Flexible Credit and Debit Card Payment Processing Options for Salons
Hair salons, barbershops, and independent hairstylists operate in a diverse range of credit card processing environments. From busy salons to rented booths to home-based operations, hair care professionals need to accept credit cards with minimal equipment, maximum speed, and at the lowest cost possible. Traditional salons and barbershops will benefit most from an in-store point-of-sale system with customer management and marketing integration, while independent stylists will usually only require a simple mobile phone app. There are dozens of different solutions available, however, and many more providers. It can be difficult to find a payment processing service that is enough for your needs without being excessive or overpriced.
That's why we've compiled this list of the top merchant account providers for hair salons and barbershops. These providers offer a wide range of services designed to speed up checkout, promote repeat business, and enable customers to pay and tip however they like. These companies have all earned positive reputations among merchants and third-party reviewers and are known to offer competitive pricing for hair care professionals. To ensure that you receive the lowest rates and the right equipment for your salon, be sure to contact multiple processors on this list to compare contract terms and services.
How to Select the Best Hair Salon Credit Card Processor
When selecting a credit card processor for a hair salon business in the USA, there are several factors to consider, which we have included below.
Cost
Look for a credit card processor that offers competitive rates and low fees. Compare the rates of different processors and choose the one that offers the best value for your business.
Security
It's important to choose a processor that offers secure payment processing to protect your customers' data. Look for a processor that complies with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS).
Integration
Consider a processor that can integrate with your point-of-sale (POS) system. This will allow for seamless payment processing and reduce the risk of human error.
Exceptional Customer Support
Choose a processor that offers reliable customer support. This is especially important if you experience any technical issues or payment processing problems.
Chargeback Protection
Consider a processor that offers chargeback protection. This will help protect your business against fraudulent chargebacks, which can be costly and time-consuming to dispute.
Customization
Look for a processor that allows you to customize the payment experience for your customers. For example, you may want to add your salon's branding to the payment page or offer customers the option to add a tip.
Mobile Payments
Consider a processor that offers mobile payment options, such as Apple Pay or Google Wallet. This will allow you to accept payments from customers who prefer to pay with their mobile devices.
Overall, selecting the right credit card processor is essential for any hair salon business. By considering these factors, you can find a processor that meets your business's unique needs and helps you provide a seamless payment experience for your customers.
Top Picks For Merchant Services for Hair Salons
#1 Helcim
Top Pick for Hair Salon Merchant Services
Helcim is a merchant account provider headquartered in Alberta, Canada, and Seattle, Washington. The company provides merchant services and credit card processing to both U.S. and Canadian businesses. Helcim offers traditional payment processing equipment as well as a feature suite called “Helcim Commerce,” which is intended to serve as an all-in-one business management solution for merchants across all of their sales channels.
Helcim: The Ideal Payment Processor for Hair Salon Businesses
As a small business owner operating a hair salon, accepting credit card payments from your customers is critical to your success. Therefore, you need a reliable payment processing service that can help you streamline transactions, minimize costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. Helcim is one such payment processor that stands out from the rest in terms of delivering top-notch services to hair salon businesses. Here's why:
Affordable Pricing
Helcim offers transparent and competitive pricing, which means you don't have to worry about hidden fees eating into your profits. With their Interchange+ pricing model, you only pay the actual interchange fee charged by the card networks plus a small markup. You'll also enjoy free setup and no monthly minimum fees, making it an affordable solution for small businesses on a budget.
Seamless Integration
Helcim is compatible with various point-of-sale (POS) systems and offers a robust API that allows for easy integration with your website or mobile app. This means that your hair salon business can easily accept payments online or in-store without the hassle of using multiple payment processors. Helcim's payment gateway also supports recurring payments, making it ideal for hair salons that offer subscription-based services.
Excellent Customer Support
Helcim offers 24/7 customer support via phone, email, or chat. As a hair salon business owner, you can have peace of mind knowing that you'll receive timely support whenever you need it. Helcim's customer service team is also known for its friendliness, professionalism, and willingness to go the extra mile to resolve any issues that may arise.
Helcim is an excellent payment processing service that small business owners operating hair salons should consider. With affordable pricing, seamless integration, and excellent customer support, Helcim is an ideal solution that can help you accept credit card payments from your customers with ease.
