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Key Takeaways
Generated from the text of customer reviews
Helcim is an accounting solution that streamlines payment processing by combining POS, invoicing, and repeat payment features. It enables businesses to accept payments while managing customer information, subscriptions, and transactions. Despite compatibility issues with some systems, users appreciate its quick, responsive customer support. Recent updates include a Payment Extension that connects Helcim with web-based software to process payments without coding.
Our Verdict
Helcim is a strong choice for small and mid-sized businesses that want transparent payment processing. With its flexible payment tools and interchange-plus pricing model, it can be cost-effective for businesses with steady transaction volumes, though enterprise users may need more advanced customization. We recommend Helcim for businesses managing invoices, recurring payments, online transactions, and in-person transactions.
Helcim Specifications
- Financial Reporting
- Invoice Management
- Expense Tracking
- Cash Flow Management
What Is Helcim?
Helcim is a cloud-based payment processing platform that allows businesses to accept in-person, online, and recurring payments. It does this while also managing invoicing, subscriptions, customer information, and basic commerce functions, all within a single system. It streamlines the accounting process by running payments using credit and debit cards, HSA and FSA cards, and ACH bank payments. The platform also processes international payments. It provides its users with a comprehensive suite of payment tools, including Point-Of-Sale (POS), Virtual Terminal, Online Checkout, and Customer Vault.
What Is Helcim Best For?
The platform is best known for its all-in-one Point-Of-Sale (POS) system that enables teams to process various modes of payment through mediums like card readers, smart terminals, and even mobile devices. It supports credit cards, debit cards, and even contactless payment methods like Apple Pay or Google Pay. The platform also incorporates built-in inventory tracking, refund processing, customer profiles, split payments, and sales reporting. With this, it helps businesses manage their day-to-day retail operations and is a flexible solution that works across laptops, tablets, and mobile phones.
How Much Does Helcim Cost?
Helcim pricing starts at 0.5% + 25¢/transaction for ACH payments, with no monthly subscription fee. Its other transaction rates are:
- In-Person Payment: 1.79% + 8¢/transaction
- Keyed And Online Payments: 2.31% + 25¢/transaction
- Pass-On Costs: 0% cost to merchants
In addition to the base subscription cost, organizations should keep the following potential expenses in mind:
- Payment Processing Fees: 2.0%-3.5% + $0.08-$0.30/transaction - Ongoing card processing costs vary based on transaction type and monthly processing volume
- Staff Training And Deployment: $200-$1,500 – Includes initial setup, payment workflow, configuration, and employee training across multiple locations
- Third-Party Integrations And Custom Development: $100-$2,000 – Connects accounting software, e-commerce platforms, or custom apps through APIs
Users usually appreciate Helcim's transparent pricing structure and the absence of long-term contracts. They place strong value on the platform for businesses seeking integrated payment processing and POS capabilities.
Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.
Helcim Integrations
The software integrates with multiple third-party platforms, including:
How Does Helcim Work?
Once your account has been created, here is how you can get started with Helcim and begin managing payment operations across your business:
- Log in to Helcim’s dashboard to access its payment processing, customer management, reporting, and account settings, all on a single interface
- Assess the new dashboard and look for recent transactions, payment activity, deposits, and business performance features to get a grip on the key trends and overall business health
- Configure payment methods by enabling online payments, invoices, virtual terminal, or point-of-sale options aligned with your workflow
- Add your team members and assign appropriate user roles and permissions to reinforce payment, reporting, and administrative functions with an additional layer of security
- Create or import customer profiles to collect contact information, payment methods, invoices, and transaction history
- Navigate dedicated portals for daily operations, such as Payments, Customers, Invoicing, Reporting, and POS
- Generate invoices, payment requests, or checkout options and start accepting payments through your preferred sales channels
- Monitor transaction reports, settlements, chargebacks, and customer payment trends to track your business performance and act on informed decisions
Who Is Helcim For?
