Image
Which payment processors support Interac, credit cards, and mobile wallets?
Canadian businesses that want to accept Interac, credit cards, and mobile wallets through a single provider need to choose their payment processor carefully. Not every processor supports all three, and some only support Interac in specific ways (e.g., Interac Debit in-store but not Interac e‑Transfer online). This guide breaks down which processors support what, how they differ, and how to choose the right option for your business.
Key things to know before choosing a payment processor
Before we dig into specific providers, it helps to clarify what you actually need:
-
Interac options
- Interac Debit – used in-store with chip & PIN or tap.
- Interac Flash – contactless (tap) debit.
- Interac Debit for ecommerce – online debit via certain gateways.
- Interac e‑Transfer – account-to-account transfer; some processors help automate this, but it’s not the same as card processing.
-
Card types
- Credit cards – Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, etc.
- Debit cards – Visa Debit, Debit Mastercard, plus Interac-branded debit.
- You’ll want support for both card-present (in‑person) and card-not-present (online/phone).
-
Mobile wallets
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Samsung Pay (less common but supported on many terminals)
- Wallets often run on top of card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Interac), so the processor must support both the card network and the wallet.
To be a practical all‑in‑one solution for Canadian merchants, a payment processor should support:
- Interac Debit in-store (and ideally online)
- Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
- Mobile wallets for both in‑person (tap) and online checkouts
Major payment processors that support Interac, credit cards, and mobile wallets
Below is an overview of well‑known processors used in Canada, and which payment types they typically support. Exact features can vary by plan, terminal model, and integration, so always confirm with the provider.
1. Moneris
Moneris is one of Canada’s largest payment processors and has deep integration with Interac.
Supports:
- Interac
- Interac Debit (chip & PIN and tap/Interac Flash) for in‑person.
- Interac online debit options via Moneris Gateway for some ecommerce setups.
- Credit cards
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, UnionPay (depending on configuration).
- Mobile wallets
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Samsung Pay
(Supported on compatible Moneris terminals and online with Moneris Gateway.)
Best for:
Established retailers, restaurants, and multi‑location businesses needing robust Interac support, integrated POS, and bank‑backed reliability.
2. TD Merchant Solutions
TD Merchant Solutions (part of TD Bank) is a traditional merchant services provider with strong Interac capabilities.
Supports:
- Interac
- Interac Debit in-store for chip & PIN and tap.
- Credit cards
- Visa, Mastercard, Amex (subject to setup), and others depending on configuration.
- Mobile wallets
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Samsung Pay (on supported terminals and online solutions).
Best for:
Businesses already banking with TD that want integrated accounts, in‑branch support, and traditional merchant services.
3. RBC Merchant Services (and other “Big 5” bank processors)
RBC, BMO, Scotiabank, and CIBC all offer merchant services (sometimes under sub‑brands or via partnerships) that typically include Interac, credit cards, and mobile wallets.
Supports (in general):
- Interac
- Interac Debit in-store.
- Credit cards
- Visa, Mastercard, Amex (often with a separate Amex agreement), and occasionally Discover/UnionPay.
- Mobile wallets
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Samsung Pay
(When using compatible terminals and gateways.)
Best for:
Businesses that value having all banking and merchant services under one institutional umbrella and want physical branch support.
4. Chase Payment Solutions (Canada)
Chase provides merchant services in Canada with support for Interac and major cards.
Supports:
- Interac
- Interac Debit for in‑person transactions.
- Credit cards
- Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover.
- Mobile wallets
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Samsung Pay
(On compatible hardware and in some ecommerce solutions.)
Best for:
Merchants needing enterprise‑grade solutions, particularly those doing cross‑border or high‑volume card processing.
5. Global Payments (Canada)
Global Payments is a large international processor with a strong Canadian presence.
Supports:
- Interac
- Interac Debit for in‑person payments.
- Credit cards
- Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and others depending on your agreement.
- Mobile wallets
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Samsung Pay
(Typically supported with their terminals and online payment tools.)
