Quick Answer

Heartland is better for businesses that prioritize interchange-plus pricing transparency and a dedicated account relationship. Clover is better for businesses that need a robust POS hardware ecosystem and app marketplace.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Heartland vs Clover

Heartland
Interchange-Plus
Comprehensively Reviewed
vs
Clover
Quote-Based
Comprehensively Reviewed

Heartland is a merchant services provider (a Global Payments company) known for interchange-plus pricing and dedicated SMB support. Clover is a POS platform owned by Fiserv with a broad hardware ecosystem and app marketplace. Heartland is a stronger choice for businesses prioritizing payment cost transparency and a personal account relationship; Clover is better for businesses that need a feature-rich POS hardware and software ecosystem.

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Last reviewed: July 2026

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Why merchants compare theseRetail POS

Heartland resells Clover POS as part of its merchant services bundle. Merchants comparing processing options evaluate both.

Heartland processing bundled with Clover hardware — evaluate total cost and contract terms.

Best Fit Scenarios

Heartland may be a better fit when…

Choose Heartland if you want interchange-plus pricing, a dedicated account relationship, and payment processing across multiple industries.

View Heartland profile

Clover may be a better fit when…

Choose Clover if you need a robust POS hardware ecosystem with app integrations for retail or restaurant operations.

View Clover profile

Side-by-Side Comparison

Factor
Heartland
Clover

Pricing model

Heartland uses interchange-plus; Clover pricing is typically quote-based.

Edge

POS ecosystem

Clover has a wider range of hardware form factors and an app marketplace.

Edge

Pricing transparency

Heartland's interchange-plus structure is more transparent than Clover's quote-based pricing.

Edge

App integrations

Clover's app market provides a wider range of third-party software integrations.

Edge

Account support

Heartland emphasizes dedicated account management for SMBs.

Edge

Multi-industry

Both serve retail, restaurants, nonprofits, and other business types.

Tie
Tie

"Edge" indicates a relative advantage based on publicly available information. Verify all details directly with each provider before making a decision.

Provider Details

Detail
Heartland
Clover
Pricing Model
Interchange-plus
Quote-based
Monthly Fee
Interchange-plus pricing; monthly fees vary by account and plan. Verify directly with Heartland.
Plans and hardware pricing vary by reseller or bank and are often quote-based. Verify directly.
In-Person Rate
Interchange-plus in-person pricing; rates vary by account and card type. Verify directly.
Processing rates vary by reseller or bank; often quote-based. Verify directly.
Online Rate
Interchange-plus online pricing; rates vary by account. Verify directly.
Online rates vary by reseller or bank; often quote-based. Verify directly.
Contract
Contract terms vary by account; early termination fees may apply. Verify directly with Heartland.
Often sold via banks and resellers, so contract terms vary. Verify directly.
In-Person Payments
Yes
Yes
Online Payments
Yes
Yes
Ecommerce
Yes
Yes
Subscription Billing
Yes
No
POS Hardware
Yes
Yes
Public Pricing
No
No

Data sourced from publicly available information. Fields marked "Research in Progress" are not publicly confirmed. How we verify data.

Pricing Guidance

Heartland uses interchange-plus pricing — actual interchange plus a Heartland markup. Clover pricing is typically quote-based through Fiserv and bank/ISO partners. Neither publishes all-inclusive rates publicly. Get direct quotes from both and compare total cost.

Recommended reading before making a pricing decision:

Advantages & Considerations

Heartland

  • Interchange-plus pricing with greater cost transparency than flat-rate or quote-based
  • Dedicated account management for SMBs across multiple industries
  • Serves retail, restaurants, healthcare, education, and nonprofits
  • No proprietary hardware lock-in required

Considerations

  • No proprietary POS ecosystem comparable to Clover's hardware range
  • Interchange-plus rates require a sales conversation — not fully self-serve transparent

Clover

  • Wide range of POS hardware form factors (Kiosk, Mini, Station, Flex)
  • App marketplace for third-party software integrations
  • Available through banks and ISO distribution — familiar for businesses with existing bank relationships
  • General-purpose — serves retail, restaurants, and professional services

Considerations

  • Quote-based pricing through Fiserv partners varies and is harder to compare
  • Software and hardware costs can add up — understand the full package before committing

Advantages and considerations are based on publicly available information. Verify all details directly with each provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Heartland or Clover better for a small business?

It depends on priorities. Heartland is better for businesses that want payment cost transparency with interchange-plus pricing and dedicated support. Clover is better for businesses that need a comprehensive POS hardware and software ecosystem with app integrations.

Does Heartland use flat-rate or interchange-plus pricing?

Heartland uses interchange-plus pricing, where merchants pay the actual interchange cost plus a markup from Heartland. Exact rates are not publicly published and vary by account — verify directly with Heartland.

Is Clover owned by a bank?

Clover is owned by Fiserv, a large financial technology company. Clover hardware and software are sold through Fiserv and its bank and ISO distribution partners.

Next Steps

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Editorially Independent — ProcessorFit does not accept payment for rankings or recommendations. Every provider profile is researched independently using publicly available information. Editorial Policy · Research Methodology