Helcim is used by a variety of industries and sectors, mainly:
- Automotive
- Wholesale
- Healthcare
- Hotels and lodging
- Retail
- Recreation
- MSPs
- Marketing and advertising
Helcim Use Cases
Based on our analysis of Helcim features, capabilities, and marketing positioning, we have identified the types of learners and educational needs the platform is best suited to support:
Processing In-Person And Online Payments From A Single System
Retail stores and service-based businesses accept payments at both physical locations and through their websites. When each sales channel uses a different mode of payment, they may fail to reconcile transactions. Through Helcim’s POS, Online Checkout, and centralized payment dashboard, payment activity can be managed in a single system. It allows accounting staff to process in-store card payments, accept online orders, and review transaction history from one interface. This minimizes the risk associated with using disconnected payment providers when assessing sales channels.
Managing Card-On-File Payments For Returning Customers
Organizations like medical clinics or repair shops often serve repeat customers and spend much of their time consolidating payment details on every visit. With Helcim’s Customer Vault, teams can use the same saved payment method for multiple purchases or invoices, thanks to secure storage of customer information. These profiles integrate with transaction history, streamlining repeat billing and reducing manual data entry at checkout.
Accepting Cardless Payments
Businesses that receive phone orders or invoice customers through remote and digital methods usually need a secure method to process payments without a card reader. Helcim solves this with its Virtual Terminal, through which staff can manually enter payment information through web browsers to complete cardless transactions. This helps administrative teams that handle telephone orders, appointment deposits, and remote customer payments from a main office. This removes the need for specialized POS hardware, streamlining these transactions through dedicated workflows.
Creating Payment Links For Invoices And Custom Orders
Service providers and small businesses that bill customers after delivering their service or product usually experience delays when waiting for mailed checks or bank transfers. Helcim’s Online Checkout functionality allows businesses to generate payment links that can be incorporated into invoices or shared directly with customers. Customers can complete their payment online through the secure checkout page, allowing funds to be collected without the need for an e-commerce website.
Handling Front-Of-Store Transactions With Integrated Payment Hardware
Customer-facing businesses like boutiques and restaurants require checkout processes that enable employees to quickly calculate totals and complete card payments throughout busy periods. The Point-Of-Sale functionality can be used alongside compatible payment hardware that allows teams to process and complete purchases within one workflow. This process captures sales records and payment information, minimizing the need to consolidate data from payment terminals and cash registers. For businesses that serve customers in person, this helps simplify day-to-day checkout operations.
Is Helcim Right For You?
If you are considering a transparent and flexible payment processing platform for a small or mid-sized business, Helcim is worth considering. It offers built-in tools for POS, invoicing, and recurring payments and combines payment acceptance and subscription management in one platform to reduce administrative work and help maintain transaction visibility.
The platform is particularly well-tailored towards retail stores, healthcare providers, wholesalers, and professional service firms that regularly process in-person and online payments. For companies prioritizing payment security, it provides PCI-compliant processing, fraud prevention tools, and encrypted payment storage.
Helcim is also trusted and recognized by reputable publications, including CNBC, Forbes, and NerdWallet, which further enhance its credibility among small and mid-sized businesses.
Still unsure about Helcim? Contact our customer support team at (661) 384-7070 to get help in making the right choice.
Helcim Features
Point-Of-Sale
Helcim POS offers a flexible checkout environment compatible with desktop, tablet, mobile devices, smart terminals, and card readers. It even supports Tap to Pay on iPhone. It auto-syncs transaction data, sends low inventory alerts, and generates reports to deliver actionable insights. As a result, businesses can maintain consistent records without resorting to manual workarounds and act upon real-time inventory and sales insights. Through unlimited user accounts and extensive integrations, teams can efficiently manage day-to-day operations from one interface.
Invoicing
With Helcim’s Invoicing feature, businesses can create, send, and manage as many electronic invoices as they want – all from a single platform. Invoices can be generated through itemized charges and billable hours for ongoing services. Customers can pay directly from the invoice using ACH, credit cards, and debit cards, while stored payments help recover overdue balances quickly. It also supports partial payments and unlimited free invoices, adding flexibility without additional costs.
