Your credit card processor plays an important role in the financial health of your thrift store.
In fact, a reliable credit card processor minimizes wait times for customers and increases sales and repeat business — which makes the entire process more smooth and efficient.
When you choose the right credit card processor, you can check out quicker, cut costs, and create a secure and convenient shopping experience — all of which contribute to your success.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the top credit card processing providers for nonprofits, so you can make the best decision for your business.
How To Navigate Credit Card Processing for Nonprofits
When considering a credit card processor for your nonprofit thrift store, there are several important factors to keep in mind.
Transaction Fees and Pricing Models
Understand the different pricing models available, such as flat rate, interchange plus, or tiered pricing. Nonprofits often benefit from lower rates, so it's important to negotiate for the best possible terms.
Integration With Existing System
Make sure the processor integrates seamlessly with your current point of sale (POS) system and any other business management software you use — this saves you time and reduces manual errors.
Security and Fraud Protection
Look for processors that offer robust security features and fraud protection to safeguard your transactions and customer data. This is especially important for online transactions, which are more susceptible to fraud.
Support for Donation
If your thrift store accepts donations, consider a processor that supports donation transactions, as this can help increase revenue and simplify the donation process.
Customer Support
Choose a processor known for excellent customer service, as you may need assistance with setup, troubleshooting, or handling disputes.
Contract Terms and Flexibility
Review the contract terms carefully, including any early termination fees or long-term commitments. Flexibility is key, especially for nonprofits that may experience fluctuations in transaction volumes.
Reporting and Analytics
Access to detailed reporting and analytics helps you track sales, manage inventory, and understand customer behavior — all of which is crucial for making informed business decisions.
By considering these factors, you’ll select a credit card processor that meets your operational needs and supports your nonprofit's mission and goals.
8 Top Credit Card Processing Solutions for Nonprofit Organizations
Whether you're managing donations, sales, or inventory, these processors offer mobile and countertop checkout solutions that meet your thrift store's needs. From global reach and innovative payment options to seamless integration and transparent pricing, here are the best options to improve your sales at your nonprofit, so you can support your mission.
8. Worldpay
Worldpay is a global financial technology company that enables businesses of all sizes to accept and manage payments. With a presence in 146 countries and across 135 currencies, Worldpay supports online, in-store, and mobile commerce experiences.
Features:
- Global reach, with operations in 146 countries and support for 135 currencies
- Omnicommerce capabilities for seamless payment experiences online, in store, and on mobile
- Robust security features to protect transactions and customer data
- Advanced technology services tailored for merchants and financial institutions
- Supports 40 billion transactions annually
Pricing: Worldpay offers a range of pricing models to meet the needs of various businesses. Pricing may be based on transaction volume, business size, and specific service requirements. Contact Worldpay directly for a quote.
7. Clover
Clover's portable POS system simplifies your sales floor with its fast and seamless payment solutions. Clover’s range of devices help you complete sales transactions whether you're on the go or at the counter.
Features:
- Portable POS device for anytime, anywhere payments
- Countertop terminal for smooth, hassle-free transactions
- Consistent, low rates for all cards
- Same-day payments with Clover Dashboard
- Assistance from setup to troubleshooting
Pricing: Additional fees may apply for certain Clover apps and services, and early termination fees are applicable. Custom quotes are available on request.
6. Heartland
Heartland provides credit card processing solutions that allow businesses to accept payments in various settings, including in person, curbside, and online. Heartland prioritizes security, convenience, and transparency, and aims to help businesses increase sales and optimize operations.
Features:
- Payments via credit card, debit card, digital wallets, ACH, and online payments
- End-to-end encryption and tokenization
- Detailed sales and payment history reports to make informed business decisions
- Live 24/7/365 customer service for all your payment processing needs
- Over 900 ecommerce platforms for a smooth online shopping experience
Pricing: Heartland offers clear pricing with flat-rate and interchange plus options. Their payment processing fees start at 2.6% + 10¢.
