National Processing vs Shopify POS
You're torn between price certainty and omnichannel power. National Processing leans on low rates; Shopify POS shines with true omnichannel. Here's how to pick the right fit.
Competitive Rates, Extreme Service Risk
We note that National Processing presents competitive, tiered pricing structures and guarantees low transaction rates. However, user experiences consistently describe significant hidden fees, outright deception regarding billing, and functionally non-existent customer support. Overall, we cannot recommend a provider whose operational transparency and reliability are this severely compromised.
Pros
- Explicitly structured 3-tier pricing with low advertised transaction rates.
- Advertised transaction fees start competitively low (2.41% + 10¢).
- No PCI compliance fees for compliant merchants are advertised.
- Option for free reprogramming of existing POS equipment.
Cons
- Massive discrepancy between advertised rates and fees actually charged (hidden fees).
- Customer support is widely reported as consistently unresponsive and unhelpful.
- Long or indefinite holds placed on merchants' processing funds.
- Complaints about unreliable and mediocre POS equipment quality.
Powerful omnichannel, constrained by support and cost.
Shopify POS excels at unifying online and physical sales, offering features like automatic inventory sync and centralized management that modern retailers need. Overall, we must apply a significant discount to the rating due to the universally reported failures in customer support and the high recurring cost required to access advanced retail features via POS Pro.
Pros
- Achieves true omnichannel synchronization across all sales channels.
- Inventory levels are updated automatically with every transaction.
- Manage all aspects of the business from a single back office.
- Platform offers a robust app ecosystem for customization.
Cons
- Customer support is consistently reported as non-existent or unhelpful.
- Advanced retail features require POS Pro, adding $89/month per location.
- Users report platform instability and occasional reliability issues.
- Highly complex tiered pricing structure can become costly quickly.
AboutNational Processing
National Processing offers comprehensive merchant services and credit card processing. This service covers everything you need, whether you require in-person terminals or seamless online eCommerce integration. They provide tailored payment solutions to businesses across all industries, including retail, food service, and enterprise. For over 17 years, NP has focused on offering transparent and reliable solutions, earning them recognition as a top-ranked U.S. processor. ✅
AboutShopify POS
Shopify POS is a complete system blending powerful hardware and software designed for seamless in-person sales. It provides the tools necessary to processes transactions and accept payments anywhere. This POS system is flexible enough to support retailers of every size, from new stores to those running multiple locations. If you sell products both online and in person, this tool is specifically designed to unify those channels. Your entire business is managed from a single back office, helping you simplify daily tasks and save time. ✅
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Omnichannel Power
Shopify POS dominates omnichannel selling; National Processing offers solid integrations.
National Processing gives you direct eCommerce integrations and 24/7 US-based support. Shopify POS unifies in-store and online sales with a robust app ecosystem and global reach. The trade-off: Shopify POS offers stronger omnichannel capabilities, while National Processing emphasizes pricing clarity. In practice, a retailer with a physical store and online shop will benefit most from Shopify POS’s seamless channel sync; National Processing keeps costs predictable as you scale.
Pricing Clarity
National Processing locks in low rates with a clear structure; Shopify POS adds complexity.
National Processing promotes transparent pricing with tiers and a $500 rate-beat guarantee. Shopify POS pricing stacks base plans with POS Pro add-ons, which can rise quickly at multiple locations. For cost predictability, National Processing wins; for feature breadth, Shopify POS wins. If you need a simple starting point, NP shines here.
Support & SLAs
Both offer 24/7 support, but user experiences vary with each platform.
National Processing advertises 24/7 U.S.-based support as a core promise. Shopify POS states 24/7 support across paid plans, but user reviews highlight reliability concerns. In strict terms, both meet the 24/7 benchmark; perceptions depend on your region and issue type. For critical issues, assemble a plan for both ecosystems.
Hardware & Setup
National Processing offers free hardware reprogramming; Shopify POS provides integrated hardware.
National Processing can reprogram existing terminals at no extra cost. Shopify POS emphasizes out-of-the-box hardware readiness with reliable uptime. The trade-off: NP helps you reuse gear; Shopify POS can simplify setup with bundled hardware. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize reuse or turnkey hardware.
