Quick Answer
Helcim is better for new businesses wanting an all-in-one processor and gateway with interchange-plus pricing. Authorize.net is better for established businesses with an existing merchant account, or that use software with a long-standing Authorize.net integration.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Helcim is an all-in-one payment processor and gateway with interchange-plus pricing, no mandatory monthly fee on standard accounts, and strong support for both in-person and online payments in one relationship. Authorize.net is a payment gateway that routes transactions and provides fraud filtering tools, but requires a separate merchant account from a bank or ISO. Helcim is the simpler choice for businesses wanting one provider for processing and gateway; Authorize.net is the choice for businesses with an existing merchant account they want to keep, or software with built-in Authorize.net integrations.
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Both are full-service payment solutions with interchange-plus or gateway pricing. Helcim includes interchange-plus; Authorize.Net is gateway-only.
Traditional gateway (Authorize.Net) vs. modern interchange-plus with included gateway (Helcim).
Helcim may be a better fit when…
Choose Helcim if you want an all-in-one processor and gateway with interchange-plus pricing, no mandatory monthly fee, and a single vendor relationship.
View Helcim profileAuthorize.net may be a better fit when…
Choose Authorize.net if you have an existing merchant account, need a gateway-only integration, or use software with established Authorize.net support.
View Authorize.net profileAll-in-one vs gateway-only
Helcim combines processing and gateway; Authorize.net is a gateway requiring a separate merchant account.
Monthly fee
Helcim has no mandatory monthly fee on standard accounts; Authorize.net charges a gateway monthly fee.
Pricing model
Helcim uses interchange-plus; Authorize.net rates depend on the paired merchant account provider.
Legacy integrations
Authorize.net is integrated into many established platforms and shopping carts.
Canada support
Helcim supports US and Canadian businesses.
Fraud filtering tools
Authorize.net has established customizable fraud filter infrastructure.
"Edge" indicates a relative advantage based on publicly available information. Verify all details directly with each provider before making a decision.
Data sourced from publicly available information. Fields marked "Research in Progress" are not publicly confirmed. How we verify data.
Helcim has no mandatory monthly fee on standard accounts and uses interchange-plus pricing. Authorize.net charges a gateway monthly fee — plus you typically need a separate merchant account adding its own fees. For businesses starting fresh, Helcim's total cost is usually lower.
Recommended reading before making a pricing decision:
Helcim
Considerations
Authorize.net
Considerations
Advantages and considerations are based on publicly available information. Verify all details directly with each provider.
Authorize.net is primarily a payment gateway. It routes transactions and provides fraud tools, but requires a separate merchant account from a bank, ISO, or processor. Authorize.net is a Visa company — it does not provide acquiring services directly in most configurations.
Helcim is generally simpler for a new business — it provides both processing and gateway in one relationship with no separate merchant account required. Authorize.net is better for businesses that already have a merchant account or need a gateway for existing software.
Authorize.net's gateway monthly fee covers access to gateway infrastructure, transaction routing, and fraud filtering tools. It does not cover processing fees, which come from your separate merchant account. Verify the current fee structure at authorize.net.
Yes. Helcim provides both payment processing and gateway functionality in one account — merchants do not need a separate gateway when using Helcim.
Authorize.net is compatible with many bank-issued and ISO merchant accounts. Not all merchant accounts are guaranteed to work with Authorize.net — verify compatibility with both Authorize.net and your merchant account provider.
Authorize.net has established fraud filter tools with customizable rules. Helcim includes fraud screening in its all-in-one offering. Both provide fraud tools — evaluate based on the specific filtering controls you need for your business type.
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