Merchant Services
Merchant processing with transparent pricing and no long-term contracts, through our partner Helcim. Because Portside likely already knows your books, we know what processing really costs you.
Best for: Service-based businesses (contractors, consultants, salons, clinics) · Retail stores and storefronts accepting in-person card payments · E-commerce and online businesses selling goods or digital products · Nonprofits accepting cards or ACH for donations
What's included
You pay the actual wholesale cost of each transaction, plus a small, clearly disclosed markup — nothing more.
There are no setup fees or monthly charges for accepting payments. You only pay for what you process. And there are no contracts or cancellation fees.
Volume discounts activate automatically each month based on your processing activity — no negotiation, no custom contracts required.
Portside makes sure your processing activity is properly categorized, reconciled, and reflected in your financial statements every month or quarter.
Portside assists with setup, helps understand your statement, and make sure the solution fits your organization.
Accept credit cards, debit cards, ACH, Apple Pay, and Google Pay through tools like online invoicing, a virtual terminal, recurring billing, a mobile app, and POS terminals.
How it works
Use the links on this page to access Helcim's special offer specifically for Portside clients.
Helcim conducts their security checks and underwriting on your organization.
Helcim approves your account, with the first $5,000 in transactions fee-free courtesy of Portside.
Common questions about this service
Are merchant services available to nonprofits as well as businesses?
Yes! Nonprofits are eligible, including those accepting cards or ACH for donations. Approval is subject to Helcim's underwriting.
Does bundling merchant services reduce bookkeeping fees?
No. Bundling does not lower your bookkeeping fees. The benefit is that your payment processing is easier to reconcile when Portside handles your bookkeeping.
What payment processor does Portside use for merchant services?
Portside refers merchant processing to Helcim. Helcim provides all payment processing directly to approved merchants under its own terms and underwriting.
How do I apply?
Go to our exclusive link through our merchant services partner, Helcim. The application is completed online and you can sign up directly from your phone or computer without filling out lengthy contract paperwork.
Do I have to be an existing Portside client?
Not at all. This service is available to any qualifying small business. That said, existing clients benefit from seamless integration with their bookkeeping and financial reporting.
Ready to learn more & get started?
Share a few details and Portside will take it from there.
Sign up today & get $5,000 in fee-free transactionsOften paired with
More about this service
Our processing partner
We refer merchant processing to Helcim. Pricing is interchange-plus with no monthly fees. Helcim provides all payment processing and handles approval under its own terms.
Why bundle payments with your accounting firm
When Portside handles your bookkeeping, your payment processing is easier to reconcile. Bundling does not lower your bookkeeping fees.
How it works
Apply online through our Helcim partner link. Approval and underwriting are handled by Helcim.
Service resources
Portside Tax and Accounting is an independent accounting firm partnered with Helcim Inc. to refer merchant processing services. Helcim provides all payment processing services directly to approved merchants under its own terms and conditions. Portside Tax and Accounting does not provide merchant processing services, hold client funds, or act as a financial institution. All merchant account approvals, rates, and payment systems are subject to Helcim’s underwriting policies and compliance requirements.