POS Payment Processors in Canada
Compare Square, Helcim, and Moneris for retail stores, restaurants, and service businesses.
The right POS system depends on your industry, whether you need hardware bundled with software, and how much you're willing to pay per transaction.
Square Referral: Earn $1,000
If you're considering Square, note that they have a referral program where both you and the referrer can earn $1,000 after processing $10,000 in payments. Ask your network or find a Square merchant to get a referral code.
This is not our referral link. Just a heads up that the program exists.
What to Consider
Hardware & Software
Square includes free software with hardware purchase. Helcim and Moneris may require separate hardware costs.
Transaction Rates
Square is 2.6% in-person. Helcim's interchange-plus can be lower for high volume. Moneris is 2.65% flat.
Ease of Use
Square wins for simplicity and design. Helcim is clean but more business-focused. Moneris is enterprise-grade.
Recommended POS 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
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
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 |
| 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 |
Quick Decision Framework
Choose Square if...
You're a small retail shop, cafe, or food truck that wants beautiful hardware, simple software, and no monthly fees. The 2.6% in-person rate is fair for low volume. Plus, the $1,000 referral bonus is real.
Choose Helcim if...
You're processing $10K+ per month and want transparent interchange-plus pricing. Helcim's in-person rate (interchange + 0.10% + $0.02) beats flat-rate once you have volume.
Choose Moneris if...
You're an established business that values local Canadian support, has existing banking relationships, and doesn't mind paying $15/month for stability.
Industry-Specific Notes
Restaurants & Cafes
Square has excellent table management and kitchen display integrations. Helcim works with Toast and other restaurant-specific platforms.
Retail Stores
All three work great. Square has the best inventory management built-in. Helcim and Moneris integrate with Shopify, Lightspeed, and other retail platforms.
Service Businesses
Square Appointments is great for salons, spas, and personal services. Helcim works well with invoicing and recurring billing.
Mobile Payments
Square's mobile card readers are the gold standard. Helcim and Moneris have mobile options but Square's design and ease-of-use win.