Helcim says it has launched a new payment extension that allows merchants to integrate its payment processing directly into the web-based business software they already use, a move the Calgary-based company says is aimed at giving businesses more control over how they accept payments.
The company said the Helcim Payment Extension lets merchants connect their existing operational software to Helcim through a browser extension, allowing payment data to move between systems without requiring separate workflows or manual reconciliation.
Addressing integration and cost constraints
In announcing the launch, Helcim said many growing businesses face trade-offs between using specialized software for operations such as scheduling, inventory management or accounting and accepting payment options that are bundled with that software.
The company said those bundled options are often limited to a single processor and may involve higher flat-rate pricing, which can reduce margins as transaction volumes increase. Businesses that choose to manage payments separately, Helcim said, can face fragmented records and added administrative work.
Helcim said the new extension is designed to address those issues by allowing merchants to integrate Helcim’s payment processing into browser-based software they already rely on, without replacing existing systems.
How the extension works
According to the company, merchants install the Helcim Payment Extension as a browser add-on, which then connects their existing software workflows to Helcim’s payment interface. Helcim said this setup allows transaction information to flow between the software and Helcim, so invoices are automatically marked as paid and accounting records remain up to date without manual data entry.
“Finally, we don’t have to choose between our favorite clinic software and fair payment rates,” said Jedd Ylagan, owner of Kinetically Whole Therapies and a Helcim beta user. “The workflow is seamless–our staff operates exactly as they always have–but now we are saving significantly on every transaction without compromising the client experience.”
Helcim did not disclose specific savings figures but positioned the extension as a way for merchants to continue using established workflows while changing how payments are processed.
Platform support and expansion plans
At launch, Helcim said the payment extension supports more than 20 software platforms. The company said it plans to expand that number to more than 100 integrations by the end of the year.
Helcim said the expansion is intended to make the extension relevant to a wide range of industries, including healthcare, automotive and professional services. The company said the extension allows those businesses to access Helcim’s interchange-plus pricing model through their existing software environments.
“We believe merchants deserve to be in control of their financial partnerships,” said Nic Beique, CEO and founder of Helcim. “Business owners shouldn’t be forced to overpay for payments just to use the operational software they love. This extension restores the power of choice, allowing merchants to pair the best tools for their business with the transparent, affordable payments they deserve.”
Business model and availability
Helcim said merchants can download the payment extension immediately and begin using it without setup or monthly fees. The company said its platform does not require long-term contracts and uses a volume-based interchange-plus pricing structure.
The company positioned the extension as part of its broader strategy to serve growing businesses by offering payment tools that integrate with existing systems while maintaining what it describes as transparent pricing.
Helcim did not provide financial projections related to the launch but said the extension is intended to help businesses reduce administrative friction and manage payment costs as they scale.
Company background
Helcim describes itself as a payment platform focused on serving scaling business owners. The company said it provides payment services to tens of thousands of merchants across North America and processes billions of dollars in payments annually across hundreds of industries.
The company said additional information about the Helcim Payment Extension, including download details, is available on its website.
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