Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square Virtual Terminal - Free online tool for merchants to manually enter credit card details and process payments remotely without hardware.
- 2#2: Authorize.net Virtual Terminal - Secure web-based interface for entering and authorizing card-not-present transactions with robust fraud prevention.
- 3#3: Helcim Virtual Terminal - Transparent interchange-plus pricing virtual terminal designed for small businesses with no monthly fees.
- 4#4: Stax Virtual Terminal - Subscription-based platform offering unlimited transactions and a virtual terminal for high-volume enterprise users.
- 5#5: Payment Depot Virtual Terminal - Membership model virtual terminal providing low-cost processing rates and flexible gateway integrations.
- 6#6: Dharma Merchant Services Virtual Terminal - Ethical payment processor with a virtual terminal tailored for nonprofits and values-driven small businesses.
- 7#7: PayPal Virtual Terminal - Simple browser-based tool to key in card information and charge customers over the phone or online.
- 8#8: Clover Virtual Terminal - Integrated virtual terminal for Clover users to accept payments remotely with POS synchronization.
- 9#9: NMI Virtual Terminal - PCI-compliant hosted virtual terminal supporting advanced payment methods and tokenization.
- 10#10: PayJunction Virtual Terminal - Secure virtual terminal with signature capture and detailed reporting for retail and service businesses.
We ranked these tools by evaluating key factors including feature set, security protocols, user experience, and value, ensuring they deliver reliable performance and meet the unique needs of various business types.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines popular virtual terminal software tools, such as Square Virtual Terminal, Authorize.net Virtual Terminal, Helcim Virtual Terminal, and Stax Virtual Terminal, to equip readers with key insights for selecting the right solution. By comparing features like usability, integration options, and pricing structures, users can identify the best fit for their payment processing needs efficiently.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square Virtual Terminal Free online tool for merchants to manually enter credit card details and process payments remotely without hardware. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Authorize.net Virtual Terminal Secure web-based interface for entering and authorizing card-not-present transactions with robust fraud prevention. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | Helcim Virtual Terminal Transparent interchange-plus pricing virtual terminal designed for small businesses with no monthly fees. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 4 | Stax Virtual Terminal Subscription-based platform offering unlimited transactions and a virtual terminal for high-volume enterprise users. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 5 | Payment Depot Virtual Terminal Membership model virtual terminal providing low-cost processing rates and flexible gateway integrations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 6 | Dharma Merchant Services Virtual Terminal Ethical payment processor with a virtual terminal tailored for nonprofits and values-driven small businesses. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 7 | PayPal Virtual Terminal Simple browser-based tool to key in card information and charge customers over the phone or online. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | Clover Virtual Terminal Integrated virtual terminal for Clover users to accept payments remotely with POS synchronization. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 9 | NMI Virtual Terminal PCI-compliant hosted virtual terminal supporting advanced payment methods and tokenization. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | PayJunction Virtual Terminal Secure virtual terminal with signature capture and detailed reporting for retail and service businesses. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
Free online tool for merchants to manually enter credit card details and process payments remotely without hardware.
Secure web-based interface for entering and authorizing card-not-present transactions with robust fraud prevention.
Transparent interchange-plus pricing virtual terminal designed for small businesses with no monthly fees.
Subscription-based platform offering unlimited transactions and a virtual terminal for high-volume enterprise users.
Membership model virtual terminal providing low-cost processing rates and flexible gateway integrations.
Ethical payment processor with a virtual terminal tailored for nonprofits and values-driven small businesses.
Simple browser-based tool to key in card information and charge customers over the phone or online.
Integrated virtual terminal for Clover users to accept payments remotely with POS synchronization.
PCI-compliant hosted virtual terminal supporting advanced payment methods and tokenization.
Secure virtual terminal with signature capture and detailed reporting for retail and service businesses.
Square Virtual Terminal
enterpriseFree online tool for merchants to manually enter credit card details and process payments remotely without hardware.
Seamless, one-dashboard integration across all Square payment channels for effortless remote and in-person transaction management.
