Clearly Payments Review

A payment processor with headquarters in Canada, Clearly Payments has established a reputation for providing a clear and user-friendly substitute for conventional merchant service providers. Openness, education, and flexibility are given priority at Clearly Payments, in contrast to many other businesses that hide their pricing models with long-term contracts and hidden fees. The business provides a range of payment options that are intended to support online, mobile, and in-store transactions, with an emphasis on small and mid-sized enterprises. Among its clients are retail establishments, service-oriented businesses, e-commerce platforms, and others. Clearly Payments streamlines a landscape where payment processing often seems complicated and opaque. It leverages interchange-plus pricing, known for being one of the fairest models in the industry, and backs it with strong customer support and easy-to-understand documentation. Lets read more about Clearly Payments Review.

This review evaluates the platform from all angles; features, pricing, hardware compatibility, ease of use, and how it compares to others in the market. Without promotional bias or case studies, the goal is to help merchants determine whether Clearly Payments is the right fit for their business needs.

Company Overview and Mission | Clearly Payments Review

Clearly Payments was founded with a clear goal: to bring transparency and fairness back to the world of . The company positions itself as a mission-driven organization, prioritizing ethical business practices over pure profit. Based in Canada, it primarily serves Canadian merchants, although it supports transactions with international cards. What distinguishes Clearly Payments is its customer-first philosophy. It makes interchange-plus pricing available to every merchant, regardless of size; something many providers reserve only for high-volume businesses. This democratization of fair pricing reflects its commitment to accessibility and clarity.

The leadership team is composed of seasoned professionals from fintech, banking, and technology backgrounds. Their combined experience has helped shape a company that is agile, responsive, and tuned into the needs of its market. Clearly Payments also leans into education, producing transparent pricing guides and detailed onboarding support to help users feel confident from the start. Rather than focus on bells and whistles, the company invests in offering a reliable, fair, and intuitive service for Canadian businesses. Its operational philosophy is grounded in the belief that merchants deserve to know exactly what they’re paying for; and why.

Core Features and Services

Clearly Payments offers a broad set of services to help businesses accept payments in virtually any environment. Whether a merchant is operating in a physical storefront, running an online shop, or collecting invoices via email or phone, Clearly Payments offers the tools to process those transactions securely and efficiently. For in-person transactions, Clearly Payments provides EMV-compliant and contactless-enabled terminals that support tap, chip, and swipe payments. It also offers mobile readers for businesses that need portability.

Integrations with well-known eCommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce are advantageous to online sellers. Additionally, merchants can manually process payments using the virtual terminal feature, which is helpful for telephone sales or service providers. Another useful tool is recurring billing, particularly for companies that use membership plans or subscription models. These features, when combined with a simple invoicing system, enable Clearly Payments to accommodate a broad range of payment flows without the need for external add-ons. Its offerings are targeted and useful even though it doesn’t have a large selection of extra features like marketing tools or loyalty programs. Reliability, simplicity, and scalability are highlighted; these attributes make Clearly Payments attractive to companies that wish to handle payments without being overburdened by complex tech stacks.

Pricing Transparency and Fee Structure

Clearly Payments’ biggest selling point is its transparent and straightforward pricing model. It uses interchange-plus pricing, which clearly separates the interchange fee (set by card networks like Visa and Mastercard) from the processor’s markup. This model is widely seen as the most honest way to charge for payment services. Unlike competitors who use tiered or flat-rate pricing models; often hiding true costs in blended fees; Clearly Payments shows you exactly where your money goes. This makes it easier for merchants to understand how transaction types, card brands, and volumes affect their costs. There are no hidden fees, no monthly minimums, and no cancellation penalties. Clearly Payments also doesn’t charge extra for PCI compliance or statements; common nickel-and-dime tactics seen with many legacy providers.

Merchants are free to leave at any time, which adds to the platform’s appeal. The absence of long-term contracts and surprise charges means businesses can plan their finances more effectively and aren’t trapped if they find a better option later on. Although very small businesses with low volumes might benefit from flat-rate models elsewhere, Clearly Payments’ pricing structure becomes especially valuable as transaction volume increases. The savings over time can be substantial, particularly for businesses looking to scale.

Ease of Setup and Onboarding Experience

Getting started with Clearly Payments is refreshingly simple. The application process is entirely digital, and most merchants can expect approval within 1–2 business days. During onboarding, the company provides a step-by-step guide tailored to the business type and payment setup; whether it’s a retail store, online business, or mobile vendor. Merchants are supported by a dedicated account representative, which helps eliminate the typical frustrations associated with outsourced or generic onboarding processes. This person acts as a consistent point of contact, guiding users through the setup of terminals, virtual gateways, or platform integrations.

A comprehensive knowledge base with documentation and how-to guides is another feature that Clearly Payments provides. Users who would like more individualized help can reach the support staff by phone or email, and they will be guided through the process. During onboarding, the lack of pressure tactics is another noteworthy feature. A lot of processors use this stage to lock clients into contracts or upsell extra services. In contrast, Clearly Payments lets merchants move at their own speed and makes its terms clear right away. Businesses that value a smooth and flexible start will find that the Clearly Payments onboarding process meets their needs.

