Which payment processor is most cost-effective for small vendors?
Match processor fees, hardware, and deposit timing to your average sale and volume.
Popular processors charge ~2.5%–3% per transaction (sometimes plus a fixed fee). The best fit depends on your average sale, volume, hardware needs, and how fast you need deposits.
Match fees to sale size
Low-priced items (under ~$20) get hit harder by fixed per-transaction fees; percentage-only plans can be cheaper. Higher-priced items tolerate a small fixed fee more easily.
Consider volume and hardware
Some providers lower rates at higher monthly volumes. Factor in reader or terminal costs and whether you need multiple devices. If you sell online too, an all-in-one option (e.g., Square, Stripe) simplifies accounting.
Check deposit timing
Faster deposits can justify a slightly higher fee if you need cash quickly for restocking. Do the math on your typical sale: on $25, a 2.7% + $0.25 fee is about $0.93; on $100 it’s ~$2.95. Pick the structure that keeps more of each sale while staying reliable at the booth.
Stop Guessing. Start Growing.
Stop waiting until the end of the month to see if you made money. Get instant clarity on every sale, even without Wi-Fi.