Host Merchant Services
Top Pick for Hair Salon Credit Card Processing
Host Merchant Services is a Newark, Delaware-based merchant account provider that is well-suited for salon-type merchants. The company's products and services include point-of-sale solutions, online marketing tools, an online payment gateway and virtual terminal, mobile credit card processing, gift and loyalty programs, and merchant cash advance. Host Merchant Services also offers a wide range of e-commerce solutions for salon owners who wish to maintain a strong web presence.
Host Merchant Services has received only positive feedback on public forums, with most reviewers singling out the company's customer service for praise. Host offers interchange-plus pricing with no early termination fees to all of its merchants, meaning that stylists will enjoy the most transparent pricing model and can cancel service without penalty. The BBB gives Host an “A+” rating, and CPO also gives the company an “A+.”
Why Host Merchant Services is the Best Credit Card Processing Solution for Hair Salons
Hair salons require efficient and reliable payment processing solutions to ensure a smooth checkout experience for customers. Host Merchant Services offers the best credit card processing services for hair salon businesses that need to accept credit card payments. With a wide range of payment processing options, Host Merchant Services offers hair salon businesses a reliable, efficient, and affordable payment processing solution.
Low Processing Fees
One of the primary benefits of using Host Merchant Services for hair salon payment processing is their low processing fees. Unlike other payment processing services, Host Merchant Services offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees, which makes it an affordable option for small business owners. This means that hair salon businesses can keep their overhead costs low while providing a reliable and secure payment processing solution to their customers.
Flexible Payment Processing Options
Another key advantage of Host Merchant Services is their flexible payment processing options. Hair salon businesses can accept payments from all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Additionally, Host Merchant Services offers mobile payment options, which is perfect for hair salons that need to accept payments on-the-go or outside of their physical store location.
Commitment to Security
Host Merchant Services provides hair salons with a secure payment processing solution. They offer the latest in security technology, including encryption and tokenization, to protect customer data and minimize the risk of fraud. With Host Merchant Services, hair salon businesses can be confident that their customers' data is secure and protected.
Host Merchant Services is the best credit card processing solution for hair salon businesses that need to accept credit card payments. With affordable and transparent pricing, flexible payment processing options, and secure technology, Host Merchant Services is the ideal solution for hair salons looking to streamline their payment processing operations.
For more information, visit the Host Merchant Services website or call (888) 727-4538.
PaymentCloud
Top Pick for Hair Salon Merchant Accounts
Based in Woodland Hills, California, PaymentCloud is a merchant account provider that specializes in serving standard to high risk business types. The company's products and services include point-of-sale solutions, mobile phone swipers, an online payment gateway and virtual terminal, EMV-compatible terminals, and merchant cash advances. These features allow hair salons to manage their inventory of shampoo, conditioner, and other products, keep accurate customer records, and charge for services from haircuts to dye jobs and everything in between. For those reasons, PaymentCloud is a good option for hair salons.
PaymentCloud provides a dedicated account rep to all new merchants for the life of the account. The company has not received any negative complaints on consumer forums, and it customizes its pricing according to each merchant's business type and processing history. The BBB does not maintain a profile for PaymentCloud at this time, but CPO gives the company an “A.”
Payment Cloud: The Best Credit Card Processing Solution for Hair Salon Business Owners
For hair salon business owners, having a reliable and efficient credit card processing solution is crucial. Payment Cloud offers a top-tier payment processing service that is specifically designed for small businesses like hair salons. Here are some of the reasons why Payment Cloud is the best option for hair salon business owners who need to accept credit card payments from customers buying hair salon products.
Customized Payment Solutions for Hair Salons
Payment Cloud offers customized payment solutions that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of hair salon businesses. Whether you need a point-of-sale (POS) system or an online payment gateway, Payment Cloud has you covered. Their payment solutions are designed to streamline the payment process, making it quick and easy for customers to pay for their hair salon products.
Affordable Rates and Fees
Payment Cloud offers some of the most competitive rates and fees in the industry. As a small business owner, it's important to keep costs low while still offering your customers convenient payment options. Payment Cloud's affordable rates and fees make it easy for hair salon business owners to accept credit card payments without breaking the bank.
24/7 Customer Support
Payment Cloud understands that hair salon business owners need to be able to rely on their payment processing service at all times. That's why they offer 24/7 customer support. If you ever have an issue with your payment processing service, you can reach out to their customer support team at any time of day or night to get the help you need.