Integrations & App Ecosystem
Shopify POS wins with a vast app ecosystem; National Processing offers direct platform integrations.
Shopify POS connects with 100+ third-party apps for customization. National Processing offers direct integrations with top eCommerce platforms. If you need depth of integrations, Shopify POS wins; if you value direct, leaner connections, NP has strength. Plan for future integrations accordingly.
Inventory Management
Shopify POS automates inventory; National Processing focuses on payments data insights.
Shopify POS automatically updates inventory across channels with every sale. National Processing centers on payment processing data and the Deed to Your Data reporting. For stock control, Shopify POS wins; for payment-focused analytics, NP is strong.
Multi-location & Staff
Shopify POS offers POS Pro per location; National Processing scales via pricing plans.
Shopify POS includes unlimited POS logins and per-location POS Pro (adds $89/month per location). National Processing uses tiered pricing and custom enterprise options for high volume. For multi-location staffing, Shopify POS wins; for high-volume pricing leverage, NP shines.
Trial & Onboarding
Shopify POS provides a free trial; National Processing has no standard trial.
Shopify POS offers a 3-day free trial across plans. National Processing does not publicly advertise a trial period. If you want hands-on testing, Shopify POS is the clear pick.
Funding & Cash Flow
National Processing offers faster funding as an option; Shopify POS centers on sales tools.
Premium on National Processing includes faster funding options. Shopify POS doesn’t emphasize funding speed in its core offerings. For cash flow needs, NP has the edge; for sales orchestration, Shopify POS leads.
Data Ownership & Security
National Processing gives Deed to Your Data; Shopify POS emphasizes standard security features.
National Processing guarantees data ownership and accessible reporting across devices. Shopify POS provides secure processing and standard industry practices. If data ownership matters, NP takes the lead; if ecosystem security and app reliability matter, Shopify POS supports that.
Global Reach
Shopify POS is widely deployable; National Processing is more U.S.-centric.
Shopify POS can be used in nearly every country; verify Shopify Payments and hardware availability locally. National Processing is described with U.S.-focused support and services. For global expansion, Shopify POS wins; for U.S.-centric growth, NP remains solid.
Our Verdict
National Processing is preferable for price-sensitive, high-volume stores, and Shopify POS suits omnichannel needs. National Processing offers guaranteed low rates, 24/7 US support, and flexible hardware options. Shopify POS delivers true omnichannel selling, automatic inventory, and a rich app ecosystem. The deciding factor is your priority: price stability with support versus seamless cross-channel operations. National Processing is recommended for high-volume cost savings, while Shopify POS is recommended for retailers needing omnichannel efficiency and multi-location management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for small teams: National Processing or Shopify POS?
Shopify POS works well for small teams needing omnichannel capabilities. National Processing offers simpler pricing and strong support for high-volume merchants. If you want cross-channel selling, choose Shopify POS; if you want predictable pricing, choose National Processing.
Does National Processing have features like Shopify POS?
National Processing has direct eCommerce integrations and 24/7 US-based support. It also offers free hardware reprogramming and data reporting. Shopify POS provides omnichannel syncing and a large app ecosystem. So, both cover core needs, but in different ways.
Is Shopify POS worth the extra cost over National Processing?
Shopify POS adds omnichannel power and multi-location capabilities with POS Pro. National Processing focuses on guaranteed low rates and pricing transparency. If omnichannel wins, Shopify POS; if price is the priority, National Processing.
Can I migrate from National Processing to Shopify POS easily?
Shopify POS offers migration support and onboarding resources. National Processing requires reviewing the service agreement for transition details. If you need smooth migration, Shopify POS provides clearer guidance and help.
Does National Processing offer a free trial?
National Processing does not publicly advertise a free trial. It offers price guarantees and custom plans. Shopify POS does have a free 3-day trial to test features.
Is Shopify POS available outside the United States?
Shopify POS can be used in nearly every country. Verify Shopify Payments and hardware availability in your region. National Processing focuses on U.S. support, so international use may differ.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.
