Merchant One vs Stripe

East Commerce Solutions (ECS), established in 1994, is a credit card processing company based in East Providence, Rhode Island. Tailoring services for businesses of all sizes, ECS offers a diverse range of features. These include 24/7 customer support, innovative programs like the Intelligent Rate Program, and proprietary POS systems focusing on personalized service. Consistently ranking among the top 1% of MSP/ISOs in the U.S., ECS has garnered positive feedback for its streamlined setup processes and excellent support. Despite some reported concerns about customer service quality and transparency, ECS remains a prominent choice in the credit card processing realm, emphasizing accessibility, efficiency, and tailored solutions for businesses navigating digital transactions. The strategic acquisition by Payroc in 2022 adds to ECS's industry significance, marking its commitment to evolving with the dynamic needs of the market.

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.