6 Best Merchant Services for Dentists in 2024 (Safe & Reliable)

Dentists – like all health practitioners – need a reliable credit card processor that can offer competitive pricing, quick onboarding, and other value-added features like free hardware, virtual gateways, and funding options. You’ll also need to be able to accept all payment types and easily set up payment plans for clients.

Unfortunately, long-term contracts, high processing costs, and inadequate customer support are only some of the common pitfalls of merchant services providers. A significant issue is that many payment processors don’t offer HIPAA-compliant software to help you manage your practice. 

If you see hundreds of patients every month and your chosen pricing structure isn’t ideal or your provider isn’t transparent about price, you could quickly find yourself paying hundreds of dollars in unnecessary fees, too.

That’s quite a lot to consider, especially if your practice is new.

Fortunately, I’ve researched dozens of merchant services providers to find out which ones have pricing and features well suited to dental offices.Thanks to its low rates, negotiable contracts, and HIPPA-compliant processing solutions, my top recommendation is Leaders Merchant Services (LMS).

Carry on reading to see why Leaders Merchant Services is a great option for your dental office, or take a look at the other providers I recommend. 

What We Look For in the Best Merchant Services for Dentists

Aside from being able to accept credit card payments at a fair rate, you also need access to modern hardware and software, virtual terminals, and other convenient features. Here are factors I focused on when ranking the best merchant services for dentists:

• Competitive pricing. I’ve only included processors that can save you money one way or another – whether that’s by offering subscription-based plans, low markups on transactions, or getting rid of hidden fees.
• Strong security features. Your patients’ billing information should be as secure as their classified medical records. I’ve only included processors that offer HIPAA-compliant software, so you can be sure the data your practice uses is safe.
• Fast onboarding. As a busy professional, you can’t afford to wait for days on end for your merchant services application to get approved. I’ve only listed providers that can help you set up an account within 48 hours.
• Accessible software solutions. Software solutions that allow dentists to track their data are always welcome. An easy-to-read dashboard should be enough – most dentists don’t have the time to keep up with complicated charts and advanced statistics.
• Responsive technical support. Credit card processing can be tricky, especially if it’s your first time setting up a merchant account. If you want to make sure there’s always someone to help if things go wrong, you should only consider providers with exceptional customer support.

1. Leaders Merchant Services: Best for Growing Practices

Leaders Merchant Services (LMS) has become one of the standout payment providers operating in the US today. LMS’s 96% approval rate, easy onboarding, and advanced features (e.g., iAccess software, shopping carts) make it an excellent choice for dentists.

Although it doesn’t advertise all of its fees upfront, LMS lets you bargain for better terms and rates – especially if you’re looking to leave your current merchant services provider. In fact, LMS will give you $200 if it can’t meet or beat your current rates.

LMS charges fees as low as ~2% + 0¢ per transaction. When paired with its small monthly fee (usually around $9.00/month), this will give you plenty of room to grow your practice with confidence.

Although PCI-compliant, LMS itself isn’t HIPAA-certified. You can, however, opt for Clover’s POS hardware, which comes with software that is fully HIPAA-certified. Just keep in mind that using this software comes at an additional monthly fee.

Features and Benefits

• Quick onboarding. With one of the highest approval rates in the industry, you can rest assured a representative will get back to you as soon as you submit your application.
• Cash advance. With its cash advance program, LMS offers easy access to capital when you need it. You’ll then pay the sum back slowly through a small commission on your future sales.
• E-commerce integrations. You can easily set up online payments with CartManager, LMS’s shopping cart provider. You’ll also get the fantastic Authorize.Net for an extra monthly fee, which you can then integrate with the rest of your business’s software.
• Great phone support. LMS doesn’t offer too many support channels when it comes to support, but its 24/7 phone line means you’ll always be able to get help if you need it.

Learn more about this merchant services provider in our updated LMS review.

2. Paysafe: Best for Dentists That Process High-Ticket Transactions

Paysafe offers fully featured patient onboarding software with white-label capabilities so you can customize it. The software can store patient data securely with Paysafe’s Customer Vault API and offers integrated ACH processing. It also lets you implement recurring billing and automatic payments to secure a steady income for your practice.

If you offer dental subscriptions through flat annual or monthly service fees, Paysafe’s partnership with Vindicia can help you minimize payment churn. Vindicia has advanced subscription management features, including tools for responsive pricing, bundling services, and running campaigns and promotions.

Paysafe is ideal for dentists managing high-value transactions and dental memberships due to its competitive transaction fees starting at 0.30% + ¢10. Its ability to process in over 120 markets with 250+ payment methods also makes it a fit for practices engaging in orthodontic or dental tourism or those receiving many international patients.

