At a glance, side by side
Every row comes from each provider’s own published documents, checked on the date shown in the sources. Where a provider does not publish something, the table says so.
| TD Merchant Solutions | Helcim | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Four types: interchange plus, DRAF (differential), flat rate, simplified (TD statement guides) | Interchange plus for all merchants (Helcim fee disclosure) |
| Own processing rate | Set in each merchant’s Fee Disclosure Box and Fee Schedule. Not published | Published margin, 5 tiers. Tier 1 ($0 to $50,000 a month): 0.40% + 8¢ in person, 0.50% + 25¢ keyed and online |
| Custom pricing | All rates are set per agreement | Over $5 million a month: “contact our sales team” |
| Card network fees | Passed on. Fee list shows e.g. Visa and Mastercard assessment fees of 0.1017% | Passed on (“passed onto the merchant directly”) |
| Interac debit | TD’s own Interac rate is not published | 9.0¢ chip and PIN, 12.5¢ tap, at Tier 1 |
| Monthly fees | Monthly service fee “varies”. Minimum monthly discount fee $30. Paper statement fee $5 | No account monthly fees. No minimums or statement fees |
| Application or signup fee | $49 to $99, one time | $0 |
| PCI fee | $0 to $29.85 a quarter, per location | $0 (“Annual compliance self assessment”) |
| Chargeback fee | $10 to $25 each | $15 CAD, or $0 if resolved in your favour |
| Contract term | Three years, then six-month renewals unless notice is given at least 45 days before the end | No fixed term. Continues while you use the service |
| Early termination | $300 per location, or $20 per terminal per month left in the term | “There are no penalties for termination” |
| No-fee windows | Within 30 days of starting; within 70 days after certain fee increases | Not needed: no termination fee |
| Notice of fee increases | 30 to 60 days for certain increases, “as required by the Code of Conduct” | At least 30 days for its own (non-pass-through) fees |
| Hardware | Rent or buy certain equipment. Rental fees on the Fee Schedule. Prices not published on the pages we read | Sold. Card Reader $239 CAD; Smart Terminal $429 CAD or 12 × $39 (fee disclosure) |
| Returning bought hardware | Unused, within 30 days, less a 30% restocking fee | See Helcim’s hardware policy (not read for this page) |
| Settlement | Generally one to two business days | “Next-business-morning deposits” on credit and debit |
| Funds held after leaving | Holdback for 180 days | Reserve for a minimum of six months |
| PCI DSS | Required by TD’s terms | Required by Helcim’s terms |
Pricing model
TD publishes statement guides for four pricing types. Which one a merchant is on is set in their agreement. TD’s own rate on interchange plus appears as a separate line per card brand.
Helcim says it “provides all merchants with a billing method known as Interchange Plus pricing.” Its margin is published and moves with a three-month rolling average of card volume.
What these models mean: Flat Rate vs Interchange Plus vs Tiered and Processor Markup.
Contract and leaving
TD’s current terms (version 0726, from July 10, 2026) set a three-year first term and an early termination fee. TD lists times with no fee: within 30 days of the start date if you stop using the services and return rented equipment, and within 70 days after certain fee increases. After an account closes, TD may hold back funds for 180 days.
Helcim’s Canadian terms say the agreement continues while you use the service and there are “no penalties for termination or cancellation fees.” Helcim may require a reserve for at least six months after termination.
More: Early Termination Fees: How They Work.
Hardware and PCI
TD says it will offer the option to rent or buy certain equipment. Its rental fees are set on each merchant’s Fee Schedule. Helcim sells its hardware and its pricing page says it has “No contracts, leases”. See Equipment Leases.
Both providers’ terms require merchants to comply with PCI DSS. Their published PCI fees differ: TD lists $0 to $29.85 a quarter; Helcim lists $0. See PCI Fees and Non-Compliance Fees.
What this page does not cover
- TD’s own processing rates, because TD does not publish them.
- Service quality, support or reviews. We only describe what each provider publishes.
- Which provider suits a given business. That depends on your card mix, sale size, volume and needs.
Full provider pages: TD Merchant Solutions and Helcim.
Where to go from here
The card fee calculator works out each provider’s rates and monthly fees against a given level of monthly sales.
Want a partner to review your statement? We will put you in touch. Start the free statement review.