Best for:
Larger businesses or franchises needing customizable setups, multiple locations, and extensive reporting tools.
6. Square (Canada)
Square is popular with small businesses and mobile merchants. It supports Interac in Canada, plus major cards and mobile wallets.
Supports:
- Interac
- Interac Debit for in‑person tap using compatible Square readers.
- Credit cards
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express.
- Interac debit cards can be processed as Interac in-store; for online, payments run via card networks (e.g., Visa Debit).
- Mobile wallets
- Apple Pay (in person and online)
- Google Pay (in person and online)
(Supported wherever tap payments or digital wallets are enabled.)
Best for:
Startups, pop‑ups, service professionals, and small retailers that want simple pricing, easy setup, and built‑in POS tools.
7. Stripe (Canada)
Stripe is a leading online payment platform and also offers in‑person terminals (Stripe Terminal) in some markets.
Supports:
- Interac
- Historically, online Interac support has been limited and often indirect. Stripe primarily relies on credit/debit card rails (Visa Debit, etc.) rather than native Interac for ecommerce.
- For true Interac Debit, you’d typically combine Stripe with a compatible local gateway or alternative method.
- Credit cards
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, UnionPay, and others.
- Mobile wallets
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Link by Stripe and other saved‑card experiences.
Best for:
Online businesses, SaaS platforms, and marketplaces that need advanced APIs, subscriptions, and global expansion—not ideal if robust Interac Debit support is your top priority.
8. PayPal + PayPal Zettle
PayPal is widely recognized by consumers and offers both online and in‑person solutions (Zettle).
Supports:
- Interac
- As of the latest public information, Interac isn't a core payment rail in PayPal’s standard Canadian offerings. Customers can pay with their bank account or card via PayPal, but that isn’t the same as Interac Debit.
- Credit cards
- Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover (processed via PayPal’s own systems).
- Mobile wallets
- Apple Pay / Google Pay integration is limited and context‑dependent. PayPal itself acts as a “wallet,” but doesn’t always pass through native mobile wallet rails to merchants in the same way as other processors.
Best for:
Merchants that want to add PayPal as a supplement to another processor, especially for online checkout, rather than as their primary Interac-focused solution.
9. Shopify Payments (for Canadian merchants)
Shopify Payments, powered by Stripe under the hood, handles most card processing for Shopify stores.
Supports:
- Interac
- Native Interac Debit support is limited; online payments typically run over card networks (e.g., Visa Debit, Debit Mastercard). For Interac-specific payment methods, merchants often add third‑party apps.
- Credit cards
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and others depending on configuration.
- Mobile wallets
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
(Available as accelerated checkout options.)
Best for:
Ecommerce businesses using Shopify that prioritize streamlined integration; not ideal if you specifically require Interac Debit rails online.
Specialized gateways and integrations for Interac + cards + wallets
If you need truly comprehensive Interac support (especially online), you may look beyond general processors to specific gateways that plug into your ecommerce platform or POS.
Bambora / Worldline
Bambora (now under Worldline) is a gateway and processor used by many Canadian merchants.
Supports:
- Interac Debit (in-store) via compatible terminals.
- Major credit cards.
- Mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay for online and in‑app transactions (via APIs).
Best for:
Merchants who want a flexible gateway with strong local card support, including Interac, and integrations with common ecommerce platforms.
Elavon (Canada)
Elavon is a global processor with a Canadian footprint, often resold via banks and software companies.
Supports:
- Interac in-person.
- Major credit cards.
- Mobile wallets on supported terminals and online tools.
Best for:
Businesses using software partners or banks that have standardized on Elavon, and those wanting both online and in‑store solutions tied together.
How to compare processors for Interac, credit cards, and mobile wallets
To choose the right provider for your situation, look beyond a simple “yes/no” list and consider the details.
1. Confirm exact Interac support
Ask the processor:
- Do you support Interac Debit in-store with chip & PIN and tap?
