Credit Card Processing Solutions
Top Companies in 2025
CardConnect vs Stripe
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- Transaction monitoring and account management
- Online ticketing system
- Detailed reports and fast onboarding
- Integrated solutions
- Chargeback management tools
- Surcharge program for revenue enhancement
- 24/7 customer support
- International credit card processing services
- No monthly fees
- Affordable and portable chip reader
- Cross-border payment options for 50+ countries across 135+ currencies
- Transparent prices and fees
- Subpar customer service
- Challenging cancellation process
- Hardware costs
- Non-transparent pricing model
- Reports of frozen funds and deactivated accounts
- Lack of transparency on high-risk cases
- Have to pay for "premium" support
Established in 2006 and rebranded in 2013, CardConnect (CC) is headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Acquired by First Data Corporation in 2017 and later by Fiserv, CC is a reliable partner for businesses seeking secure and efficient payment solutions. The company's mission centers on simplifying payment experiences and enhancing transparency. It offers features like detailed reports, 24/7 customer support, and innovative solutions such as the CardPointe platform, accommodating various channels and POS systems. While concerns about transparency and customer service have been raised, CardConnect stands out for its commitment to security, with PCI compliance and robust data protection measures. Serving businesses of all sizes, from small enterprises to Fortune 500 corporations, CardConnect's versatile approach underscores its commitment to adapting to the dynamic needs of the payment processing industry.
Stripe is a merchant services provider that offers payment processing solutions for businesses of all sizes. They offer both merchant accounts and related services, including payment gateways, online transaction processing, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and credit card readers. Stripe is a payment processor that allows business owners to accept payment from a variety of methods or sources, including mobile wallets and "buy now, pay later" services. The company offers lots of additional services, including billing, invoicing, and sales tax automation. Stripe is renowned for its straightforward pricing model, where a flat rate is charged per transaction. It is a preferred option for businesses that predominantly operate online, as its distinctive features are primarily tailored toward enhancing online sales. Stripe is accredited with the BBB and has an A+ rating with them, but they have an average review score of 3.1/5 on Trustpilot. Their website offers two service options: an integrated "pay-as-you-go" plan that charges 2.9% +30¢ per card charge or a customized plan that involves interchange-plus pricing for businesses with higher volumes. Prospective clients must contact sales to discuss pricing for the latter plan.
- Transaction Speed : 24 to 48 hours
- Customer Experience : Fair
- Gift Cards : Available
- Real-Time Reports : Undisclosed
- Transparent Pricing : Unavailable
- Pricing Model : Interchange-plus
- Trustpilot Score : 2.4 out of 5
- BBB Rating : B
- Transaction Speed : 24 hours
- Customer Experience : Good
- Gift Cards : Available
- Real-Time Reports : Available
- Transparent Pricing : Available
- Pricing Model : Interchange plus; separate feature rates & charges
- Trustpilot Score : 2.8 out of 5
- BBB Rating : A+
- Customizable payment gateway
- Mobile app accessibility
- Eco-friendly practices
- Multi-currency support
- International credit card processor (50+ countries)
- Extensive related services & features
- Affordable and portable chip reader
- Targeted solutions for startups & specific industries
- Billing & Invoicing—Undisclosed
- Electronic Receipts
- Free Hardware—Undisclosed
- Mobile Card Reader
- Multiple Payment Gateways
- Recurring Payments & Billing
- Reporting & Analytics
- Virtual Terminal
- Billing & Invoicing
- Electronic Receipts
- Free Hardware—Undisclosed
- Mobile Card Reader
- Multiple Payment Gateways
- Recurring Payments & Billing
- Reporting & Analytics
- Virtual Terminal
- EMV Compliant
- Payment Fraud Protection
- PCI Compliance
- EMV Compliant
- Payment Fraud Protection
- PCI Compliance
- Annual Subscription—Undisclosed
- Free Trial—Undisclosed
- Freemium—Undisclosed
- Monthly Subscription—Undisclosed
- One-Time License—Undisclosed
- Annual Subscription—Undisclosed
- Free Trial
- Freemium—Undisclosed
- Monthly Subscription—Undisclosed
- One-Time License—Undisclosed
- Processing Services
- Accounting Software
- POS
- Productivity Software—Undisclosed
- Processing Services
- Accounting Software
- POS
- Productivity Software
- ACH Processing
- Cash Transactions
- Credit Card Terminals
- Electronic Signature
- In-Person Payments
- Mobile Payments
- NFC Payments
- Online Payment Procesing
- ACH Processing
- Cash Transactions
- Credit Card Terminals
- Electronic Signature
- In-Person Payments
- Mobile Payments
- NFC Payments
- Online Payment Procesing
- Demos—Undisclosed
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Mobile Application
- Phone
- Tickets
- Demos
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Mobile Application
- Phone
- Tickets
CardConnect vs. Stripe
When selecting a credit card processor, businesses often compare CardConnect and Stripe. Both companies offer robust payment solutions, but their features, usability, security, and pricing cater to distinct business needs. This analysis explores their offerings to help businesses make an informed decision.
