Heartland Merchant Services vs Stripe

Heartland Payment Systems is a trusted player in the realm of payment solutions. Founded in 1997 with a mission to bolster small businesses worldwide. From their headquarters in Princeton, New Jersey, Heartland extends bespoke merchant accounts and state-of-the-art payment processing terminals, seamlessly integrating Point of Sale (POS), payroll, and credit card processing functionalities. Committed to ensuring client satisfaction, Heartland provides round-the-clock support and accommodates a diverse array of payment methods, including digital wallets and ACH payments. The company's unwavering dedication to excellence has garnered significant acclaim, including the receipt of five prestigious Stevie Awards for Sales and Customer Service. While Heartland prides themselves on their advantages, such as the absence of hardware requirements, extensive industry coverage, and user-friendly mobile application, potential drawbacks, like a lack of price transparency and contractual obligations, underscore the importance of careful consideration. Nevertheless, Heartland remains the discerning choice for businesses seeking comprehensive payment solutions and unwavering support in their financial endeavors.
 

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.