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What We Look For in the Best Credit Card Processing Companies for Food Trucks1. Stax: Best Overall Credit Card Processing for Food Trucks2. Payment Depot: Affordable Payment Processing for Food Truck Owners3. Leaders Merchant Services: Custom Credit Card Processing for Food Trucks4. PaymentCloud: Quick and Easy Approval for New Food Trucks5. Flagship Merchant Services: Speedy Sign-Up for Food Truck Payment Processing6. National Processing: Low and Transparent Pricing for Food Truck VendorsWhich of the Best Credit Card Processing for Food Trucks is Right for You?FAQ
Short on Time? These Are the Best Credit Card Processors for Food Trucks in 2023
- Stax – Easy integrations for accounting and inventory, plus a choice of free hardware.
- Payment Depot – Special pricing for food truck owners, quick onboarding, and 24/7 technical support.
- LMS – Stable rates, free hardware with long-term contracts, and a meet-or-beat guarantee on your current rates.
What We Look For in the Best Credit Card Processing Companies for Food Trucks
When researching the best credit card processors for food trucks, I focused on the features and benefits a fast-paced, mobile business needs.- Mobile payment processing. Each recommended payment processor offers multiple mobile payment solutions that allow food truck operators to accept payments anywhere – from their counter window or online.
- Fast processing of all payment types. Food trucks often have long lines of customers waiting to place and pick up orders. These payment processors offer efficient processing of both in-person and online payments. They also allow customers to pay however they prefer – cash, credit/debit card, and digital wallet (e.g., Apple, Samsung, and Google Pay).
- Easy to set up and manage. A user-friendly interface makes it easy to set up your account, track sales, manage your inventory, and access business tools. Some services even allow you to automate out-of-stock notifications for essential ingredients.
- Marketing and promotion tools. The payment processors on this list offer loyalty programs and integrated marketing tools that can help food trucks reach new diners, retain customers, and increase sales.

Save Up to 40% on Credit Card Processing Fees
Monthly Fee:
From $99
Transaction Fee:
From 0% + 10¢
Pricing Model:
Subscription
Subscription
With subscription-style pricing, you’ll pay a fixed monthly fee instead of a percentage-based markup on each credit and debit card transaction. While this will considerably reduce your per-transaction fees, you’ll typically still pay a small flat fee on each transaction. This amount is unaffected by the variable interchange fees charged by the different card networks (e.g. Visa, Mastercard), helping to keep your payment processing fees more predictable.
Features and Benefits
- Full-featured mobile app. The Stax app for iOS and Android turns your smartphone or tablet into a mobile POS for your food truck. You can accept payments (even while offline), send invoices for online orders, email digital receipts, track your inventory, and access customer and sales data on the go.
- Great integrations. Stax integrates with dozens of popular e-commerce, marketing, productivity, and financial apps, such as Shopify, WooCommerce, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, and Zapier. Note you’ll be charged a fee for some integrations.
- One-click shopping cart setup. You can set up Stax’s built-in shopping cart in minutes so customers can skip the queue by ordering and paying online.
- Fast processing. With fast and reliable processing, your diners won’t experience any disruptions at checkout.
Mobile payment processing | ✔ |
Payout time | 1-3 days |
Free terminal or mobile reader | Dejavoo Z11 terminal or free Bluetooth mobile terminal |
Transaction fees on cheapest plan | 0% + 10¢ (in-person) |
Monthly fee on cheapest plan | $99.00 |




Excellent Customer Service Backed by a Dedicated Risk Monitoring Team
Monthly Fee:
From $79
Transaction Fee:
From 0% + 10¢
Pricing Model:
Subscription
Subscription
With subscription-style pricing, you’ll pay a fixed monthly fee instead of a percentage-based markup on each credit and debit card transaction. While this will considerably reduce your per-transaction fees, you’ll typically still pay a small flat fee on each transaction. This amount is unaffected by the variable interchange fees charged by the different card networks (e.g. Visa, Mastercard), helping to keep your payment processing fees more predictable.
Features and Benefits
- Next-day deposits. Not only does Payment Depot offer fast processing, but it also offers fast payouts. If you get approval for quick payouts, you can expect to see funds deposited to your account within 24 hours.
- Online ordering. Integration with multiple online ordering platforms makes it easy for diners to browse your menu, place an online order, pay, and pick up at your truck’s location.
- Wholesale interchange rates. Unlike many credit card processors, Payment Depot doesn’t markup interchange rates or take a percentage of your food truck’s sales.
- Exceptional customer support. Payment Depot’s technical support agents are available by phone 24/7 to help you resolve any issues.
Mobile payment processing | ✔ |
Payout time | Generally within 24 hours |
Free terminal or mobile reader | WiFi-enabled Dejavoo Z11 terminal and virtual card reader with any plan or SwipeSimple B250 mobile card reader. Discounted pricing on other POS equipment. |
Transaction fees on cheapest plan | 0% + 10¢ (in-person) |
Monthly fee on cheapest plan | $79.00 |
Free Card Reader




