Taking payments over the phone or by email isn’t new. But in 2025, the tools to do it are better than ever. Virtual terminals let businesses enter card payments manually. There’s no physical card needed. It’s useful for remote teams, phone orders, service pros, or anyone needing flexible billing. With more people working remotely and buyers skipping cash, the demand for payment terminal services keeps rising. If you’re running a modern business, having a reliable terminal can save time and reduce stress.
Now, not all virtual terminals work the same. Some are built for simple charges. Others come with extra tools like saved customer profiles, recurring billing, or reporting dashboards. Before you pick one, it’s smart to know what features matter most. Look for ease of use, PCI compliance, good support, and fair pricing. If you already have a POS or payment provider, find a terminal that fits your setup. Below, we’ll break down the top options businesses are using in 2025.
What to Look for in a Virtual Terminal
A payment virtual terminal should do more than process a card. It should also fit into your day-to-day operations. First, look at security. Make sure the terminal is PCI compliant and uses tokenization. This protects customer data. Next, see if it’s easy to use. Can your staff learn it in minutes? Can you log in from any browser or device?
Then comes compatibility. Does it work with your CRM or invoicing system? Can it save customer details for repeat billing? Look for features like recurring charges, digital receipts, and reporting tools. These save time and reduce manual errors. Also, check the pricing. Some charge per transaction. Others use a monthly model. Make sure the cost fits your volume.
Lastly, support matters. If something breaks, you’ll want fast help. Choose a provider with solid reviews and responsive support. A good POS handles payments but a great one helps your whole business run smoother.
Best Virtual Terminal Solutions in 2025
There are plenty of payment terminal services out there, but not all are built the same. Some are made for speed and ease. Others focus on control, security, or volume savings. Below, we’ve listed the top platforms that businesses are using this year. Each one has its own strengths, pricing, and features. The right pick depends on how you run your business, how much you process, and what tools you already use.
Let’s look at the top choices worth considering in 2025.
Square is a favorite among small businesses. It’s free to use. You log in, enter the card, and charge. No extra tools or downloads. It works in your browser and links with Square’s full dashboard. That means easy access to reports, inventory, and customer info. The fees are flat: 3.5% + 15¢ per keyed-in payment. It’s simple, fast, and reliable.
PayPal is part of their Payments Pro plan. You can charge cards directly without the customer needing a PayPal account. This suits service businesses or those who already send PayPal invoices. The monthly cost is around $30, plus fees near 3.1%. Setup is quick, and support is solid. If you already trust PayPal, their virtual terminal is an easy fit.
Stripe is best for businesses with tech teams or custom software. The platform is built for developers. You can create your own billing workflows, use powerful APIs, and access strong fraud tools. Rates start at 2.9% + 30¢, but manual entry may cost more. Stripe is great if you need control and are ready to handle the setup.
Helcim stands out with honest pricing and free tools. It uses interchange-plus rates, which often cost less than flat fees. The terminal is browser-based, with no extra cost. You get access to invoicing, saved cards, customer records, and reporting. Helcim suits service providers, consultants, and B2B sellers. You’ll need to apply, but there’s no long-term contract.
Clover is a good match for merchants using Clover hardware. It lets you process payments online and send invoices. It’s easy to use and works well with the rest of Clover’s tools. If you already run a Clover POS, adding the virtual terminal helps you manage payments across channels. Fees depend on your provider, so check your current contract.
Stax (by Fattmerchant) uses a subscription model. Instead of percentage fees, you pay a flat monthly rate. This can save money if you process $20,000 or more each month. The virtual terminal comes with advanced tools, including analytics, reporting, and customer profiles. Stax works well for growing service businesses that want predictable costs and strong support.
PaymentCloud is built for high-risk merchants. If you sell supplements, CBD, or operate in a niche industry, this is a strong pick. PaymentCloud helps you get approved and sets you up with a processor. Their virtual terminal is secure, easy to use, and comes with fraud tools and CRM add-ons. Pricing is custom, so you’ll need to get a quote.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right terminal depends on your business model. If you want something simple and fast, Square or PayPal can do the job. If your team is technical or you need global tools, Stripe makes sense. For high-volume businesses, Stax or Helcim can offer savings. If you’re in a tough industry, PaymentCloud might be your best bet.
Most providers let you test their tools or see a demo. Try one out before you commit. Make sure the terminal fits your workflow, not the other way around. In 2025, there’s no reason to fight with your payment system. With the right payment virtual terminal, transactions should feel simple, secure, and stress-free.
If you’re ready to get started, Pure Terminal can help. We offer the top payment terminal brands along with free setup demos, expert guidance, and dedicated support. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Reach out to our team and we’ll help you choose the best fit for your business, install it, and make sure it runs smoothly from day one.