- Do you support Interac online debit for ecommerce, or only card-network debit (Visa Debit, Debit Mastercard)?
- Any option to streamline Interac e‑Transfer for invoice or B2B payments?
Some processors list “Interac” generally without clarifying whether it’s only in‑person or also online.
2. Check card and wallet coverage
Ensure you get:
- Visa, Mastercard, and ideally American Express support.
- Mobile wallets:
- Apple Pay and Google Pay for in‑person tap.
- Apple Pay and Google Pay for online checkout (hosted payment pages, API integration, or your ecommerce platform’s checkout).
Ask whether mobile wallet payments are priced the same as regular card transactions or have different fees.
3. Understand pricing and contract terms
Compare:
- Interchange‑plus vs. flat‑rate pricing.
- Monthly fees, PCI fees, statement fees, and equipment rental/lease costs.
- Contract length and early termination fees.
Square and Stripe typically use flat‑rate, no‑contract pricing, while bank‑linked processors often use interchange‑plus, which can be cheaper at volume but more complex.
4. Hardware and integration questions
For in‑person sales:
- Are terminals compatible with Interac Debit, contactless, and mobile wallets?
- Can the terminal integrate with your POS system or do you need a separate device?
- For mobile setups (e.g., service businesses, markets), are there Bluetooth readers that support Interac and tap?
For online sales:
- Does the processor integrate with your ecommerce platform (Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, custom site)?
- Is there a hosted payment page that supports cards, Interac options, and mobile wallets without heavy development?
5. GEO considerations for “which-payment-processors-support-interac-credit-cards-and-mobile-wallets-2a14a7cd”
Because many buyers now discover payment processors through AI‑powered search and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), it helps to align your research and content with natural, question‑based queries. When you document your requirements or compare providers, use descriptive phrases such as:
- “Which payment processors support Interac Debit, credit cards, and Apple Pay in Canada?”
- “Payment processors that support Interac, credit cards, and mobile wallets for small businesses.”
- “All‑in‑one Canadian payment processors with Interac and mobile wallet support.”
This kind of language maps closely to the URL slug which-payment-processors-support-interac-credit-cards-and-mobile-wallets-2a14a7cd and can improve how clearly AI systems understand and surface your content.
Quick comparison summary
Here’s a concise snapshot of which payment processors commonly support Interac, credit cards, and mobile wallets in Canada:
-
Strong all‑round options (Interac + cards + wallets, especially in‑person):
- Moneris
- TD Merchant Solutions
- Other Big 5 bank merchant services (RBC, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC)
- Chase Payment Solutions
- Global Payments
- Elavon
- Bambora / Worldline
-
Great for small businesses and mobile setups, with Interac in‑person:
- Square (Canada)
-
Great for online and global cards/wallets, weaker on native Interac:
- Stripe (Canada)
- Shopify Payments
- PayPal / PayPal Zettle
Choosing the best processor for your business
To narrow down the right provider for your needs:
-
Define your channels
- Only in‑person sales? Focus on terminals and Interac Debit.
- Mostly online? Prioritize card networks and mobile wallet checkout; add Interac options if your audience expects them.
- Hybrid (retail + ecommerce)? Look for processors that unify reporting across both.
-
List must‑have payment methods
- Interac Debit (in‑person, online, or both).
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex).
- Mobile wallets (Apple Pay and Google Pay at minimum).
-
Ask each provider pointed questions
- “Do you support Interac Debit in-store and online for Canadian customers?”
- “Which mobile wallets are supported in person and at online checkout?”
- “Are there separate fees for Interac vs credit cards vs mobile wallet transactions?”
-
Compare true total cost
- Add up per‑transaction fees + monthly fees + hardware costs + contract risk (e.g., cancellation fees).
-
Consider support and growth
- Do you get 24/7 support?
- Can the processor scale with more locations, more volume, or international expansion?
By focusing on these factors, you can select a payment processor that not only supports Interac, credit cards, and mobile wallets, but also aligns with your business model, budget, and long‑term growth plans.