Invoicing Payment Solutions in Canada
Compare Stripe Invoicing, Helcim, and e-Transfer for Business for freelancers and service businesses.
The right invoicing solution depends on your client base, whether you need recurring billing, and how fast you need to get paid.
What to Consider
Client Type
B2B clients? e-Transfer might be expected. International? Stripe makes it easy. High-value? Consider bank transfers.
Recurring vs One-Time
Stripe and Helcim handle recurring billing well. e-Transfer requires manual requests each time.
Payment Speed
e-Transfer is instant. Stripe and Helcim take 2-7 days for payouts but give you professional payment pages.
Recommended Invoicing Solutions
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
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 |
Don't Forget e-Transfer for Business
Many Canadian freelancers and consultants use e-Transfer for Business (Interac Request Money) to request payment directly from clients.
- Free or low cost (check with your bank)
- Instant payment notification
- No chargeback risk
- Clients already know how to use it
Good fit if: You're invoicing Canadian businesses or individuals, invoice amounts are under $25K, and you don't need automated recurring billing.
Quick Decision Framework
Choose Stripe Invoicing if...
You want professional-looking invoices, need to accept credit cards from international clients, or want automated recurring billing. The 2.9% + $0.30 is worth it for the convenience.
Choose Helcim if...
You're invoicing regularly, want transparent interchange-plus pricing, and need a full-featured merchant account. Works great for agencies and consultancies.
Choose e-Transfer for Business if...
You're invoicing Canadian clients who are comfortable with e-Transfer, want instant payment, and don't need fancy payment pages. Free or nearly free.
Hybrid Approach: Offer Multiple Options
Many freelancers and service businesses offer multiple payment methods:
For Canadian Clients
Primary: e-Transfer for Business (free, instant)
Backup: Credit card via Stripe or Helcim (for clients who prefer cards)
For International Clients
Primary: Stripe Invoicing (accepts cards globally)
Alternative: Wise or PayPal for bank transfers (lower fees than cards)
Accounting Software Integration
If you use QuickBooks, Xero, or FreshBooks, both Stripe and Helcim integrate directly. e-Transfer requires manual entry or CSV import.
Pro tip: If you're already using accounting software, pick an invoicing solution that integrates automatically. The time saved is worth the transaction fees.