10 Best Credit Card Processing for Therapists in 2025

Many credit card processors will struggle to keep up with the unique rhythm of therapy work. You may need to handle both in-person swipes and remote invoices, deal with inconsistent client payment habits, or ensure your system is HIPAA-compliant when sending receipts and storing payment details. And if you run a group practice, these needs get even more complex.

To make things easier for you, I reviewed dozens of payment processors and found the 10 best credit card processing for therapists. My top pick is Paysafe, which offers low transaction fees, seamless integration with practice management software, HIPAA-compliant solutions, recurring payment automation, and global payment support.

You can speak to a Paysafe agent and get your account set up right away. Continue reading to discover the other top HIPAA-compliant credit card processing solutions I recommend for therapists.

What We Look For in the Best Credit Card Processing for Therapists

Though every therapy practice is unique, there are some common payment processing features that almost any in-person or virtual practice will benefit from. Here are the therapist-friendly features I made sure every processor on my list offers:

• HIPAA-compliant third-party solutions. Since credit card processors are exempt from HIPAA compliance, I examined the third-party tools they integrate with closely. You need a processor that connects seamlessly with HIPAA-compliant platforms to protect sensitive client data.
• Therapy practice management integration. I prioritized processors that connect with practice management systems. This saves you time by syncing payments, scheduling, and client records in one place.
• Recurring payment and subscription support. Many therapy clients pay on a regular schedule, so I included processors that simplify recurring billing.
• Low transaction fees. Every dollar counts in a therapy practice, so I paid attention to processors with competitive rates. Lower fees mean you keep more of what you earn without compromising service quality.
• Digital payment options. I favored processors that accept online, mobile, and contactless payments, making it easy for clients to pay in the way that’s most convenient for them.

1. Paysafe: Best for Therapists Offering Programs, Sessions & More Globally

Paysafe integrates with HIPAA-compliant software Amilia to manage client databases, scheduling, memberships, registrations, and facility bookings. With support for over 260 payment methods across 120+ markets and 45+ currencies, Paysafe is ideal for therapists running global events, seminars, retreats, and memberships, as well as one-on-one sessions.

Paysafe also integrates with Eldermark to support therapists in assisted-living facilities, offering HIPAA-compliant online payment, medication management, and care plan documentation. Eldermark also links with your Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR), and medication systems to automatically generate invoices from documented sessions or plans.

In addition to its impressive practice management integrations, Paysafe offers low fees starting at just 0.50% + $0.10 per transaction and $7.95 per month. It also has a surcharge plan that lets you pass processing fees directly to your clients, leaving you with only a flat $0 (1%-4% surcharge to customers) monthly fee.

Features and Benefits

• Behavioral health EHR/EMR integrations. You can embed Paysafe’s REST-based Payments API into your EHR or EMR systems for a seamless, secure payment solution.
• Discounted payment gateway. The Authorize.net payment gateway is available at a significantly reduced cost through Paysafe. It also includes a virtual terminal, enabling you to process payments over the phone when patients make bookings, protecting your practice from no-show losses.
• Free mobile card reader. Paysafe offers a compatible mobile card reader for free. This tool is essential for therapists who wish to accept payments within the office without a bulky POS setup or remotely at events, enhancing the flexibility of payment options.
• Support for recurring payments. Paysafe supports subscription-based billing and integrates with Vindicia to recover up to 50% of failed recurring payments.

Read our Paysafe review for more details.

2. Leaders Merchant Services: Custom Rates To Suit Any Practice

Leaders Merchant Services’ (LMS) biggest benefit is that you can tailor its custom pricing structure to suit your business’s needs. LMS encourages you to negotiate an interchange-plus pricing structure that works for your practice. Best of all, you can expect relatively low monthly fees starting at and per-transaction fees starting at ~0.5% + $0.50.

LMS lets you use Clover’s HIPAA-compliant software to schedule appointments, manage client data, and accept recurring therapy payments. Clover’s point-of-sale (POS) system can seamlessly integrate with any existing Electronic Medical Records (EMR) software. Depending on your plan, you may get one free Clover POS device, meaning you’d only have to pay for its HIPAA-compliant software.

Every LMS merchant also gets access to the iAccess business portal. This business management tool allows you to see financial analytics, explore industry trends, and respond to online reviews.

