Helcim Fee Saver

Last Updated February 28, 2024

Previous version: May 2023

The Helcim Fee Saver program ("Fee Saver") is an optional feature available to eligible merchants on the Helcim platform. It allows merchants to add a Fee Saver pass-on fee to cover credit card processing costs associated with a transaction. The pass-on fee is applied to online and in-person transactions at the time of checkout if the customer chooses to pay via credit card instead of another payment option such as bank account withdrawal, debit card, cash, cheque, or electronic transfer (ACH). By default, the pass-on fee for online credit card orders is set at 3% (+ 1.5% for international cards outside of Canada and the U.S.), 3% for in-person credit card purchases in the U.S., and 2.4% for in-person credit card purchases in Canada. However, certain conditions, such as certain card brand fees and cross-border fees, may result in an adjusted pass-on fee to accurately reflect the prevailing market conditions of those transactions. The updated fee will be surfaced to the customer at the time of checkout, ensuring transparency and providing clarity regarding the final cost of the transaction. The following terms apply to your access and use of Fee Saver, in addition to the terms applicable to the Services generally under the Agreement (as defined under the Helcim Terms of Service):

1. Eligibility: To be eligible for Fee Saver, a merchant must accept payment via debit card, electronic transfer (ACH), bank account withdrawal, cash, or cheque as a preferred method by default. Helcim reserves the right to determine eligibility for Fee Saver at its sole discretion and may suspend or terminate a merchant's access to and use of Fee Saver if the merchant is deemed ineligible. If you are not eligible to accept payments via debit or ACH because you operate in a restricted industry or for any other reason, you won't be eligible for Fee Saver and those settings will not be surfaced to you. You can find the list of restricted industries at the bottom of our Acceptable Use Policy.
2. Compliance with Laws and Card Brand Rules: Your use of Fee Saver must comply with all applicable card brand rules and applicable laws, including but not limited to, laws relating to consumer protection, credit card processing, payment processing, and transaction fees. It is your responsibility to know and understand the laws and card brand rules applicable in your jurisdiction to your use of Fee Saver and to ensure that the pass-on fee charged to customers complies with such laws and rules. Helcim is not responsible for any fines, penalties, or damages arising from non-compliance with laws or card brand rules resulting from your use of Fee Saver.
3. Transparency and Disclosure: You must clearly and noticeably disclose the Fee Saver pass-on fee to customers before the customer completes the transaction. The disclosure must include the amount of the fee, the purpose of the fee, and the available payment methods that would not incur the fee. You are responsible for providing customers with accurate and complete information about the Fee Saver pass-on fee before completing the transaction.
4. Consistency: If you opt into Fee Saver and choose to apply the pass-on fee on one card network's transactions, you must apply it consistently to all credit card transactions, regardless of the card network.
5. Customer Support: You are responsible for providing customer support related to the pass-on fee and handling any disputes, refund requests, or complaints related to the fee. Helcim is not obligated to intervene in any dispute arising between you and your customers concerning Fee Saver.
6. Returns and Refunds: In the case of a full purchase return, the entire pass-on fee amount shall be returned to the customer. In the case of a partial purchase return, a proportional amount of the pass-on fee shall be returned to the customer. In both cases, you will be billed the fee that was returned to your customer.
7. Modifications: Helcim reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue Fee Saver at any time, with or without notice, at its sole discretion.

By opting into Fee Saver, you agree to comply with these additional terms and conditions. Helcim may suspend or terminate your access to and use of the Fee Saver if you do not comply with these terms.