Top 5 Payment Processors

Top 5 Credit Card Processors for Your Business in 2025

Choosing the right credit card processor is one of the most important decisions a business owner can make. From transaction fees to customer support, the right processor can save you money, streamline your operations, and even help you give back to causes you care about. Here’s a breakdown of the top 5 credit card processors, with a special spotlight on why First Financial Merchant Services is the best choice for businesses of all sizes.

1. First Financial Merchant Services – The Ultimate Custom Solution

Why First Financial Stands Out: First Financial Merchant Services goes above and beyond traditional credit card processing by offering custom-tailored payment solutions to meet the unique needs of every merchant. Here’s what makes them the #1 choice:

• Custom-Tailored Solutions: Whether you need a Clover POS system, payment gateway for online transactions, you have a high risk business such as tobacco or firearms or CBD, or even a line of credit, First Financial works with you to build a solution that fits your business perfectly.

• Impeccable PCI Compliance: Security is a top priority, and First Financial has an outstanding track record in PCI compliance, ensuring your business and customers are protected.

• Dedicated Personal Agent: Every merchant gets a personal agent for the lifetime of their relationship with First Financial. No more dealing with faceless customer support!

• Non-Profit Giveback Program: First Financial donates a portion of their gross profits from processing fees to a 501(c)(3) non-profit of your choice, in your name, at no additional cost to you. To date, they’ve helped raise over $1,000,000 for non-profits.

• Comprehensive Business Support: Beyond payment processing, First Financial offers access to:

  • Lawyers specializing in various areas.

  • CPA services.

  • HR and payroll solutions.

  • Non-profit-specific CRM software.

  • Custom-built software solutions.

  • Website development.

  • Quick loans and lines of credit from real banks.

  • Loyalty programs, time clocks, and more.

• Cost Savings: Many merchants find that First Financial not only matches their current rates but often saves them money in the process.

• American-Based Support: If your personal agent can’t immediately solve your issue, First Financial offers English-speaking, American-based telephone support to ensure your problems are resolved quickly and efficiently.

Why It’s Better Than Others: Unlike competitors like Square and Stripe, First Financial is not a one-size-fits-all solution. They focus on building long-term relationships with merchants and providing a level of customization and support that others simply can’t match.

2. Square – Best for Simplicity

Pros:

• Easy to set up and use, even for small businesses and startups.

• No monthly fees; pay-as-you-go pricing.

• Free POS software included with hardware purchases.

• Ideal for mobile businesses with their portable card readers.

• Good for merchants that do less than $5,000 a month in transactions

Cons:

• Limited customization options for payment processing solutions.

• Higher transaction fees compared to other options.

• Locked into Square’s ecosystem—no flexibility to switch processors.

• Customer support can be slow and lacks the personal touch.

Why It Falls Short: While Square is great for simplicity, businesses looking for tailored solutions, lower fees, or robust support will find it lacking.

3. Stripe – Good for Online Businesses

Pros:

• Excellent for eCommerce businesses with robust APIs for customization.

• Supports a wide variety of payment methods, including international transactions.

• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Cons:

• Not ideal for in-person transactions or brick-and-mortar businesses.

• Limited customer support—most issues are resolved via email or chat.

• No personal agent or dedicated support for merchants.

• Higher fees for certain transactions, especially international ones.

Why It Falls Short: Stripe is a strong contender for online businesses but doesn’t offer the comprehensive, hands-on support or additional services that First Financial provides.

4. Toast POS – Best for Restaurants

Pros:

• Specifically designed for the restaurant industry with features like table management, menu customization, and kitchen display systems.

• Integrated payment processing for seamless transactions.

• Advanced reporting and analytics tailored for foodservice businesses.

Cons:

• Locked Payment Processor: Toast requires you to use their proprietary payment processing system. This means you have no flexibility to shop around for better rates or services, and you’re stuck with their fees.

• Higher transaction fees compared to other processors.

• Limited to the restaurant and hospitality industries—less versatile for other types of businesses.

Why It Falls Short: While Toast is an excellent choice for restaurants, the lack of flexibility in choosing a payment processor can be a major drawback for businesses looking to save on fees or switch providers.

5. PayPal – Best for Small Online Transactions

Pros:

• Trusted name with widespread acceptance.

• Easy to integrate with online stores.

• No monthly fees for basic accounts.

Cons:

• High transaction fees, especially for small transactions.

• Limited support for in-person transactions.

• Poor customer service with long response times.

• Not designed for businesses with complex needs.

Why It Falls Short: PayPal is great for occasional transactions but lacks the robust features and support needed for growing businesses.

Why First Financial is the Best Choice

When comparing these top processors, it’s clear that First Financial Merchant Services offers the most comprehensive, flexible, and supportive solution for businesses. Their ability to custom-tailor solutions to your unique needs, combined with their dedication to giving back and saving you money, makes them the ultimate partner for your payment processing needs.