Features and Benefits

• Quick setup. It takes less than 5 minutes to apply for an LMS merchant account, and most accounts receive approval within 2 business days. Once approved, you can start accepting payments the next business day.
• 24/7 fraud and chargeback management team. Whether you operate within standard business hours or offer out-of-hours appointments and therapeutic support, LMS will still be available to help resolve any issues if something goes wrong. The processor has a dedicated fraud protection department that provides rapid problem resolution.
• Cash advances. These collateral-free loans are a flexible financing option that’s ideal if you’re a new therapy practice or need some extra capital to expand your business. You can simply repay the loan through a small commission on your future sales.
• Variety of payment methods. On top of the standard debit/credit card payments and ACH transfers, you can also accept bank transfers, digital wallets, and check payments if you purchase the mini check reader from LMS.

Read our expert Leaders Merchant Services review for more details.

3. PaymentCloud: Best for Higher-Risk Therapy Clinics

PaymentCloud has a 98% approval rate. So, if you work in higher-risk industries like alternative therapy, telehealth, or remote therapy, or you have a low credit history, there’s a high chance PaymentCloud will accept your business.

PaymentCloud also has a specialized high-risk plan. While it’s more expensive than standard credit card processing packages, the higher cost reflects the added support and risk management high-risk businesses require.

For security, PaymentCloud includes tools like IP tracking, automatic fraud alerts, temporary payment halts, and chargeback cause identification. PaymentCloud also claims to help you win up to 70% of disputed chargebacks.

Features and Benefits

• eClinicalWorks integration. PaymentCloud integrates with eClinicalWorks, a popular EMR system. This tool helps you streamline workflows by syncing your appointments, billing, and payments, thus reducing manual data entry and errors.
• Dedicated account manager. Every PaymentCloud merchant account comes with a dedicated personal support representative. They guide you through the sign-up process, assist with applications, and recommend therapy-friendly third-party integrations.
• Branded invoices and DIY payment links. PaymentCloud’s virtual terminal lets you create branded invoices and self-service payment links that include logos, itemized fees, and balances. Your clients get clear, branded bill formats and can pay directly online.
• Free equipment. For therapists with in-person offices or on-the-go needs, PaymentCloud offers free POS kiosks, wireless terminals, or mobile readers, depending on your needs. The equipment is available only for the duration of your contract, but you have the option to purchase it outright.

Read our in-depth PaymentCloud review to learn more.

4. CardX: Best for Therapists Looking To Offset Processing Fees

CardX makes it easy to offset your credit card processing fees by automating the entire surcharging process. It utilizes a patent-pending technology to automatically detect whether a client uses a credit, debit, or prepaid card and applies the corresponding fee accordingly.

CardX also helps you register your business with Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. This way, you don’t have to navigate complex brand requirements or worry about non-compliance penalties.

With CardX’s zero-cost surcharging, clients cover a flat 3.5% customer surcharge surcharge fee for credit card payments. However, if they use their debit card to pay, you incur a small 1.25% + 25¢ fee. While CardX’s surcharging automation makes life easier, please note that CardX comes with additional fees, including monthly rental fees to use its POS terminal ($35) and virtual terminal/CardX Portal ($29).

Features and Benefits

• CardX Lightbox. You can embed CardX’s Lightbox payment form directly into your website, allowing clients to pay without leaving the page. This helps maintain brand consistency, reduces PCI risk, and delivers a seamless, professional checkout experience.
• CardX Virtual Terminal. If you book and bill over the phone or via telehealth, CardX’s virtual terminal handles mail-order and phone-order (MOTO) payments and still applies surcharging rules automatically.
• Free signage. CardX provides you with free signage for in-office display, so clients are aware of the surcharge upfront. This helps manage client expectations and avoids potential backlash.
• CardX Portal. You can view weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly reports in your merchant portal. You see total deposit volume, number of sales, and cost savings, helping you track revenue trends and optimize cash flow.

Check out our comprehensive CardX review for more information.

5. Stax: Best for High-Volume Practices With Multiple Income Streams

Stax is an ideal solution if your practice extends beyond one-on-one sessions, like selling online courses, webinars, journals, and books. If your multiple income streams result in a high volume of transactions, Stax could save you up to 40% thanks to its membership pricing model. Its low transaction fees of 10¢ + interchange (in-person) can also save you money if you process large transactions.

Stax is a great solution if you need both payment processing and HIPAA-compliant software for your US-based practice. Your monthly fee includes nearly every tool you could need for your business. For example, you can create digital invoices and allow clients to pay in full or in installments. You can also set up payment plans and recurring invoices for repeat patients.

If you see clients in person, you can get a free terminal from Stax or use your smartphone or tablet as a terminal. This allows you to set up invoices, charge cards on file, and manually enter card details. It’s worth noting that Stax’s monthly fees start as high as $99.00, so I wouldn’t recommend it for low-volume practices.