Square Virtual Terminal is a web-based payment processing tool from Square that allows businesses to accept credit and debit card payments remotely, such as over the phone, via chat, or through digital invoices, without needing physical hardware. It integrates seamlessly with Square's ecosystem, including POS systems, inventory, appointments, and reporting, enabling unified payment management across channels. The platform supports major payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay, with built-in security features for PCI compliance and fraud protection.
Pros
- Exceptionally user-friendly interface with no setup or training required
- No monthly fees, only pay-per-transaction pricing
- Deep integration with Square's POS, invoicing, and analytics tools
Cons
- Higher fees for keyed-in transactions (2.9% + 30¢) compared to in-person swipes
- Limited advanced customization options for invoices
- Geographic restrictions outside the US and select countries
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking a simple, hardware-free solution for remote card payments integrated with point-of-sale operations.
Pricing
No monthly fees; 2.9% + 30¢ per keyed-in transaction, with volume discounts available for high-volume users.
Authorize.net Virtual Terminal
enterpriseSecure web-based interface for entering and authorizing card-not-present transactions with robust fraud prevention.
Customer Information Manager (CIM) for secure, tokenized storage of customer payment profiles
Authorize.net Virtual Terminal is a browser-based payment processing tool that allows merchants to manually enter credit card, debit card, and eCheck details for phone, mail, or in-person orders. It supports full transaction lifecycle management including authorizations, captures, refunds, voids, and recurring billing through integration with the Authorize.net gateway. The platform also includes Customer Information Manager (CIM) for secure tokenization of customer payment data, reducing PCI compliance scope, and offers basic reporting on transactions and disputes.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Authorize.net gateway for reliable processing
- Customer Information Manager for PCI-compliant tokenization and recurring payments
- Supports multiple payment methods including eChecks and Level 2/3 data for cost savings
Cons
- Dated user interface feels clunky and less intuitive than modern alternatives
- Limited customization and reporting depth without add-ons
- No native mobile app; browser-only access can be cumbersome on devices
Best For
Established small to mid-sized businesses with existing Authorize.net accounts needing dependable virtual terminal for phone/mail orders and customer vault storage.
Pricing
Included in Authorize.net gateway plans starting at $25/month + transaction fees (2.9% + $0.30 or custom merchant pricing); no extra VT fee.
Helcim Virtual Terminal
enterpriseTransparent interchange-plus pricing virtual terminal designed for small businesses with no monthly fees.
Real-time interchange-plus pricing calculator that shows exact costs before processing for maximum transparency
Helcim Virtual Terminal is a web-based payment processing tool that allows merchants to accept credit and debit card payments remotely via phone, online forms, or mail order without requiring physical hardware. It supports key-entered transactions, customizable invoicing, recurring billing, and Level 2/3 data processing for cost savings. Integrated within Helcim's full merchant services platform, it emphasizes transparent interchange-plus pricing with no setup fees or long-term contracts.
Pros
- Transparent interchange-plus pricing with no monthly fees or contracts
- Intuitive interface for quick setup and transaction processing
- Supports invoicing, recurring payments, and PCI-compliant security
Cons
- Higher per-transaction rates for low-volume users compared to in-person swipes
- Limited third-party integrations and reporting customization
- Primarily focused on North American markets with fewer global options
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and service providers seeking affordable, straightforward virtual terminal processing without subscription costs.
Pricing
Interchange + 0.40% + $0.25 per virtual terminal transaction (rates improve with volume); no monthly, setup, or termination fees.
Stax Virtual Terminal
enterpriseSubscription-based platform offering unlimited transactions and a virtual terminal for high-volume enterprise users.
Subscription-based pricing that eliminates traditional merchant discount rate percentage fees for cost predictability.
Stax Virtual Terminal is a web-based payment processing tool from Stax Payments that allows merchants to manually enter and process credit card transactions remotely without physical hardware. It supports secure tokenization for customer data storage, recurring billing, and integration with invoicing and reporting features within the Stax platform. Designed for businesses needing flexible, non-presentment payment acceptance, it emphasizes PCI compliance and scalability for various industries.
