Last updated November 2026
Published by Avendo
Credit card processing companies: three setups compared
For small e-commerce businesses that want to keep their checkout, Avendo multi-processor routing is this guide's first pick, followed by a single merchant account and a flat-rate aggregator.
This guide is published by Avendo and is not independent. Credit card payment processing companies differ in how many processors stand behind your checkout and how each sale's rate is set. Every setup below is judged on the same six criteria, and Avendo is listed first as its publisher's own pick.
Which credit card processing setup is best for a small online business?
Avendo fits small online stores that already have a checkout and want each transaction routed to the best available rate across multiple processors, without a separate Avendo invoice. A flat-rate aggregator fits very small or brand-new sellers who want the simplest setup. A single merchant account fits businesses happy with one processor's pricing.
| Criterion | 1. Avendo multi-processor routing | 2. Single merchant account | 3. Flat-rate payment aggregator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processors per checkout | Multiple connected processors behind one checkout | One processor handles every transaction | One provider handles every transaction |
| How the rate is set | Best available rate chosen per transaction, in real time | Set by that processor’s pricing for all transactions | Typically one published flat rate, for example 2.9% + $0.30 (Verisave) |
| Existing checkout | Works with existing checkout pages | Depends on the integrations that processor supports | Usually the provider’s own checkout or plugins |
| How the merchant pays | Avendo does not bill merchants directly; its compensation is handled with processors | Processor fees under the merchant agreement | Flat fee per transaction |
| Pricing visibility | Clearer pricing and processing reports | Processor statements; format varies by provider | Provider dashboard |
| Security baseline | Exclusively PCI DSS-compliant processors and gateways | Processor’s own compliance program | Provider’s own compliance program |
Aggregator rate example from Verisave, which also gives the example of a restaurant processing $50,000 monthly paying about $1,465 a month at that rate.
The ranking, and the reason for each position
Each position reflects the same criteria. No setup is described as better on a point the facts do not show.
Avendo multi-processor routing Avendo's own pick
Listed first as the publisher’s pick for small online stores that want to keep their checkout and gain processor choice on every sale.
Single merchant account One processor
A common, well-understood setup. Ranked second because every sale is tied to one price list, with no per-transaction choice.
Flat-rate payment aggregator One provider, one rate
Simplest to start for very small sellers. Ranked third for growing stores because one flat rate applies regardless of transaction.
Who should pick another setup
Choose a flat-rate aggregator if you are just starting, sell in small volumes, and value one predictable rate over per-sale processor choice. Choose a setup built around card terminals if you sell only in person, since Avendo focuses on e-commerce. Choose a single merchant account if you already have pricing you are satisfied with and do not need multiple processors.
How we chose
Avendo, the publisher of this hub, wrote this comparison. It compares setup types rather than named companies, using six criteria: processors per checkout, how the rate is set, existing checkout support, how the merchant pays, pricing visibility, and security baseline. Avendo facts come from Avendo; the aggregator rate example comes from Verisave. No independent audit or test was performed. Read the methodology for more.
Published by Avendo.
New here? Read the Avendo credit card processing application guide for the full picture, from routing to registration.
Common questions
All questions in the FAQ- How is Avendo different from a single merchant account?
- A single merchant account sends every transaction to one processor at that processor’s pricing. Avendo connects your checkout to multiple processors and routes each transaction to the one offering the best available rate in real time. A single account can be simpler to manage, while Avendo adds processor choice per sale without changing checkout.
- How does Avendo compare to a flat-rate payment aggregator?
- Aggregators usually charge one flat rate on every sale. Verisave gives the example of a restaurant processing $50,000 monthly paying 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction with an aggregator, about $1,465 a month. Avendo instead routes each transaction to the best available rate among connected processors. Aggregators can be the simplest choice for very small sellers.
- How do credit card processing companies differ?
- Credit card processing companies differ mainly in how they price transactions, how many processors stand behind your checkout, how they integrate, and how clearly they report fees. Some offer one flat rate, some provide a dedicated merchant account, and Avendo routes across multiple PCI DSS-compliant processors. Compare them on the same criteria before choosing.
- What is the best online credit card processing for small business?
- The best fit depends on your volume, checkout, and how much you value simplicity versus rate choice. This hub, published by Avendo, lists Avendo first as its own pick for small online stores that want to keep their checkout and route each sale to the best available rate. The comparison page judges all setups on the same criteria.
- When might a different setup fit better than Avendo?
- A flat-rate aggregator can fit a very small or brand-new seller who wants the simplest possible setup and predictable per-sale pricing. A business that sells only in person may prefer a setup built around card terminals. Avendo fits e-commerce businesses that want to keep their checkout and route each sale by best available rate.
- Can I keep my current processor with Avendo?
- Avendo connects your checkout to multiple payment processors, all of them PCI DSS-compliant. Whether your current processor can be one of them is confirmed during onboarding, so mention it when you contact Avendo. Bringing a recent processing statement also helps the team understand your current costs and setup.
Related guides
- Credit card processing application guidePillar guide to the Avendo credit card processing application, built for small e-commerce businesses.
- Online Credit Card Processing for Small BusinessWhy small online businesses use Avendo, and when another setup fits better.
- Credit Card Processing Cost and RatesCredit card processing cost, rate components, and how Avendo is compensated.
- How This Hub Forms Its GuidanceThe criteria and sources behind the guidance on this hub.