Supported Hardware and Software Integrations

Clearly Payments is built for flexibility, offering hardware and software options that work well across different industries and business models. On the hardware side, it supports widely used and trusted terminals, including Clover and Verifone devices. These terminals are compatible with chip cards, contactless payments (like Apple Pay), and traditional magstripe transactions. For mobile sellers, Clearly Payments offers portable card readers that connect to smartphones or tablets, making it ideal for food trucks, pop-up shops, or home service businesses. Online businesses will appreciate the platform’s support for Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and other major eCommerce platforms. Through these integrations, merchants can securely process payments on their websites while benefiting from Clearly Payments’ transparent pricing model.

The system also includes a virtual terminal and invoicing capabilities for merchants who accept payments remotely. Additionally, Clearly Payments offers an API for developers, enabling businesses to create custom checkout experiences or link payments directly with internal tools like CRMs or booking systems. The company does not force merchants to buy proprietary hardware or subscribe to bundled software services. This open, modular approach gives businesses the flexibility to build a payment setup that works best for their specific needs, rather than conforming to a rigid system.

Security and PCI Compliance

Clearly Payments takes security seriously. As a PCI DSS-compliant processor, it meets the data protection standards required by Visa, Mastercard, and other card networks. This includes secure encryption protocols, regular audits, and robust data storage policies. One key component of its security infrastructure is tokenization, which replaces sensitive card information with a non-sensitive token. This reduces the risk of data theft and helps merchants comply with PCI requirements more easily. End-to-end encryption is used to ensure that card data is protected during transmission, adding another layer of security for both in-person and online payments. Merchants can also activate tools like Address Verification Services, CVV matching, and fraud detection filters.

Importantly, Clearly Payments does not give merchants complete control over PCI compliance. It provides them with resources, assistance, and tools to help them navigate the compliance process. Many providers, on the other hand, charge non-compliance fees without providing any help. Clearly Payments provides strong protection without making the merchant experience more difficult in a digital world where data breaches and chargebacks are becoming increasingly common. Because the security features are integrated into the service rather than being offered as pricey add-ons, it is simpler for businesses to concentrate on expansion knowing that their transactions are secure.

Customer Support and User Experience

Customer service is often the deciding factor in choosing a payment processor, especially when things go wrong. Clearly Payments has earned a reputation for strong support and a user-first experience. Support is available via phone, email, and live chat during business hours. Each merchant is assigned a dedicated representative; something that’s uncommon in the industry, especially among budget-friendly providers. This ensures that support is personalized and consistent, rather than a rotating door of agents unfamiliar with your business. The knowledge base is well-organized and includes setup tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and explanations of billing statements. For those who prefer self-service, this resource is invaluable.

User experience is another highlight. Whether using the dashboard for reporting, the invoicing tool, or configuring hardware, the interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. Unlike bloated systems that require extensive training, Clearly Payments keeps things streamlined. Feedback from users also notes the absence of long wait times and scripted responses; a problem that plagues many larger processors. Clearly Payments seems to prioritize building long-term relationships, not just closing a sale. For businesses that value responsive, knowledgeable, and regionally aware support, Clearly Payments delivers an experience that’s both functional and human.

Pros and Cons of Choosing Clearly Payments

Pros

Transparent interchange-plus pricing for all merchants

No hidden fees or long-term contracts

Dedicated account support

Wide integration options (POS, eCommerce, API)

Strong PCI compliance and fraud tools

Fast onboarding and responsive support

Cons

Limited to Canadian merchants

Fewer built-in tools compared to Square or Stripe

Less brand recognition internationally

Clearly Payments shines for businesses that want a no-nonsense processor with clear pricing and reliable support. It may not be the best fit for highly complex enterprise needs or merchants operating globally, but for most Canadian businesses, it offers exceptional value.

How Clearly Payments Compares to Competitors

Clearly Payments offers less contract restrictions and greater pricing transparency than Moneris. Despite its reputation for opaque fees and aggressive retention tactics, Moneris is a well-known provider of enterprise tools. Clearly Payments is comparable to Helcim. Both steer clear of long-term commitments and use interchange-plus pricing. While Clearly Payments offers greater integration flexibility, Helcim offers more integrated point-of-sale features.

Square remains a favorite for ease of use and bundled features. However, its flat-rate pricing can get expensive over time. For businesses that scale, Clearly Payments often offers better long-term value. Stripe dominates the online space but is developer-heavy and less personal. Clearly Payments bridges this gap by offering solid online tools without sacrificing customer support.

FAQs

Q1: Is Clearly Payments suitable for small businesses?

Yes, it’s designed with small and mid-sized businesses in mind, offering low-cost, flexible options and transparent pricing.

Q2: Does Clearly Payments lock merchants into long-term contracts?

No, merchants are free to cancel anytime with no early termination fees or penalties.

Q3: Can Clearly Payments support both online and in-store transactions?

Yes, it offers POS terminals, virtual terminals, mobile readers, and eCommerce integrations to support omnichannel payments.