Payment Cloud is the best credit card processing solution for hair salon business owners who need to accept credit card payments from customers buying hair salon products. With customized payment solutions, affordable rates and fees, and 24/7 customer support, Payment Cloud offers everything you need to streamline your payment processing and provide your customers with a convenient and hassle-free payment experience.
For more information, visit the PaymentCloud website or call (888) 506-7859.
National Processing
Top Pick for Hair Salon Merchant Services
Active since 2008, National Processing is a merchant account provider leading the industry's move toward flat-rate, subscription-style pricing. The company's products and services include EMV-compatible countertop terminals, a virtual terminal, an online payment gateway, an online shopping cart, mobile phone processing, QuickBooks integration, online invoicing, and recurring billing. National Processing is capable of serving all standard-risk hair salons and offers a comprehensive dashboard for tracking all payments and customers.
National Processing offers multiple pricing plans with different rates. Merchants can select either a plan that charges a flat fee on all transactions or a plan that charges a fixed monthly fee plus a fixed per-transaction dollar amount above interchange. In other words, merchants can choose whether or not they are charged a percentage markup on each transaction. National Processing currently has an “A” rating on CPO and an “A+” rating with the Better Business Bureau.
National Processing: The Ideal Credit Card Processing Solution for Hair Salon Owners
Hair salon business owners understand the importance of providing convenient payment options to their clients. With National Processing, hair salon owners can easily accept credit card payments from their clients, enhancing their customers' satisfaction and boosting their revenue. National Processing is a top-rated payment processing provider that offers numerous benefits to hair salon businesses.
Competitive Pricing Without Setup Fees or Monthly Minimums
National Processing offers competitive pricing, making it an affordable option for hair salon owners. With no setup fees or monthly minimums, National Processing charges low transaction fees, which means hair salon owners can save a lot of money in processing costs. Additionally, National Processing offers a range of payment solutions, including point of sale systems, mobile payment processing, and online payment processing. This makes it easy for hair salon owners to accept payments from their customers, regardless of where they are.
Advanced Security Features
National Processing offers advanced security features that protect hair salon owners and their customers from fraud and data breaches. Their payment processing solutions are PCI-compliant, ensuring that all transactions are secure and protected. With National Processing, hair salon owners can rest assured that their clients' payment information is safe and secure.
Excellent Customer Service
National Processing offers excellent customer service and support. Their team of professionals is available around the clock to help hair salon owners with any questions or issues they may encounter. National Processing is committed to helping hair salon owners run their businesses smoothly and efficiently, providing them with a hassle-free payment processing experience.
National Processing is the ideal payment processing solution for hair salon business owners. With competitive pricing, advanced security features, and excellent customer service, National Processing provides hair salon owners with the tools they need to succeed in today's competitive marketplace. So if you're a hair salon owner looking for a reliable and affordable payment processing solution, National Processing is the perfect choice.
For more information, visit the National Processing Website, or call (385) 777-1235.
Additional Options
CDG Commerce
Founded in 1998, CDG Commerce is a privately owned merchant account provider with headquarters in Chesapeake, Virginia. CDG Commerce offers in-store and mobile processing solutions for hair salon owners and can supply payment processing for salons of all sizes and types.
CDG Commerce offers fixed per-transaction fees with month-to-month contracts and no early termination fees. The company has a remarkably low complaint total considering the fact that it has been in business and growing since 1998 and has retained the same ownership during that time. Our review of CDG Commerce gives the company an “A+” rating, and the BBB also gives CDG Commerce an “A+.”
CDG Commerce: A Reliable Credit Card Processor for Hair Salons
As a hair salon business owner, it is essential to have a reliable and secure credit card processor to accept payments from your customers. CDG Commerce is an excellent option for hair salon owners who need to process credit card payments for their products and services. Here are some reasons why CDG Commerce is the best credit card processor for hair salons:
User-Friendly Interface
CDG Commerce offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for hair salon owners to manage their transactions. With CDG Commerce, you can quickly access reports, view transaction details, and even issue refunds. The platform is easy to navigate, even for non-technical users, making it an ideal choice for hair salon owners.
Competitive Rates
CDG Commerce offers competitive rates, making it an affordable option for hair salon owners who want to accept credit card payments without breaking the bank. With CDG Commerce, you can save money on transaction fees, which can add up quickly for hair salon owners who process a high volume of credit card payments.
