Streamline Payments: Helcim + JobTread Integration

What Is Helcim + JobTread Integration?

The Helcim integration connects Helcim's payment processing platform with your JobTread projects, enabling you to accept credit card and ACH payments directly tied to invoices. Payments are automatically recorded in JobTread, updating project balances in real-time and eliminating manual payment entry.

Helcim is a Canadian payment processor known for transparent interchange-plus pricing that saves contractors thousands compared to traditional merchant services. Unlike payment processors that charge 3-4%, Helcim's model typically results in rates around 1.8-2.3%, making it ideal for high-ticket construction transactions.

For contractors, getting paid quickly and affordably is critical to cashflow. The Helcim + JobTread integration removes payment friction by allowing clients to pay invoices online via credit card or bank transfer, with transactions automatically syncing to your accounting without manual reconciliation.

Why Contractors Need Helcim Integration

Transparent, Fair Pricing

Most payment processors hide their true costs with bundled rates and junk fees. Helcim uses interchange-plus pricing, showing exactly what you pay:

• Interchange rate: Set by card networks (Visa, Mastercard), non-negotiable
• Helcim markup: Small, transparent fee (typically 0.15-0.40% + 8-10¢ per transaction)
• No hidden fees: No monthly minimums, statement fees, PCI compliance fees, or cancellation fees

For a $10,000 payment, you might pay $180-230 with Helcim vs $300-400 with typical processors—saving $100-200 per transaction.

Faster Payment Collection

Clients can pay invoices online immediately rather than mailing checks. This accelerates cashflow significantly:

• Average days to payment: 7-10 days vs 25-30 days for checks
• Reduced follow-up time: Automated payment reminders replace manual collection calls
• Payment plans enabled: Offer installment options for large projects

Automatic Reconciliation

When a client pays via Helcim, the payment automatically records in JobTread:

• Invoice marked as paid
• Project balance updated
• Payment confirmation sent to client
• Your team notified of payment receipt

Business Impact

Contractors using Helcim with JobTread report:

• $3,000-8,000 saved annually in processing fees vs previous processors
• 18-21 days faster average payment collection
• 4-6 hours saved weekly on payment reconciliation and accounting
• Increased cashflow from offering convenient payment options

How It Works

Setup Process

1. Create Helcim Account: Sign up at helcim.com. Application takes 10-15 minutes and approval is typically within 1 business day.
2. Connect to DATAx: In DATAx, navigate to Toolbox → Helcim Integration. Enter your Helcim API credentials.
3. Configure Payment Options: Enable credit card processing, ACH bank transfers, or both.
4. Set Up Deposit Account: Link your business bank account for payment deposits (typically next-day funding).
5. Customize Payment Pages: Brand payment pages with your logo and colors.
6. Enable Invoice Payments: Configure how payment links appear on JobTread invoices.

Client Payment Flow

The payment experience is seamless for clients:

1. Client receives JobTread invoice via email
2. Invoice includes "Pay Now" button linking to Helcim-powered payment page
3. Client enters credit card or bank account information
4. Payment processes securely through Helcim
5. Client receives immediate payment confirmation
6. Contractor receives notification of payment
7. JobTread automatically updates invoice status and project balance
8. Funds deposit to contractor's bank account (typically next business day)

Recurring Payment Support

For projects with payment schedules, Helcim enables automatic recurring charges:

• Client authorizes payment plan during project kickoff
• Helcim automatically charges agreed amounts on schedule (e.g., monthly, per milestone)
• Each payment syncs to JobTread without manual processing
• Client receives receipts automatically

Key Features

Transparent Interchange-Plus Pricing

See exactly what you're paying with every transaction. Helcim's dashboard shows interchange rates, processor markup, and total cost with complete transparency.

Credit Card and ACH Support

Accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) plus ACH bank transfers. ACH rates are especially attractive for large transactions (0.5% + 25¢, capped at $5).

Virtual Terminal

Manually process payments over the phone or in-person using Helcim's virtual terminal. Useful when clients prefer to provide payment information verbally.

Mobile Card Readers

Accept payments on job sites using Helcim's mobile card readers. Swipe, tap, or insert cards using your smartphone or tablet. Payments still sync automatically to JobTread.

Deposit Splitting

For projects involving subcontractors or partners, configure automatic payment splitting. One client payment can be divided among multiple recipients according to pre-set percentages.

Fraud Protection

Helcim includes robust fraud detection and chargeback protection. Machine learning identifies suspicious transactions and you're notified of potential issues before processing.

Invoicing and Estimates

Beyond just processing payments, Helcim can generate and send invoices/estimates directly. However, most contractors prefer using JobTread's native invoicing with Helcim handling only the payment processing.

Reporting and Analytics

Comprehensive reporting shows:

• Transaction history and detailed breakdowns
• Processing fee analysis
• Payment method trends (credit vs ACH)
• Failed transaction analysis
• Refund and chargeback tracking

Use Cases

Use Case 1: Large Commercial Projects

Scenario: You complete a $150,000 commercial renovation. Client wants to pay by credit card for points/rewards but your previous processor's 3% fee would cost $4,500.

Solution: With Helcim's interchange-plus pricing, the same transaction costs approximately $2,800—saving $1,700. Client gets their rewards points, you get paid immediately instead of waiting 30+ days for a check, and everyone wins.