Value-added benefits
CardConnect is known for its integrated payment solutions, offering features like customizable payment gateways, mobile app support, and recurring billing. Their flagship platform, CardPointe, supports NFC and EMV transactions, making it ideal for modern payment methods. Additional tools, such as chargeback management and detailed reporting, enhance operational efficiency. Eco-conscious businesses benefit from their emphasis on electronic receipts and ACH transactions, aligning with sustainable practices.
Stripe excels in online payment processing with advanced API tools that allow businesses to integrate and customize their payment systems. Supporting over 135 currencies and diverse payment methods, including buy-now-pay-later options, Stripe is a global leader in payment processing. Its unified platform streamlines online and in-person transactions, while advanced features like 3D Secure authentication and dynamic routing optimize revenue generation. Stripe also provides fraud prevention tools, billing, and invoicing as optional add-ons.
While both providers offer versatile tools, CardConnect’s strengths lie in its integrated mobile and point-of-sale solutions, whereas Stripe stands out for its developer-friendly APIs and global reach.
Usability
CardConnect’s CardPointe platform is user-friendly, with an accessible interface for managing transactions, monitoring accounts, and processing payments. Its mobile app enables businesses to handle payments on the go, ensuring flexibility. However, some businesses find the lack of a free trial limiting for testing their offerings.
Stripe’s dashboard offers a clean, intuitive experience for managing transactions and generating reports. Their API tools allow businesses to build highly customized solutions, and their prebuilt integrations with platforms like Shopify enhance ease of use. However, some users have reported a steep learning curve, especially when navigating advanced features.
CardConnect is easier for businesses focused on physical transactions, while Stripe appeals to tech-savvy users seeking customizable online solutions.
Data security
Security is a cornerstone of CardConnect’s services. Their CardSecure suite employs tokenization and Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE) to protect sensitive data. Businesses benefit from robust PCI compliance resources, simplifying the management of industry standards.
Stripe emphasizes security with AES-256 encryption, machine learning fraud detection via Stripe Radar, and dynamic 3D Secure tools. As a PCI Level 1 Service Provider, Stripe ensures top-tier compliance. However, advanced features like Radar may incur additional fees.
Both prioritize security, but Stripe offers advanced fraud detection tools, while CardConnect provides a comprehensive suite for PCI compliance and data protection.
Pricing
CardConnect operates on an interchange-plus pricing model but lacks transparency in its cost breakdown. Some fees, like hardware and early termination charges, remain undisclosed, leading to potential confusion. Contract terms can extend up to five years, with termination fees as high as $750.
Stripe adopts a pay-as-you-go model with transparent pricing. Standard card transactions cost 2.9% + $0.30, with additional charges for ACH payments and advanced features. Businesses can negotiate custom plans for high transaction volumes.
Stripe’s transparent pricing and no-contract policy are appealing, while CardConnect’s long-term contracts and hidden fees may deter cost-sensitive businesses.
Conclusion
CardConnect and Stripe both offer reliable payment solutions tailored to different needs. CardConnect is ideal for businesses prioritizing integrated point-of-sale tools and sustainability. In contrast, Stripe shines in global online payment processing, customizable APIs, and transparent pricing.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your business model, technical requirements, and budget priorities.
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