Features and Benefits

• Built-in shopping carts. If you already have a website, clients can make bookings and pay for sessions or deposits with Stax’s one-click shopping cart.
• Stax Connect. This tool links payments directly to your EHR/EMR software, allowing you to charge, reconcile, and document payments within the same workflow.
• PayPal Buy-Now-Pay-Later. You can offer safe, split-payment options for clients who require longer-term affordability for their treatment plans.
• Zapier integrations. Connecting Stax through Zapier provides access to over 8,000 apps, including Microsoft OneNote for storing session details, Calendly for scheduling appointments, and Slack for team collaboration.

Read our expert Stax review to learn more about this all-in-one platform.

6. Payment Depot: Fair Pricing for Practices With Fluctuating Transactions

Payment Depot’s interchange-plus pricing is ideal for part-time practices and new solo therapists with limited monthly session volumes. It’s a flexible model with no monthly fees and rates ranging between 0.2%-1.95%, making it well-suited for unpredictable payment patterns, such as late payments or no-shows.

Every Payment Depot merchant receives a free Dejavoo Z11 terminal, an EMV-enabled terminal that accepts contactless payments. If your business needs more than one terminal, you can negotiate multiple free terminals or purchase one of Payment Depot’s HIPAA-compliant Clover terminals/POS systems. 

Payment Depot integrates with QuickBooks, Sage, and e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce, allowing you to automate processes and manage your business more efficiently. Just note that Payment Depot doesn’t offer any options for same-day payouts, which may be an issue if your practice relies on fast cash flow to cover expenses.

Features and Benefits

• Next-day deposits. Payment Depot gives you access to your money within 24 hours of every transaction, regardless of the payment method used.
• 24/7 risk monitoring team. Aiming to reduce the risk of chargebacks and fraud, they keep an eye on policies and methods of fraud – notifying you of effective solutions before they take place.
• All-in-one dashboard. It offers an extensive dashboard for managing your practice’s payments, allowing you to create and send branded invoices, run promotions, monitor sales performance, and more.
• Compliance. Payment Depot complies with the highest level of PCI standards while also being GDPR-compliant. Despite the US not requiring GDPR compliance, it does so to ensure transparency and data protection.

To find out more, read our comprehensive Payment Depot review.

7. Chase Payment Solutions: Dedicated Processing Solutions for Healthcare

Chase Payment Solutions’ InstaMed integration offers a suite of HIPAA-compliant features. InstaMed uses proprietary AI technology to tailor payment plans to your patient’s needs. It allows you to create easy-to-understand statements with personalized messaging to simplify the billing process and increase payment compliance.

You can leverage InstaMed’s Reporting and Insights dashboard to gain greater visibility over the performance of your therapy business. From here, you can access your transaction data, valuable consumer loyalty insights, client behavior, and progress reports. You can also use it to store communication preferences, benefits information, and payment activity for each client, improving the efficiency of your practice and patient satisfaction.

Compared to most of my recommendations, Chase Payment Solutions has pricier per-transaction fees. You can expect to pay 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person, 3.5% + 10¢ per keyed-in, and 2.9% + 25¢ per e-commerce transaction. But unlike other processors, it doesn’t charge any monthly fees for its software. That said, the HIPAA-compliant InstaMed integration costs extra. InstaMed provides custom pricing, meaning you’d have to reach out to get a quote.

Features and Benefits

• Insurance-backed payments. InstaMed lets you submit claims and process electronic remittance advice (ERA) for therapy sessions covered by a client’s insurance.
• Recurring billing. To avoid payment delays, you can set up an automatic collection service. Chase allows you to securely store your patient payment data and use it to bill them automatically. This encourages eStatements and online payments that reduce paper waste and your overall processing costs.
• Free same-day funding. With a Chase Business Banking account, you can get free same-day funding, a benefit that is usually not available or comes at an additional cost. This quick turnaround is especially beneficial for managing operational expenses and optimizing financial planning.
• Zero liability protection. Chase Payment Solutions’ zero liability protection ensures that in the event of unauthorized transactions such as fraud or theft related to your Chase Business Banking account, you’re not held responsible for the costs. Chase promises to reimburse any money lost in these situations.

For more, check out our in-depth Chase Payment Solutions review.

Other Notable Credit Card Processors for Therapists

8. Worldpay

Worldpay processes payments in over 170 countries and supports 135 currencies, making it ideal for larger, global mental health clinics. It also accepts over 300 payment methods, allowing you to cater to both local and international clients. These include digital wallets like PayPal and buy-now-pay-later options like Klarna, which make it easy to offer payment plans for long-term therapy.

Worldpay also offers powerful fraud prevention and chargeback management tools, enabling you to process payments securely. I just wish Worldpay were more upfront about its pricing, as fees tend to only come to light after you’ve already signed on as a merchant.