Result: Client is thrilled with flexible payment options. You improve cashflow while saving significantly on processing fees.

Use Case 2: Residential Remodeling Payment Plans

Scenario: A homeowner wants a $35,000 kitchen remodel but needs to pay in installments over 6 months.

Solution: Set up automatic recurring payments through Helcim ($5,833/month). Client authorizes the payment plan at project start. Helcim automatically charges their card each month. Each payment syncs to JobTread, updating the project balance.

Result: You get predictable cashflow without chasing payments. Client appreciates flexible financing. Zero administrative overhead after initial setup.

Use Case 3: Field Payment Collection

Scenario: You complete small service jobs in the field and need to collect payment on-site.

Solution: Equip field technicians with Helcim mobile card readers. After job completion, they process payment immediately using their phones. Payment syncs to JobTread automatically. Client receives digital receipt via email.

Result: Same-day payment collection improves cashflow. Eliminates invoice sending and collection follow-up for small jobs. Professional payment experience impresses customers.

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Active DATAx subscription (Professional plan or higher)
• Helcim merchant account (apply at helcim.com)
• Business bank account for payment deposits
• JobTread account with invoicing enabled
• Grant key configured in DATAx

Setup Instructions

1. Apply for Helcim merchant account at helcim.com (approval typically 1 business day)
2. Complete Helcim onboarding and verify bank account
3. In Helcim dashboard, generate API credentials
4. In DATAx, go to Toolbox → Helcim Integration
5. Enter Helcim API credentials to connect accounts
6. Configure payment options (credit card, ACH, or both)
7. Customize payment page branding
8. Enable JobTread invoice payment links
9. Test with a small test transaction
10. Train team on processing payments and checking payment status

Common Troubleshooting

Payment not syncing to JobTread:

• Verify Helcim webhook is properly configured in integration settings
• Check that grant key has permission to update invoices and payments
• Review DATAx activity log for sync errors
• Confirm payment was associated with correct invoice/project number

Client payment failed:

• Verify card information is correct (number, expiration, CVV, billing ZIP)
• Check if client's bank declined the transaction (fraud protection)
• For large amounts, some cards have transaction limits—try ACH instead
• Review Helcim transaction details for specific decline reason

Higher fees than expected:

• Premium credit cards (business, rewards) have higher interchange rates
• Card-not-present (online) transactions cost more than card-present (swiped)
• International cards have additional fees
• Helcim's transparency shows these costs—they're industry-standard, not markup

Best Practices

Encourage ACH for Large Payments

For invoices over $5,000, suggest ACH bank transfer instead of credit card. ACH fees are capped at $5 vs percentage-based credit card fees, saving significantly on large transactions.

Offer Payment Plans Strategically

Make installment options available for projects over $15,000. This reduces client price resistance and accelerates close rates while providing predictable cashflow.

Set Up Deposit Requirements

Require 25-50% deposits paid via Helcim before starting projects. Immediate payment of deposits improves project commitment and reduces no-shows.

Send Payment Links Promptly

Include payment links on invoices sent immediately upon project completion. The faster clients can pay, the faster they will.

Monitor Failed Payments

Review failed transaction reports weekly. Follow up with clients proactively to resolve payment issues before they become problems.

FAQ

Q: How does Helcim's pricing compare to Stripe or Square?

A: Helcim typically costs 30-50% less than Stripe/Square for construction businesses because interchange-plus pricing is more favorable for high-ticket transactions. Stripe/Square charge flat 2.9% + 30¢ while Helcim charges actual interchange (~1.8%) + small markup (~0.3%).

Q: How long until funds are deposited in my bank account?

A: Helcim typically deposits funds next business day. ACH transactions take 3-4 business days. You can view pending deposits in the Helcim dashboard.

Q: Are there monthly fees or minimums?

A: No monthly fees, no monthly minimums, no setup fees, no termination fees. You only pay per-transaction processing costs. This makes Helcim ideal for seasonal contractors or those with variable payment volume.

Q: Can I pass processing fees to clients?

A: Yes, Helcim offers surcharging (credit card fee passed to client) and cash discounting programs where legal. Check your state regulations as some jurisdictions restrict surcharging.

Q: Is Helcim PCI compliant?

A: Yes, Helcim maintains PCI-DSS Level 1 compliance. When using Helcim's hosted payment pages, your business never handles raw card data, minimizing your PCI compliance obligations.

Q: What if a client disputes a charge?

A: Helcim provides chargeback protection tools and assistance. Document all work thoroughly in JobTread—photos, signed contracts, invoices—to successfully dispute invalid chargebacks.

Q: Does Helcim work outside the US and Canada?

A: Helcim primarily serves US and Canadian merchants. For international construction businesses, alternatives like Stripe might be more suitable.

Conclusion

The Helcim + JobTread integration removes payment friction while saving thousands annually on processing fees. With transparent pricing, automatic reconciliation, and flexible payment options, Helcim empowers contractors to get paid faster and more affordably than traditional merchant services.

Whether you're processing large commercial payments, offering residential payment plans, or collecting payments in the field, Helcim provides the tools and pricing structure that make sense for construction businesses. When paired with DATAx's seamless JobTread integration, payment management becomes automatic—freeing you to focus on building, not bookkeeping.

Ready to save on payment processing? Start your free DATAx trial and connect Helcim today.