Intro

GoDaddy has evolved from a domain and hosting giant into a full-service platform for small businesses, including powerful credit card processing. Its payment ecosystem, anchored by GoDaddy Payments and its acquisition of POS provider Poynt, delivers a unified experience for merchants.

GoDaddy Payments offers streamlined payment processing with competitive transaction fees starting at 2.3%, next-day funding at no extra cost, and seamless integration with GoDaddy's business ecosystem. It is perfect for small merchants seeking an all-in-one solution without setup fees or long-term contracts, particularly those already using other GoDaddy services.

Pros & Cons

GoDaddy in Brief

• Monthly fee: $0 (free basic plan), Point of Sale Plus plan available
• Per swipe fee: 2.5% + 0¢ (standard), 2.3% + 0¢ (with POS Plus)
• Setup fee: $0
• Cancellation fee: $0 (no long-term contracts)
• PCI compliance fee: $0 (included)
• Best for: Small businesses using GoDaddy services, merchants needing omnichannel payment solutions

Terminals:

• GoDaddy Card Reader ($99)
• GoDaddy Smart Terminal ($499)
• Mobile device with GoDaddy Mobile App (Tap to Pay)
• Any device with internet access (Virtual Terminal)

POS Solutions

GoDaddy offers versatile point-of-sale solutions designed to meet different business needs regardless of size or setup. Their hardware offerings include the affordable Card Reader priced at $99 and the more comprehensive Smart Terminal at $499. These devices are designed to work seamlessly with GoDaddy's payment processing system, allowing merchants to accept all major credit and debit cards, plus digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

The GoDaddy Poynt Card Reader specifically enables businesses to process transactions where customers have their physical cards present. For those who prefer a hardware-light solution, GoDaddy also offers Tap to Pay functionality on both iPhone and Android devices through their mobile app, allowing merchants to accept contactless payments directly on their smartphones without additional equipment.

GoDaddy's POS offering includes two tiers: a free basic plan included with smart terminal purchases and the Point of Sale Plus plan with enhanced features. The Plus plan offers lower transaction rates (2.3% vs. 2.5%), unlimited product listings (compared to just 10 in the basic plan), inventory management with real-time counts and stock alerts, and online ordering for in-store pickup functionality. For businesses managing larger inventories or needing more robust features, the Plus plan provides significant value.

GoDaddy’s POS system includes three main hardware options:

• Smart Terminal: Dual-screen unit with Wi-Fi/4G, built-in printer, barcode scanner, and app compatibility. Retail-ready and countertop friendly.
• Smart Terminal Flex: A lighter, mobile version with a single screen, scanner, and receipt printer—ideal for mobile sellers or booths.
• Card Reader: Compact Bluetooth reader for smartphones/tablets via GoDaddy’s mobile app.

All terminals accept swipe, insert (chip), and tap (contactless) payments, and connect with GoDaddy’s dashboard for sales tracking and product syncing.

Merchant Services

GoDaddy Payments extends beyond simple transaction processing with a comprehensive suite of merchant services designed for small business owners. Their Online Pay Links feature lets merchants create branded, shareable payment links that can be distributed through social media, email, or text messages—ideal for businesses without a formal website or for special promotions.

The Virtual Terminal transforms any device with internet connectivity into a payment processing station, allowing merchants to manually enter card details from a smartphone, tablet, or computer without requiring additional hardware. This proves particularly valuable for businesses that take orders over the phone or need to process payments remotely.

GoDaddy also offers robust invoicing capabilities, enabling merchants to create and send unlimited professional invoices with built-in payment options. The system supports recurring invoicing with auto-reminders to reduce late payments and allows saving payment cards on file for auto-billing.

All transactions are securely processed with advanced online encryption and strict PCI compliance standards. Merchants can access a comprehensive dashboard that provides 360° sales reporting with real-time insights into orders, transactions, inventory, invoices, and payouts across all sales channels.

Beyond POS, GoDaddy Payments offers robust merchant features:

• Accepts Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover
• Supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, ACH
• Send invoices with custom fields, discounts, and taxes
• Generate shareable branded Pay Links
• Use Payable Domains to accept payments with just a domain name
• Mobile App includes manual entry, QR code payments, and virtual terminal

Merchants can manage all payment types—online or in-person—from one unified GoDaddy dashboard.

Pricing

GoDaddy Payments uses a straightforward transaction-based pricing model with no monthly fees for basic service. Their transaction fees vary depending on the payment method and subscription level:

Premium subscriptions like Point of Sale Plus, Websites + Marketing Premium/Commerce, or Managed WooCommerce Stores provide discounted rates:

Additional fees include a $15 chargeback fee when customers dispute transactions. GoDaddy offers standard next-business-day funding at no additional cost, but merchants can opt for same-day funding (including weekends and holidays) for a 1.5% fee. For businesses that need immediate access to their funds, this option provides valuable flexibility.