Virtual Terminal
This functionality allows businesses to process card and ACH payments on the web, reducing the need for dedicated POS hardware. It allows teams to handle purchases, refunds, pre-authorizations, invoices, and phone or mail orders from one interface while also storing customer payment information. As a result, payment workflows can be automated through repeat transactions. The system also has built-in PCI compliance and fraud detection capabilities. This helps businesses maintain secure and organized payment records. It also processes advance payments on custom invoices by setting up payment amounts or percentages, giving businesses the flexibility to meet their customers’ payment preferences.
Recurring Payments
Helcim’s Recurring Payments allow businesses to automate subscription billing for memberships, payment plans, and retainers. This is made possible through customizable billing schedules. It supports recurring and one-time setup fees, accepts both ACH and card payments, and automatically retries failed transactions to reduce missed value. Customers can also sign up, pause, or cancel subscriptions through self-service payment links. Meanwhile, subscriber management tools help businesses track recurring accounts from one place.
Pros And Cons of Helcim
Pros
Provides an efficient and responsive customer service experience
Provides an efficient and responsive customer service experience
Streamlines payment workflows by running smoothly
Cons
Some advanced features may not be suitable for small companies
Might not be compatible with some systems
Helcim Reviews
Total 11 reviews
2.8
All reviews are from verified customers
Rating Distribution
5
Stars27%
4
Stars9%
3
Stars18%
2
Stars9%
1
Stars36%
Share your experience
Vernon
Health, Wellness and Fitness, 1-10 employees
Less than 6 months
“Good service if help not needed”
Pros
I really like it when it works well. The idea behind it is solid and the fees are pretty reasonable.
Cons
The onboarding process could have been better. When problems came up, getting good help was tough.
Rating Distribution
Ease of use
7
Value for money
7
Customer Support
2
Functionality
7
Steve
Building Materials, 1-10 employees
Less than a year
“Frustrated by invoicing timing out”
Pros
Invoice options and the ability to customize them is really amazing. Payments show up quickly in my bank and I like that non-admin staff can log in too.
Cons
I would give them five stars if it were not for the website timing out after about 30 seconds. I'm constantly adding new customers and pulling up past invoices but the site times out quickly, sometimes in just 20 seconds. I have to refresh by going back to the homepage then back to invoicing. It's super frustrating! Also I wish the estimate feature said EST instead of INV and didn't show a due date. Plus, I would like my address to appear at the top of the invoice instead of the bottom.
Rating Distribution
Ease of use
7
Value for money
5
Customer Support
7
Functionality
2
Ana
Entertainment, 1-10 employees
Less than 6 months
“Customer support needs improvement”
Pros
I chose Helcim as an alternative payment processor because I wanted to add a credit card surcharge unlike ACH or debit. At first the fees seemed fair but then I found out the percentage actually varies depending on the payment method, card type, product and billing.
Cons
I could not get past the approval stage. I read about others having their accounts shut down arbitrarily. Customer service was not helpful and felt rude like they were doing me a favor by letting me become a client. I had dissolved an LLC and wanted to update the business name, but they wouldn't allow it. When I created a new account with legal proof, they blocked me again.
Rating Distribution
Ease of use
3
Value for money
6
Customer Support
1
Functionality
5
Frequently Asked Questions
What other apps does Helcim integrate with?
The platform features integration with multiple enterprise platforms and third-party apps, including QuickBooks, Dr Chrono, Zoho Invoice, Enchyro, DrChrono, Tebra, Workiz, and Jobber.
Does Helcim offer an API?
Yes, Helcim does offer an API.
What types of pricing plans does Helcim offer?
Helcim price starts at 0.5% + 25¢/transaction for ACH payments without any monthly subscription. In-person payments cost 1.79% + 8¢/transaction, while keyed and online payments cost 2.31% + 25¢/transaction. Get a customized Helcim cost estimate today.
Does Helcim have a mobile app?
Yes, Helcim offers both Android and iOS apps.
What languages does Helcim support?
Helcim offers support in the English language.
What level of support does Helcim offer?
The platform offers support through forms, calls, tickets, and demos.
Who are the typical users of Helcim?
Helcim software is particularly used by small and mid-sized service-based businesses across multiple industries and sectors, such as automotive, healthcare, wholesale, hotels and lodging, and Retail.