Ecommerce Payment Processors in Canada
Compare Stripe, Helcim, Moneris, and Interac Direct for your online store.
The right choice depends on your average order value, transaction volume, and whether you want transparent interchange-plus pricing or simple flat rates.
Our Take
For most Canadian ecommerce stores doing under $50k/month, the choice is between Helcim (interchange-plus, transparent) and Stripe (flat-rate, easier to set up). Above $50k/month, Helcim almost always wins on price. Here's why.
Real Fee Comparison
| Processor | $10k/month store | $50k/month store |
|---|---|---|
| Helcim | ~$180/month (~1.8% effective rate) | ~$900/month (~1.8% effective rate) |
| Stripe | ~$290/month (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction) | ~$1,450/month (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction) |
| Helcim saves you... | ~$110/month | ~$550/month |
Assumptions: Average order value of $75, 80% credit cards / 20% debit. Your actual costs will vary based on card mix and average order value.
What We'd Warn You About
Stripe
- •US company, Canadian support is email-only
- •2-3 day payouts (not next-day like some competitors)
- •Flat-rate pricing gets expensive at volume
Helcim
- •Terminal costs upfront (not free like Square)
- •Slightly steeper learning curve than Stripe
- •Interchange-plus pricing is transparent but variable
Square
- •Better for in-person sales
- •Online product is weaker than Stripe or Helcim
- •Higher ecommerce rates (2.9% + $0.30)
Moneris
- •Long-term contracts with cancellation fees
- •Owned by the big banks (RBC and BMO)
- •Monthly gateway fees add up
What to Consider
Average Order Value
High AOV (over $100)? Interchange-plus saves money. Low AOV? Flat-rate is simpler.
Technical Requirements
Stripe has the best developer experience. Helcim and Moneris work with most ecommerce platforms.
Chargeback Risk
High-risk business? Consider Interac Direct (KONEK) for zero-chargeback bank-to-bank payments.
Recommended Processors
Helcim
interchange plus
Online Rate
interchange + 0.15% + $0.06
In-Person Rate
interchange + 0.10% + $0.02
Monthly Fee
None
Good fit if:
Growing SMBs who want transparent pricing
Stripe
flat rate
Online Rate
2.9% + $0.30
In-Person Rate
2.7% + $0.05
Monthly Fee
None
Good fit if:
Developers and SaaS businesses
Square
flat rate
Online Rate
2.9% + $0.30
In-Person Rate
2.6%
Monthly Fee
None
Good fit if:
Retail and food & beverage POS
Moneris
flat rate
Online Rate
2.65%
In-Person Rate
2.65%
Monthly Fee
$15
Good fit if:
Established Canadian businesses wanting local support
Interac Direct (KONEK)
flat fee
Online Rate
~$0.20-$0.50 flat per transaction (estimated)
Good fit if:
High-AOV ecommerce wanting zero chargebacks + lower fees
Side-by-Side Comparison
Rates as of February 2026. Always verify directly with the provider.
| Provider | Pricing Model | Online Rate | In-Person Rate | Monthly Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HelcimBest for Canada | interchange plus | interchange + 0.15% + $0.06 | interchange + 0.10% + $0.02 | None | Growing SMBs who want transparent pricing |
| Stripe | flat rate | 2.9% + $0.30 | 2.7% + $0.05 | None | Developers and SaaS businesses |
| Square | flat rate | 2.9% + $0.30 | 2.6% | None | Retail and food & beverage POS |
| Moneris🍁 | flat rate | 2.65% | 2.65% | $15 | Established Canadian businesses wanting local support |
| Interac Direct (KONEK)Recommended🍁 | flat fee | ~$0.20-$0.50 flat per transaction (estimated) | — | Varies | High-AOV ecommerce wanting zero chargebacks + lower fees |
Consider Account-to-Account Payments
Interac Direct (KONEK) lets customers pay directly from their bank account. Flat fees around $0.20-$0.50 per transaction, no chargebacks, perfect for orders over $100.
Staples Canada launched with KONEK in 2024. It's real, it works, and it can save you thousands on high-value transactions.
Learn About Interac DirectQuick Decision Framework
Choose Helcim if...
You're a growing business processing $5K+ per month, want transparent pricing, and value knowing exactly what you pay for interchange.
Choose Stripe if...
You're a developer or SaaS business that needs powerful APIs, webhooks, and subscription billing. Worth the 2.9% + $0.30 for the developer experience.
Choose Moneris if...
You're an established business that values local Canadian support and doesn't mind the $15/month fee. Solid, reliable, boring (in a good way).
Choose Interac Direct if...
You have high average order values (over $100), want to eliminate chargeback risk, and are willing to add a bank-to-bank payment option at checkout.