Pros
- Transparent subscription pricing model reduces costs for high-volume users
- Strong security with tokenization and PCI Level 1 compliance
- User-friendly dashboard with reporting and customer management tools
Cons
- Setup requires a sales consultation, which can delay onboarding
- Pricing optimized for higher volumes; less ideal for low-volume merchants
- Fewer native third-party integrations compared to broader POS platforms
Best For
High-volume merchants seeking predictable processing costs and reliable remote payment entry.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $99/month for up to $250K volume (scales up), plus interchange + $0.08-$0.15 per transaction; no percentage markups.
Payment Depot Virtual Terminal
enterpriseMembership model virtual terminal providing low-cost processing rates and flexible gateway integrations.
Membership model providing flat-fee access to VT and processing tools with true interchange-plus transparency
Payment Depot Virtual Terminal is a web-based payment processing tool that allows merchants to manually enter credit card details for remote transactions, ideal for phone, mail, or online orders without hardware. It supports features like invoicing, recurring billing, and reporting within their membership-based platform. The solution emphasizes cost transparency through interchange-plus pricing, making it suitable for businesses seeking to reduce long-term processing fees.
Pros
- Transparent interchange-plus pricing with low markups
- No long-term contracts or setup fees
- Unlimited employees and transactions on higher plans
Cons
- Requires monthly membership fee regardless of volume
- Keyed transaction rates higher than card-present (e.g., +1.59% + $0.25)
- Fewer native integrations than specialized VT competitors
Best For
Mid-sized e-commerce or service businesses with moderate-to-high monthly volumes ($10K+) focused on minimizing processing costs.
Pricing
Membership $59-$199/month (based on volume tiers) + interchange + 0.15%-0.30% + $0.07-$0.10 (swiped); VT keyed rates ~interchange +1.59% + $0.25.
Dharma Merchant Services Virtual Terminal
enterpriseEthical payment processor with a virtual terminal tailored for nonprofits and values-driven small businesses.
Capped markup on interchange-plus pricing for predictable costs on high-volume transactions
Dharma Merchant Services Virtual Terminal is an online payment gateway that allows merchants to process card-not-present transactions, including keyed-in credit/debit cards and ACH payments, directly from a web browser without hardware. It supports invoicing, recurring billing, and level 2/3 data processing for cost savings on B2B transactions. Ideal for small to mid-sized businesses, it integrates with Dharma's transparent interchange-plus pricing model and offers robust reporting tools.
Pros
- Transparent interchange-plus pricing with no hidden fees
- Strong support for nonprofits and B2B with Level 2/3 processing
- PCI-compliant security and detailed reporting
Cons
- Limited integrations with e-commerce platforms
- US-only availability
- Custom quoting process can delay onboarding
Best For
Nonprofits, service-based businesses, and B2B merchants needing cost-effective remote payment processing.
Pricing
Interchange-plus rates (e.g., interchange + 0.15%-0.40% + $0.10 per keyed transaction); no monthly fees for virtual terminal, custom quotes required.
PayPal Virtual Terminal
enterpriseSimple browser-based tool to key in card information and charge customers over the phone or online.
Direct integration with PayPal accounts for instant access to funds and customer data without additional sign-ups
PayPal Virtual Terminal is a web-based tool that allows merchants to manually enter credit and debit card details to process payments remotely, ideal for phone orders, invoicing, or key-entered transactions without needing a physical card reader. It integrates directly with existing PayPal business accounts, supporting major card brands like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Users can save customer profiles for repeat transactions and generate digital receipts, making it suitable for small businesses handling non-face-to-face sales.
Pros
- Seamless integration with PayPal accounts for quick setup
- No monthly or setup fees
- Trusted brand with strong security and global acceptance
Cons
- Higher transaction fees for keyed entries (3.49% + $0.49)
- Limited advanced features compared to dedicated VT platforms
- Requires a PayPal business account and can have occasional platform glitches
Best For
Small businesses or freelancers already using PayPal who need simple, occasional remote card processing without hardware.
Pricing
No monthly fee; 3.49% + $0.49 per keyed transaction, plus standard PayPal gateway fees.
