dt2sdf0db8zob.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/stax-2.png)
Our Score
Our Score
Save Up to 40% on Credit Card Processing Fees
Monthly Fee:
From $99
Transaction Fee:
From 0% + 10¢
Pricing Model:
Subscription
Subscription
With subscription-style pricing, you’ll pay a fixed monthly fee instead of a percentage-based markup on each credit and debit card transaction. While this will considerably reduce your per-transaction fees, you’ll typically still pay a small flat fee on each transaction. This amount is unaffected by the variable interchange fees charged by the different card networks (e.g. Visa, Mastercard), helping to keep your payment processing fees more predictable.
Features and Benefits
- Shopping cart tools. Using Stax’s developer tools, you can build and integrate a custom, branded shopping cart. Or, if you’d rather start selling as soon as possible, you can choose one of its pre-built cart templates.
- Payment methods. Stax accepts debit and credit card payments, ACH transfers, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.
- Same-day payouts. For an additional fee, you can get your money deposited into your merchant account on the day it was earned, unlike most payment processors, which can take 2-3 business days.
- Responsive live chat. Contact Stax’s support team outside of regular business hours, and you’ll get the answers you seek with reasonable promptness.
Payment gateway | Authorize.Net and Stax |
Virtual terminal | ✔ |
Fraud detection & monitoring |
✔ |
Transaction fees on cheapest plan |
0% + 10¢ (online) |
Monthly fee on cheapest plan |
$99.00 |
5. Payment Depot: Two Cost-Effective Pricing Models To Choose From
![Payment Depot Alt logo](https://dt2sdf0db8zob.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Payment-Depot-Brandmark-Vertical-e1674820976962.png)
![Payment Depot Alt logo](https://dt2sdf0db8zob.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Payment-Depot-Brandmark-Vertical-e1674820976962.png)
![image](https://dt2sdf0db8zob.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Payment-Depot.png)
![image](https://dt2sdf0db8zob.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Payment-Depot.png)
Our Score
Our Score
Excellent Customer Service Backed by a Dedicated Risk Monitoring Team
Monthly Fee:
From $79
Transaction Fee:
From 0% + 10¢
Pricing Model:
Subscription
Subscription
With subscription-style pricing, you’ll pay a fixed monthly fee instead of a percentage-based markup on each credit and debit card transaction. While this will considerably reduce your per-transaction fees, you’ll typically still pay a small flat fee on each transaction. This amount is unaffected by the variable interchange fees charged by the different card networks (e.g. Visa, Mastercard), helping to keep your payment processing fees more predictable.
Features and Benefits
- Next-day deposits. Regardless of the transaction or payment method, your money will be in your account within 24 hours.
- All-in-one dashboard. Manage all your payments in one place, easily create and send branded invoices and payment links, run promotions, monitor sales performance, and key in payments.
- Free card terminals. Every merchant gets a free Dejavoo Z11 terminal, which is great if your online business also has a physical storefront. If you’re willing to negotiate, you can get multiple terminals.
- 24/7 phone support. You can contact Payment Depot’s technical support team 24/7. Its sales support is available from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST and PST.
Payment gateway | Authorize.Net and Stax |
Virtual terminal | ✔ |
Fraud detection & monitoring |
✔ |
Transaction fees on cheapest plan |
0% + 10¢ (online) |
Monthly fee on cheapest plan |
$79.00 |
6. Chase Payment Solutions: For Online Merchants Who Need a Bank Account
![imageedit_11_3563265630](https://dt2sdf0db8zob.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/imageedit_11_3563265630.png)
![imageedit_11_3563265630](https://dt2sdf0db8zob.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/imageedit_11_3563265630.png)
![image](https://dt2sdf0db8zob.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/chase.png)
![image](https://dt2sdf0db8zob.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/chase.png)
Our Score
Our Score
Favorable Flat Rate Pricing & E-Commerce Features for SMEs
Monthly Fee:
$0
Transaction Fee:
From 2.6% + 10¢
Pricing Model:
Flat rate
Flat rate
Flat rate pricing simplifies your payment processing bill by charging the same percentage markup on every credit or debit card transaction you receive. The payment processor still pays the variable interchange fee set by the card network (e.g. Visa, Mastercard) on each transaction, but you always pay the same fixed rate regardless.
Features and Benefits
- Easy-to-use mobile app. Using Chase’s app, you can accept payments, manage disputes, create and send payment links, approve payments, and manage your bank accounts.
- Developer toolkit. You get a full library of SDKs and APIs to help you or your team’s expert develop custom software or web apps that integrate with Chase’s payment technology. Tools to test your applications in real time are also included.
- Invoicing tools. If you have a Chase banking account, you can use dedicated invoicing tools to create and send invoices through secure links or email.
- Business analytics software. Track your daily, weekly, and monthly sales, review trends over time, see when your customers are most likely to shop and compare your sales with your competitors.
Payment gateway | Authorize.Net |
Virtual terminal | ✔ |
Fraud detection & monitoring |
✔ |
Transaction fees on cheapest plan |
2.9% + 25¢ |
Monthly fee on cheapest plan |
N/A |
These Are the Best Online Merchant Accounts for E-Commerce Businesses in 2024
Every online merchant has different needs, so the best choice is the one that works best for your business. If you want to minimize costs without sacrificing service, consider Leaders Merchant Services. It offers industry-low and negotiable fees, custom plans, and basic e-commerce features, perfect for new and growing online businesses. Or, if you’re looking for discounted access to payment gateways like Authorize.Net, go with Flagship Merchant Services. You’ll get Authorize.Net at a discounted price, same-day funding as standard, and a helpful business management portal. For simplicity and ease of use, try Square Payments. It offers flat-rate pricing, no hidden fees, and strong features for websites.Here’s a quick comparison of my top online merchant accounts for e-commerce businesses.
Best Feature | Best For | Monthly fee on cheapest plan |
Transaction fees on cheapest plan |
||
Leaders Merchant Services |
Industry-low rates |
New or small e-commerce businesses looking for the lowest rates |
$9.00 | ~2.9% + 30¢ | |
Flagship Merchant Services |
Discounted access to Authorize.Net |
Online merchants on a tight schedule |
$7.95 | 1.98% + 0.21¢ (online) | |
Square Payments |
Free and easy-to-use online store builder |
New businesses that don’t have a website yet |
N/A | 2.6% + 10¢ | |
Stax | Subscription-style pricing with no markups |
Online merchants processing over $8,000/month |
$99.00 | 0% + 10¢ (online) | |
Payment Depot |
No markups on online transactions |
Lower-volume businesses seeking flat fees or interchange+ pricing |
$79.00 | 0% + 10¢ (online) | |
Chase Payment Solutions |
Same-day payouts and other perks that come with a Chase bank account |
Online merchants that also want a business checking account |
N/A | 2.9% + 25¢ |