5. Global Payments
Global Payments is a leading platform with expert solutions to simplify your business, allowing you to expand into new markets and grow your business. Their focus is on providing exceptional service and seamless integration, no matter the size of the business.
Features:
- Cutting-edge payments and issuer solutions
- Software to fit specific business models and customer needs
- Integrated accounts payable and receivable processes
- Efficient employee management and payroll
- Stringent compliance standards, ensuring secure handling of over 66 billion transactions annually
- Unified commerce platform in more than 100 countries
Pricing: For detailed pricing specific to your business, contact Global Payments directly.
4. Square
Square enables businesses to accept all major payments with transparent pricing and flexible contracts. With quick setup and no long-term commitments, Square allows you to accept payments in person, online, or on the go, giving you quick access to sales revenue.
Features:
- Magstripe, chip card, NFC, and remote payments
- Free sign-up with no monthly fees and fast setup process
- Chargeback protection, fraud detection, and account takeover protection
- All-in-one reporting including inventory, team, and customer management
- Instant Square Checking account deposits next business day in your external bank account
Pricing: Square's pricing is a flat rate of 2.6% + 10¢ for each tap, insert, or swipe transaction. Keyed-in transactions cost 3.5% + 15¢, and remote transactions cost 2.9% + 30¢.
3. Finix
Finix offers adaptable payment solutions to simplify payment processes and improve customer interaction. Its APIs and prebuilt features allow for easy integration and efficient management of fees and compliance — all while adapting to the specific needs of your business.
Features:
- Hundreds of configuration options to tailor the payment experience to your business
- Underwriting, reconciliation, dispute management, and automated reporting
- No-code implementation tools
- 10 types of reports in your dashboard for efficient transaction management
- Flat rate, dynamic, or custom pricing to suit your business model
Pricing: Finix offers adaptable pricing structures tailored to various business models, including flat rate, dynamic, and custom pricing options. For detailed pricing information, contact the Finix sales team to determine the most suitable option for your business.
2. Stax
Stax Pay offers a transparent subscription pricing model that can reduce processing costs by up to 40%. It provides a comprehensive solution for businesses of all sizes, featuring 0% markup on direct-cost interchange and robust, in-house customer and technical support.
Features:
- Payment operations insights with detailed analytics
- Existing systems integration
- Digital invoices and mobile payment options
- Secure payment pages
- Automated billing and scheduled payment options
- Ability to pass on credit card processing fees to customers where permitted by law
- Fast next-day funding
Pricing: Stax Pay offers subscription pricing based on processing volume: $99/month for up to $150,000 per year, $139/month for $150,000–$250,000, and $199+/month for over $250,000. Businesses with higher processing needs can request custom quotes. Optional add-ons include ACH processing and terminal protection, subject to terms and conditions.
1. ThriftCart
ThriftCart supports integrated payment processing with Thrift Pay, offering simple pricing with no hidden fees for seamless online and in-store transactions. The plug-and-play terminal system ensures quick setup and eliminates double entry errors — plus, you get a quick turnaround on support with one integrated support team. ThriftCart offers straightforward pricing with no hidden fees, ensuring transparency and predictability for your payment processing needs.
Features:
- Direct card terminal connection
- Debit/credit, EMV, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
- Built-in PCI compliance
- Suspicious activity monitoring
- Global fraud prevention
- Plug-and-play terminal system
- One support team
Pricing: Customized price quotes are available upon request.
Make Credit Card Processing for Nonprofits Easy With ThriftCart
Selecting the right credit card processor is a must if you want to keep your operations efficient and your finances healthy. Key factors to consider include transaction fees, integration capabilities, security features, and customer support.
For a comprehensive solution tailored to the needs of nonprofit thrift stores, check out ThriftCart — and to see how Thrift Pay can benefit your business, schedule a demo today.
