Integration

Helcim -- lower fees, transparent pricing

Reduce your payment processing costs with interchange-plus pricing. Helcim's embedded payment form integrates directly into Upside AMS for a seamless member checkout experience.

Processing fees that make a real difference

Payment processing fees add up quickly for associations. If you process $200,000 in annual membership dues and event registrations, even a small difference in processing rates can save thousands of dollars per year. That is why a growing number of our clients are choosing Helcim -- a payment processor built around interchange-plus pricing that passes the actual card network cost through to you with a small, transparent markup on top.

Pay less on debit and low-rate cards

Unlike flat-rate processors that charge the same percentage regardless of card type, Helcim's model means you pay less when a member uses a debit card or a basic credit card with a lower interchange rate. The savings are particularly notable for Canadian organizations, where Interac debit interchange rates are significantly lower than credit card rates. Over the course of a year, these per-transaction savings compound into real budget impact.

Seamless embedded checkout

Our Helcim integration uses a modern embedded payment form that loads directly on your checkout page. Members enter their card details without being redirected to a third-party site, keeping the experience seamless and on-brand. Behind the scenes, every transaction includes built-in transaction verification to ensure payment data is secure and untampered.

Full control over fee management

Helcim also offers a fee savings mode that further reduces costs by automatically applying the lowest available processing tier for each transaction. Combined with Upside AMS's optional credit card surcharge feature, you have full control over how processing costs are managed -- absorb them, pass them through, or find a balance that works for your organization.

How it works

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    Embedded payment form -- Secure card entry directly on your checkout page. No redirects, no pop-ups.
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    Interchange-plus pricing -- Pay the actual card network rate plus a small markup. No blended rates hiding the true cost.
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    Fee savings mode -- Automatic optimization that applies the lowest available processing tier for each transaction.
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    Payload verification -- Cryptographic validation ensures payment data integrity between the client browser and server.
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    Credit and debit acceptance -- Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and debit cards through a single integration.
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    Canadian and US support -- Process transactions in CAD or USD with a processor that understands both markets.

Why organizations switch to Helcim

Real cost savings

Organizations processing $100,000+ annually often see meaningful savings compared to flat-rate processors. The more you process, the more you save.

No monthly minimums

Helcim does not charge monthly minimums or lock-in fees. You pay for what you process, making it accessible for organizations of any size.

Full pricing transparency

Every transaction shows the interchange rate and Helcim's markup separately. You always know exactly what you are paying and why.

Canadian roots

Helcim is headquartered in Calgary and understands the Canadian association landscape. Their support team is responsive, knowledgeable, and local.

Frequently asked questions

How is Helcim different from Stripe? +
The biggest difference is pricing. Stripe charges a flat percentage per transaction (typically 2.9% + 30 cents), while Helcim uses interchange-plus pricing -- meaning you pay the actual card network rate plus a small, transparent markup. For organizations processing significant volume, this often results in meaningfully lower fees. Both integrate directly into Upside AMS with embedded payment forms.
What is interchange-plus pricing? +
Interchange-plus pricing separates the base cost set by card networks (Visa, Mastercard) from the processor's markup. Instead of a single blended rate, you see exactly what the card network charges and exactly what Helcim adds on top. This transparency typically results in lower overall costs, especially for organizations processing debit cards or high-volume transactions where interchange rates are naturally lower.
Is Helcim only for Canadian organizations? +
No. Helcim serves both Canadian and American organizations. However, Helcim is headquartered in Calgary and has been particularly popular among Canadian associations and nonprofits. Their interchange-plus model is available in both countries, and their support team understands the nuances of Canadian payment processing.
How do I set up Helcim with Upside AMS? +
Setup involves creating a Helcim account, obtaining your API credentials, and providing them to our team. We configure the embedded payment form, enable payload verification for security, and test transactions in a controlled environment before going live. Most organizations are up and running within a few business days.
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