9. POS Pros

POS Pros stands out with its personalized approach to POS equipment, making it best suited for therapists conducting in-person sessions. You’ll receive a free consultation from a POS specialist who will advise you on the right equipment for your needs. The specialist will most likely suggest HIPAA-compliant Clover or Revel equipment, which enables you to accept bookings, securely store patient data, and collect feedback all in one place.

POS Pros’s interchange-plus pricing structure provides highly competitive rates. You can expect to pay $5.00/month and 0.30% + 10¢ (in-person) per transaction. However, I advise you to inquire about potential additional fees because of POS Pros’s lack of transparency in pricing. Emerging solo practitioners can save with its affordable cash discount plan, freeing up more resources for patient care.

10. Ivy Pay

Ivy Pay is an app-based payment system designed specifically for therapists. It is HIPAA-compliant and features therapy-specific tools, including progress notes and appointment scheduling/reminders. It also has very transparent pricing of 2.75% per transaction with zero monthly fees.

That said, Ivy Pay isn’t the best option for most therapists. For starters, it doesn’t integrate with practice management tools. Additionally, it doesn’t support PayPal, Venmo, or mobile wallets – only card payments are accepted. A top payment processor like Paysafe can help you sekure an even better rate while also unlocking a slew of integrations and additional management features.

Should You Use Ivy Pay, Square, or a Full-Service Merchant Processor?

Ivy Pay is a popular option for solo therapists seeking a simple, fast, and HIPAA-compliant solution. However, Ivy Pay doesn’t integrate with practice management software and charges higher fees than many better-performing competitors. It also lacks robust reporting, support for e-commerce or product sales, and has limited payment options.

Options like Square or PayPal offer more features and flexibility, but are way too cookie-cutter to meet the complex needs of your practice: they have high fees and lack therapy-specific integrations.

If you handle PHI or use therapy practice management software, a full-service merchant account is a safer choice. Paysafe, for example, offers HIPAA-compliant apps, low transaction fees, global payment support, and tools for recurring payments.

These Are the Best Credit Card Processing for Therapists

While credit card processors don’t need to be HIPAA-compliant to handle your sales, your payment processing software does. This does limit what software you can use. Fortunately, all of the processors on this list have built-in or available integrations for HIPAA-compliant software.

If you organize global events, seminars, and retreats, Paysafe integrates with the HIPAA-compliant Amilia software and supports over 260 payment methods across more than 120 markets. It also integrates with practice management software via its Payments API and has low transaction fees.

If you’re a new or small practice looking to negotiate fees, LMS offers custom pricing for therapists. Additionally, you can receive a complimentary high-quality Clover device and utilize its HIPAA-compliant software to schedule sessions, manage client data, and process recurring session payments.

For higher-risk practices, such as telehealth or alternative therapy, PaymentCloud accepts 98% of businesses that apply. It also has a dedicated plan for high-risk businesses and excellent chargeback and fraud protection tools.

FAQ

What’s the best credit card processing for therapists?

Paysafe is the best credit card processor for therapists. It integrates with HIPAA-compliant software Amilia for managing clients, scheduling, memberships, and registrations. It also integrates with practice management software, offers low transaction fees, supports recurring payments, and accepts payments globally.

What fees are involved with therapist credit card processing?

They may include per-transaction card fees, monthly/gateway fees, chargeback or dispute fees, ACH or terminal costs, and PCI or equipment charges. Platforms like Leaders Merchant Services are willing to adjust pricing based on your needs.

Is Ivy Pay for therapists?

Yes, Ivy Pay is a payment solution built exclusively for therapists. It allows you to charge a client’s saved card with one tap, offers next-day payouts, and is HIPAA-secure with a signed Business Associate Agreement. However, Ivy Pay lacks practice management integrations, offers limited payment options, and charges higher fees than many better-performing competitors.

How does Ivy Pay vs Square compare for therapists?

Ivy Pay offers a flat 2.75% per transaction, with no monthly fees, HIPAA-secure processing, and mobile-only payments. Meanwhile, Square offers versatile payment methods (in-person, invoicing, and contactless), robust reporting, and broader business tools, but at higher online fees (typically 2.9% + 30¢). If you want lower fees and require practice management integrations, a comprehensive merchant account would be a better solution.

Can therapists use Venmo for payment?

No. While Venmo is covered by the payment processing service exemption under HIPAA, it shares user information with PayPal. PayPal also sells user data to advertisers. Therapists need to be aware that most of these payment apps are not HIPAA-compliant. Several of the best payment processors offer compliant convenient payment options like digital invoicing, payment links, and even subscription plans, making it easy for clients to pay you without legal risk.