No setup or compliance fees. Discounted transaction rates apply to GoDaddy Website + Marketing or POS Plus users.

Applying and Contracts

Setting up GoDaddy Payments is refreshingly straightforward with no setup fees or long-term contracts required. Most GoDaddy accounts come with Payments functionality already enabled, allowing merchants to quickly begin accepting payments through various channels.

The application process requires basic verification to ensure security and regulatory compliance. Merchants need to provide:

• Business owner information including contact details and the last four digits of their Social Security Number
• Business profile information including address and Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• If applicable, information about business partners who own at least 25% of the company

Additional verification may be required in some cases, such as text confirmation or government ID submission. Once verification is complete, merchants can link their bank account to receive payouts. The entire process is designed to be completed quickly, allowing businesses to start accepting payments almost immediately.

If verification issues arise or an application is declined, GoDaddy provides guidance on next steps and alternative solutions. It's worth noting that there are no cancellation fees if you decide to stop using the service, making it a low-risk option for businesses testing different payment solutions.

About GoDaddy

GoDaddy is far more than just a domain registrar, having evolved into a comprehensive small business enablement platform. Founded in 1997 by Bob Parsons, the company has grown to become a global leader in helping entrepreneurs establish and grow their online presence.

Today, GoDaddy serves over 20 million entrepreneurs globally and manages approximately 81 million domain names. The company employs nearly 6,000 people and went public in 2014 after being sold to investment firms KKR, Silver Lake, and Technology Crossover Ventures in 2011.

GoDaddy's mission centers on empowering everyday entrepreneurs by providing solutions that connect their identity and presence with commerce capabilities. While initially known for domain registration and web hosting, the company has expanded its offerings to include website building tools, email marketing, SEO services, and payment processing solutions. In early 2020, GoDaddy further expanded by acquiring Neustar's registry business.

GoDaddy Payments is a natural extension of the company's business ecosystem, providing merchants with integrated payment processing capabilities that work seamlessly with their existing GoDaddy products and services.

Customer Support

• Available: 24/7
• Channels: Phone, live chat, mobile support, help center
• Specialist teams: eCommerce, POS, domain, and payment support

GoDaddy provides comprehensive customer support through its team of "GoDaddy Guides", representatives available to assist customers with their payment processing and other business needs. For US-based customers, GoDaddy offers 24/7 phone support, ensuring help is always available regardless of time zone or business hours.

International support is available in multiple countries and languages, with specific hours and contact numbers varying by region. For example, Australian customers can access 24/7 support countrywide, while Brazilian customers have support available from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.

GoDaddy's support extends beyond direct assistance to include educational resources. The company offers how-to videos, marketing advice, and business tips designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. They've also created a curated AI prompt library to help small business owners leverage artificial intelligence in growing their operations.

The company prides itself on the human touch of its support team, emphasizing that real people are available to help customers take either their first step or their next step in business growth.

In Conclusion

GoDaddy Payments stands out as a versatile and cost-effective payment processing solution, particularly for small businesses already utilizing other GoDaddy services. With competitive transaction fees starting at 2.3% for in-person payments, no monthly fees for basic service, and no setup or cancellation fees, it represents excellent value for merchants seeking simplicity and transparency in payment processing.

The service's standout features include next-business-day funding at no additional cost (with same-day funding available for a modest fee), seamless integration across GoDaddy's ecosystem, and multiple payment acceptance methods covering both in-person and online transactions. The Virtual Terminal and Tap to Pay features provide flexibility for businesses on the go, while dedicated hardware options cater to merchants with physical locations.

For businesses growing beyond basic needs, the Point of Sale Plus plan offers enhanced functionality with inventory management, unlimited products, and lower transaction rates. The comprehensive dashboard provides valuable business insights, helping merchants track performance and make data-driven decisions.

While primarily geared toward US-based businesses, GoDaddy Payments delivers a robust, secure payment processing solution backed by 24/7 customer support. For entrepreneurs looking to streamline their operations with an integrated payment system from a trusted provider, GoDaddy Payments offers a compelling package that grows alongside your business.

Company Disclosure

GoDaddy Payments is a service offered by GoDaddy Operating Company, LLC. All transactions are protected under strict PCI DSS compliance. GoDaddy is a founding member of the CA/Browser Forum and prioritizes secure encryption protocols for data handling.

AI was used in the creation of this content, along with human validation and proofreading.