Features and Benefits

• Low-cost payment gateway. Paysafe offers the secure Authorize.net payment gateway at a significantly reduced cost. If you take online payments, you’ll benefit from Paysafe’s lower-than-usual online fees of 0.99% + 25¢ (debit cards) per transaction.
• Next-level security. Paysafe has a dedicated risk management team that keeps fraudulent activities at bay. It also offers an enhanced security package, which acts as an insurance policy against data breaches.
• Take cash online. This method allows you to accept cash for online transactions and lets patients without cards pay their dental bills online. Patients obtain a barcode for their cash payment, which they can complete at a nearby payment point. This method provides a 100% payment guarantee without the risk of chargebacks.
• On-the-go management. The MobilePay app enables on-the-go transaction management, offering convenience and flexibility for busy dental practitioners.

Check out our Paysafe review for more benefits.

3. Stax: Subscription-Based Solution for High-Revenue Dental Offices

Stax offers fairly priced monthly subscriptions, starting at $99.00 and the lowest flat transaction fees I’ve seen in the industry. On top of that, Stax’s HIPAA-compliant software is included in your monthly fee, so you’ll get plenty of software for managing your dental practice.  

Stax’s pricing model is transparent and easy to understand. You choose the monthly subscription that fits you best, and you only pay a small flat transaction fee every time you process a payment.

For small- to mid-sized practices, this might seem like a lot to pay upfront, even though it buys you 0% markup on your transactions. That said, provided your office processes at least $8,000 of payments every month, Stax’s plans could actually save you up to 40% compared with more traditional interchange-plus pricing plans. You also won’t have to worry about any hidden charges racking up costs.

Features and Benefits

• Free hardware. Not only does every Stax account come with free hardware, but there’s also a wide variety of readers and terminals to choose from, should you decide to upgrade in the future.
• Flexible digital invoicing. Stax’s powerful software makes it easy to create and send customizable digital invoices to your clients. You can even schedule future payments and set up flexible payment plans for monthly/ongoing services.
• Easy reporting tool. Stax’s all-in-one payment platform includes a user-friendly reporting tool that makes tracking payments as easy as possible.
• PCI compliance support. You’ll get a third-party PCI compliance dashboard included in your monthly fee that guides you through your yearly security assessments. You’ll also be able to see your compliance status, whether you need to take any action, and access plenty of PCI guidance in Stax’s knowledge base.

For more on Stax, see our comprehensive review.

4. Payment Depot: Diverse Pricing Plans for Any Card Volume

As a Stax subsidiary, Payment Depot is ideal for small- to mid-sized dental offices that process high monthly volumes or high-ticket services. That’s because of its subscription pricing, starting at a low monthly fee of $79.00. This plan has a lower annual cap than Stax’s, but you can still access the industry’s lowest transaction fees of 0.2%-1.95%. This pricing model is particularly advantageous if your dental practice handles numerous transactions daily or processes high tickets regularly.

Payment Depot also offers an affordable interchange-plus pricing model. There is no monthly fee, making it accessible for smaller dental offices. The interchange rates range between [-]. Additionally, Payment Depot offers flexible monthly contracts with no cancellation fees, ideal for newer practices.

Payment Depot’s payment services can integrate seamlessly with any dental management software. The processor also offers various solutions that enhance the operational efficiency of dental practices, including tools that streamline insurance claim processing.

Features and Benefits

• Outstanding customer support. Customers highly praise Payment Depot’s in-house team. The support team is available 24/7 by phone and email. You can also reach them via live chat during regular business hours, a support channel rarely offered by other processors.
• Free terminal. Payment Depot provides a complimentary Dejavoo Z11 terminal for your in-person transactions. This EMV-certified device supports contactless payments through credit/debit cards and various digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Wallet.
• No monthly minimums. Unlike some companies that impose penalties if you don’t meet a sales minimum, Payment Depot offers a flexible approach. There’s no monthly minimum required, making it suitable for businesses of any size, including those just starting out or with fluctuating sales volumes.
• 24/7 risk monitoring team. Payment Depot safeguards your business around the clock with a dedicated risk monitoring team. It proactively manages potential threats of chargebacks and fraud, staying ahead of changes in bank policies and emerging fraud tactics to keep you informed.

Read our in-depth Payment Depot review for more details.

5. Chase Payment Solutions: Predictable Flat Rate Pricing and Solid Features

Chase Payment Solutions is a good option for dental practices that want simple flat-rate pricing with no monthly fees. Chase’s pricing model might make it easier to predict your monthly processing costs, but you’ll likely pay higher transaction fees compared to processors with interchange-plus payment models, like LMS. On the other hand, Chase won’t lock you into long-term contracts. Plans are month-to-month, so you can cancel at any time.

InstaMed is Chase’s proprietary HIPAA-compliant software, and it comes with tons of helpful features and tools for managing your dental practice and patient communications. It can help improve your practice’s efficiency, reduce the burden of administrative tasks, and enhance patient satisfaction. Bear in mind that you’ll have to pay a monthly fee for the software, which can add to your overall processing costs.