Negotiable Low Credit Card Processing Rates
Monthly Fee:
$9
Transaction Fee:
From 2% + 0¢
Pricing Model:
Interchange plus
Interchange plus
Interchange-plus pricing involves two fees for each credit or debit card transaction. The first is the interchange fee, a variable amount set by the card network (e.g. Visa, Mastercard). The second is a markup fee charged by the payment processor, typically a percentage of the transaction amount plus a small flat transaction fee. This allows you to see exactly how much of what you pay goes to the card networks and how much to the payment processor.
Features and Benefits
- Assured savings offer. Established food trucks looking to switch processors can take advantage of the LMS meet-or-beat guarantee. If LMS can’t at least meet the fees you’re currently paying, it will give you a $200 gift card.
- Range of payment types. In addition to all major credit and debit cards, LMS lets you accept payments from Google Wallet, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay. If you’ve purchased a Clover terminal, you can also accept PayPal and Venmo payments.
- Discount offers. Offering special promotions to your customers, including discounts and rewards, can help you increase your sales and build a loyal base of diners. For example, you can retain customers by printing discounts and promotions on a SwipeSimple receipt.
- Innovative POS solutions. As a SwipeSimple and Clover provider, LMS gives you access to quality equipment for food truck mobile payment processing. You’ll also be able to accept payments via mobile or tablet with the SwipeSimple Mobile App .
Mobile payment processing | ✔ |
Payout time | Within 72 hours |
Free terminal or mobile reader | Clover Mini, Clover Flex, or Clover POS terminal with long-term contract, SwipeSimple mobile card reader and portable terminal (free or purchase) |
Transaction fees on cheapest plan | ~2% + 0¢ |
Monthly fee on cheapest plan | $9.00 |




Affordable Rates & Advanced Security Features for High-Risk Businesses
Monthly Fee:
$14
Transaction Fee:
From 2.1% + 15¢
Pricing Model:
Interchange plus
Interchange plus
Interchange-plus pricing involves two fees for each credit or debit card transaction. The first is the interchange fee, a variable amount set by the card network (e.g. Visa, Mastercard). The second is a markup fee charged by the payment processor, typically a percentage of the transaction amount plus a small flat transaction fee. This allows you to see exactly how much of what you pay goes to the card networks and how much to the payment processor.
Features and Benefits
- Funding options. Payment Cloud customers can apply for bridge loans, lines of credit, and equipment financing, which is ideal for food truck startups or those looking to expand or upgrade their food prep and refrigeration equipment.
- Dedicated account manager. Your PaymentCloud rep will help you with your application, the approval process, onboarding, and PCI compliance. If your food truck is your first business, this help can go a long way.
- Fraud protection. Chargeback fees for fraudulent transactions can hurt your bottom line and credit rating – not to mention put your business reputation at risk. PaymentCloud’s fraud protection services can help reduce disputed payments and save you money.
- Payment convenience. Fast processing and various payment options make it easier for customers to pay, shortening wait times and increasing satisfaction. LMS supports credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, and payment methods like NFC, QR codes, and text messages.
Mobile payment processing | ✔ |
Payout time | 24-48 hours, next day on average |
Free terminal or mobile reader | POS terminal, wireless mobile reader, or a card reader that attaches to your phone/tablet |
Transaction fees on cheapest plan | Around 2.1% + 15¢ |
Monthly fee on cheapest plan | $14.00 |
5. Flagship Merchant Services: Speedy Sign-Up for Food Truck Payment Processing