Reliable Security Features
CDG Commerce prioritizes security, offering reliable security features such as end-to-end encryption and tokenization to ensure that your customers' sensitive information is protected. As a hair salon owner, you can rest assured that your customers' payment data is safe and secure with CDG Commerce.
Robust Customer Support
CDG Commerce offers robust customer support, with a dedicated team available to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Whether you need help with set up or troubleshooting, CDG Commerce's customer support team is there to assist you.
CDG Commerce is the best credit card processor for hair salons, offering a user-friendly interface, competitive rates, reliable security features, and robust customer support. With CDG Commerce, hair salon owners can accept credit card payments with ease, allowing them to focus on providing excellent service to their customers.
For more information, see the CDG Commerce Website or call (888) 393-1079.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hair Salon Merchant Account Credit Card Processing
Hair salon merchant account providers are financial services that cater to hair salons and beauty businesses, enabling them to accept credit card and electronic payments from their clients. These accounts facilitate secure and efficient payment processing for salon services and products.
Hair salons have unique payment processing needs, including handling appointment-based transactions, offering tips, and accommodating varying service costs. Specific merchant account providers for hair salons understand these requirements and offer solutions tailored to the beauty industry.
To find the best merchant account provider for your hair salon, consider the following steps:
a. **Research Beauty-Centered Processors:** Look for payment processors that specialize in serving beauty and salon businesses. These providers will understand the specific needs and challenges faced by hair salons and can offer suitable solutions.
b. **Check for Appointment Booking Integration:** If you offer online or mobile appointment booking, ensure that the merchant account can integrate seamlessly with your booking system to streamline payments.
c. **Compare Transaction Fees and Rates:** Assess the processing fees, transaction rates, and any other costs associated with each potential merchant account provider. Choose a provider with transparent and competitive pricing that aligns with your salon's size and transaction volume.
d. **Verify Tip Acceptance:** Look for a merchant account that allows you to accept tips through credit card transactions, as tipping is common in the salon industry.
e. **Consider Payment Options:** Ensure that the merchant account supports various payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments, to offer convenience to your clients.
While hair salons can use regular merchant accounts offered by mainstream providers, specialized accounts that cater to the beauty industry are often more suitable. Regular accounts may not offer the same level of support for appointment-based transactions and beauty-specific features.
Both large hair salons and smaller establishments should consider their unique requirements when choosing a merchant account. Larger hair salons may require higher transaction processing capabilities and advanced features, while smaller ones may prioritize cost-effectiveness. Select a provider that aligns with your hair salon's size and specific needs.
The time it takes to set up a hair salon merchant account can vary depending on the provider and your salon's specific circumstances. Typically, the process can take a few days to a couple of weeks. Initiating the application process early can help ensure a smooth setup.
Yes, many merchant account providers offer contactless payment options, such as tap-and-go cards and mobile wallet payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Accepting these payment methods can enhance the convenience for your clients during salon visits.
Yes, hair salon merchant accounts typically support both one-time transactions for individual appointments and recurring billing for subscription-based services, memberships, or monthly packages.
Carefully review the contract terms and fees of potential merchant account providers to identify any hidden costs. Watch out for setup fees, monthly minimums, and any other charges that might impact your overall costs.
Yes, hair salons can switch merchant account providers if they are not satisfied with the service or find a better fit for their specific needs. However, be mindful of any contractual obligations and potential termination fees that might apply.
Finding the best hair salon merchant account provider is essential for ensuring smooth and secure payment processing for your salon services. Take the time to research and compare different options to choose a provider that understands the unique needs and challenges of the beauty industry.
Elias
I’m writing to express my heartfelt appreciation for your thorough and insightful article on “Best Hair Salon Merchant Account Providers”. As a hair salon owner, your guide has been crucial in helping me navigate this specific sector.
Your detailed review of each merchant account, emphasizing their unique benefits, possible challenges, and standout features, was masterfully done. You’ve managed to break down a complex subject into a format that’s accessible and understandable for readers like me.
I particularly valued your focus on important aspects such as transaction fees, customer service, and security measures. Your insights into the specific needs of hair salons, including managing appointments, processing tips, and integrating with salon software, were especially beneficial.
It’s clear that your guide is the result of comprehensive research, time, and deep understanding of the industry. Your dedication to providing accurate, relevant, and actionable information has greatly simplified the often complex decision-making process, enabling professionals like me to make better informed choices.
Thank you once again for your valuable contribution to this field. Your hard work, dedication, and expertise are deeply appreciated.