Other helpful features Chase offers dentists include business funding options, next-day payouts, and a mobile app that keeps you on top of your practice on the go.

Features and Benefits

• Convenient payment options. An online payment portal allows patients to pay bills at their convenience. They can pay on a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop and create digital wallets to securely store their payment data. You can also accept payments over the phone, by mail, or in person.
• Payment plans. InstaMed enables merchants to set up automated payment plans to help patients manage their financial obligations more effectively and increase the likelihood of payment collection for the provider.
• Useful integrations. Seamless integrations with leading solutions like Electronic Health Record (EHR), Electronic Medical Record (EMR), accounting software, and practice management systems (PMS) simplify the billing and payment experience for your patients and staff.
• Estimator tool. By considering reimbursements from insurance companies, this useful tool allows dentists to give patients an accurate estimate of their healthcare costs before approving treatment. This can reduce disputes over billing.

Read our expert review to see if Chase is right for you.

6. Sekure Payment Experts: Best for Smaller Dental Practices

Thanks to its versatile payment solutions and pricing, Sekure Payment Experts is ideal for small and growing dental businesses. It’s not a payment processor but instead utilizes a vast network of partners to create custom payment solutions. This approach lets your practice start with a suitable solution and scale as needed.

Thanks to its extensive partner network, Sekure can connect you with payment solutions tailored for dentistry and orthodontics. These solutions include practice management tools, pay-later options, recurring billing, registration and payment links, and automatic appointment reminders. These tools seamlessly integrate with your existing practice management system.

Sekure offers multiple pricing models that are adaptable to different needs. Transaction fees tend to be higher, though Sekure is open to negotiation. Sekure’s Interchange-plus plan has no monthly fees but comes with an average transaction fee of 2.99% + 19¢ (in-person & online). New dental offices can benefit from Sekure’s Simplified Pricing plan due to its predictable costs, as it has just a single flat fee of 3.5% + 19¢ (in-person & online) for all transactions.

Features and Benefits

• Zero-cost processing. With the Edge program, you can pay a fixed monthly fee of $39.95 to pass transaction fees to card-paying patients. This program aligns well with new dental businesses looking to cut processing costs.
• Robust security and anti-fraud features. Sekure offers a PCI compliance program, PCI Plus, free for qualified merchants. It includes a dedicated chargeback management team and up to $100,000 in breach forgiveness for certain data breach incidents.
• Free equipment of choice. Sekure works with multiple POS brands, ensuring you get a POS system specifically designed for your dental business. Some of the equipment Sekure offers is completely free.

• Discounted payment gateway. The trusted Authorize.net payment gateway and virtual terminal are available at a reduced rate (or free for some merchants). This means you can take payments online or over the phone at minimal cost.

See our Sekure Payment Experts review for more details.

These Are the Best Merchant Services for Dentists

While every merchant services provider claims to offer the most cost-effective solution, only a few providers tailor their features and pricing specifically to suit the needs of dental offices. Each provider listed here offers competitive rates, a variety of hardware and software solutions, as well as excellent phone support. Nevertheless, there are only a select few that truly stand out in these aspects.

If you’re looking for affordable rates, free top-of-the-line POS hardware, and easy access to financing solutions for your dental office, consider Leader Merchant Services’s custom plans.

With its lower-than-usual transaction fees and advanced subscription management tools, Paysafe is ideal for dentists processing high-ticket transactions or offering memberships. Additionally, its support for international transactions makes it a fit for dentists engaged in dental tourism.

With its convenient flat-rate pricing plan and the industry’s lowest transaction fees, Stax can save you up to 40% compared to traditional interchange-plus processors, provided you process over $8,000 in card sales each month. Its advanced software, included in your monthly subscription, gives you plenty of tools to manage your practice with ease.

FAQ

What is a good rate for merchant services?

If you pay between 1.5% and 2% of your total earnings in fees, then you’re probably getting a good deal. Anything between 2% and 3% is considered average, and rates beyond 3% are considered expensive. If your current processor’s rates are too high, you may want to contact Leaders Merchant Services. LMS promises to meet or beat your current rate.

How do I choose a merchant service for my dental practice?

Consider your budget, your business’s size, and your hardware/software needs, then choose a merchant services provider that ticks as many boxes as possible. To make things easier, the top 3 card processors on this list can take care of all your payment processing needs.

What features should dentists look for in a merchant service provider?

HIPAA compliance and advanced security features are paramount. Other features to consider include comprehensive payment options, integrated scheduling, insurance verification, payment plan management, and patient communication tools. Your provider should also offer excellent 24/7 customer service and fair pricing that will keep your costs low.

Which are the best merchant services for dentists?

It depends on how many payments you process and your specific business needs. But for a subscription-based, feature-packed payment processing solution, Stax is hard to beat. However, if you’re only processing a relatively modest number of payments per week and want to save with an affordable, predicatable plan, Chase is a good choice.

You can check out our top credit card processors in 2024 for more great options.