Fast Onboarding & Quick Payouts With Same-Day Funding
Monthly Fee:
From $15
Transaction Fee:
From 2.1% + 15¢
Pricing Model:
Interchange plus
Interchange plus
Interchange-plus pricing involves two fees for each credit or debit card transaction. The first is the interchange fee, a variable amount set by the card network (e.g. Visa, Mastercard). The second is a markup fee charged by the payment processor, typically a percentage of the transaction amount plus a small flat transaction fee. This allows you to see exactly how much of what you pay goes to the card networks and how much to the payment processor.
Features and Benefits
- Mobile payments. Flagship offers a robust selection of hardware for food truck mobile payment processing that allows you to accept payments and issue digital receipts anywhere your truck takes you.
- Digital loyalty programs. Gift cards and discount offers can help you build your brand, expand your base of loyal customers, and increase your sales.
- Same-day payout. Flagship offers qualified food trucks the option to pay a small fee to have funds deposited in their accounts on the same day.
- Zero-cost payment processing. Flagship’s cash discount program allows you to pass the cost of credit card processing to your customers. This can reduce your monthly costs and encourage diners to pay with cash.
Mobile payment processing | ✔ |
Payout time | 2-3 days, same-day payout for a fee |
Free terminal or mobile reader | For qualified food trucks with a long-term contract |
Transaction fees on cheapest plan | 3.58% + 0.19¢ (in-person) |
Monthly fee on cheapest plan | $7.95 |
6. National Processing: Low and Transparent Pricing for Food Truck Vendors




Transparent Pricing With Guaranteed Locked-In Rates
Monthly Fee:
From $9.95
Transaction Fee:
From 0.14% + 7¢
Pricing Model:
Interchange plus
Interchange plus
Interchange-plus pricing involves two fees for each credit or debit card transaction. The first is the interchange fee, a variable amount set by the card network (e.g. Visa, Mastercard). The second is a markup fee charged by the payment processor, typically a percentage of the transaction amount plus a small flat transaction fee. This allows you to see exactly how much of what you pay goes to the card networks and how much to the payment processor.
Features and Benefits
- Excellent POS choices. From mobile card readers that connect to your phone/tablet to portable cellular and WiFi-enabled terminals with offline capability, National Processing has the answer for your mobile payment processing needs.
- Fast, easy, and free setup. National Processing will help you quickly get your food truck payment processing off the ground – and will do it for free.
- Cash discount program. If you’re new to the business and selling inexpensive menu items, offering cash discounts to customers can help you save on processing costs. There’s a $30 monthly fee if you process less than $3,000.
- Free equipment reprogramming. National Processing only offers free equipment with a 2-year contract. That makes its offer to reprogram your existing equipment a lot more attractive.
Mobile payment processing | ✔ |
Payout time | Next day (on average) |
Free terminal or mobile reader | Dejavoo Z9, Clover Flex, Clover Go, SwipeSimple (A920, B250), qualified merchants with 2-year contract |
Transaction fees on cheapest plan | 0.14% + 7¢ |
Monthly fee on cheapest plan | $9.95 |
Which of the Best Credit Card Processing for Food Trucks is Right for You?
Choosing the best food truck credit card processing company for you will vary depending on your monthly sales volume, the price of your menu items, and whether you allow customers to order online. Other factors to consider are the number of trucks you have and whether you also have a restaurant or offer catering services. Stax is my top choice for food trucks based on its outstanding features, mobile payment solutions, and affordable pricing. And with Stax’s monthly subscription, you’re free to test everything it offers without worrying about a costly cancellation fee. Exceptional customer service and subscription-style plans make Payment Depot a great option. Be sure to ask about Payment Depot’s special rates for food trucks. You may even qualify for two free terminals if you have more than one truck. If you want to switch processors, consider LMS for its assured savings guarantee and low monthly fees. LMS also offers a good selection of POS and mPOS equipment for food truck mobile payment processing.To help you make an informed choice, here’s a recap of the best credit card processors for food trucks:
Best Feature | Best For | Monthly fee on cheapest plan | Transaction fees on cheapest plan | ||
Stax | Industry-leading mPOS solutions and advanced reporting tools | Food trucks that want an all-in-one payment processor and helpful business tools | $99.00 | 0% + 10¢ (in-person) | |
Payment Depot | Subscription-style plans and wholesale rates | Food truck owners looking for low rates and predictable pricing | $79.00 | 0% + 10¢ (in-person) | |
LMS | Assured saving guarantee | Food trucks looking to switch processors for a better deal | $9.00 | ~2% + 0¢ | |
Payment Cloud | Fair pricing for higher risk food truck owners | New food trucks or vendors that lack processing history or have lower credit scores | $14.00 | Around 2.1% + 15¢ | |
Flagship | Fast approval and onboarding | Food trucks that need to quickly start accepting payments | $7.95 | 3.58% + 0.19¢ (in-person) | |
National Processing | Transparent pricing and a zero-cost processing option | Food trucks that accept cash payments and want clarity on rates | $9.95 | 0.14% + 7¢ |