Clover Virtual Terminal
enterpriseIntegrated virtual terminal for Clover users to accept payments remotely with POS synchronization.
Deep integration with Clover's POS ecosystem for real-time inventory and sales syncing across online and in-store channels
Clover Virtual Terminal is a web-based payment processing tool from Clover (Fiserv) that enables merchants to accept card-not-present transactions remotely via any internet-connected device. It supports manual card entry for phone or online orders, secure payment links, invoicing, and recurring billing, all accessible through the intuitive Clover dashboard. Designed for businesses in the Clover ecosystem, it provides robust reporting and integrates seamlessly with Clover POS hardware for unified payment management.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Clover POS hardware and inventory systems
- User-friendly web dashboard accessible on any device
- Supports invoicing, recurring payments, and detailed reporting
Cons
- Higher fees for keyed-in transactions compared to swiped/dipped
- Limited appeal for non-Clover users due to ecosystem lock-in
- Fewer advanced customization options than dedicated virtual terminal competitors
Best For
Small to medium businesses already using Clover POS who need straightforward remote payment processing.
Pricing
No separate monthly fee for Virtual Terminal (included with Clover account); keyed-in transactions typically 2.6% + $0.10, with rates varying by plan and volume.
NMI Virtual Terminal
enterprisePCI-compliant hosted virtual terminal supporting advanced payment methods and tokenization.
Integrated Token Vault for secure, reusable customer payment data storage and reduced PCI scope
NMI Virtual Terminal is a browser-based payment processing tool from Network Merchants Inc. that allows merchants to accept credit/debit cards, eChecks, and ACH payments remotely without dedicated hardware. It supports features like tokenization, recurring billing, Level II/III data capture, and hosted payment pages for enhanced PCI compliance. Designed primarily for businesses already using the NMI gateway, it streamlines virtual transactions with reporting and batch management.
Pros
- Strong security with tokenization and PCI DSS compliance
- Supports multiple payment types including eCheck and recurring billing
- Detailed reporting and batch processing tools
Cons
- Interface appears dated and less intuitive than modern competitors
- Best suited for existing NMI gateway users, limiting standalone appeal
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to mid-sized merchants already partnered with NMI who need reliable remote payment processing without hardware investments.
Pricing
Starts at $19.95/month for basic access, plus gateway transaction fees (e.g., 2.4%-2.9% + $0.25-$0.30 per transaction); custom quotes for volume users.
PayJunction Virtual Terminal
enterpriseSecure virtual terminal with signature capture and detailed reporting for retail and service businesses.
Zero-liability PCI compliance where PayJunction assumes full responsibility for data security, eliminating merchant PCI burdens
PayJunction Virtual Terminal is a secure, browser-based payment processing solution that enables merchants to accept card-not-present transactions, such as over-the-phone or keyed-in payments, without requiring additional hardware. It supports features like invoicing with payment links, recurring billing, ACH processing, and detailed reporting for transaction management. Designed for compliance-focused businesses, it integrates with PayJunction's POS systems for hybrid payment environments.
Pros
- Level 1 PCI compliant with end-to-end encryption and zero-liability for merchants
- Intuitive web interface with no software downloads required
- Strong reporting tools and customer support tailored to US businesses
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and not publicly transparent
- Limited international support and primarily US-focused
- Fewer third-party integrations than broader platforms like Stripe
Best For
US-based service businesses and retailers handling high-volume card-not-present transactions who prioritize security and compliance.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing (interchange-plus model); no setup fees or monthly minimums for many plans, with transaction rates starting around 2.5% + $0.10.
Conclusion
The review of top virtual terminal software reveals tools designed to suit diverse needs, but Square Virtual Terminal leads as the top choice, providing a free online platform for remote payment processing without hardware. Authorize.net Virtual Terminal distinguishes itself with robust fraud prevention, while Helcim Virtual Terminal stands out for transparent pricing and no monthly fees—excellent alternatives for specific business priorities.
Explore the top-ranked Square Virtual Terminal to streamline your remote payment processing and enjoy its user-friendly, cost-effective features.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.