It’s exciting to see sales coming in, but it's just as important to understand how that money makes its way into your bank account.
At Helcim, we offer flexible deposit options because we know every business manages finances differently. This article quickly breaks down the choices—gross and net deposits. We’ll explain each method, its pros and cons, and how to select the one that best suits your business.
In this article
What are gross deposits?
Gross deposits mean that the total amount of your sales from a batch of transactions is deposited into your bank account. The processing fees for those transactions are then withdrawn as a separate line item, usually around the same time.
Think of it like getting your full paycheck deposited, and then paying your bills separately.
| Let's say you had $1,200 in sales today.
|
What are net deposits?
Net deposits, on the other hand, mean that the processing fees are subtracted from your total sales before the funds are deposited into your bank account. So, you’ll see a single deposit for the net amount (your sales minus the fees).
Using the same paycheck analogy, this is like if your employer deducted the cost of your monthly parking before your pay even hit your account – you just see the amount left over.
| Again, let's say you had $1,200 in sales today, and the processing fees were $25.
This method can make your bank statement look a bit simpler, as there’s only one entry per settlement. |
Gross vs. net deposits: which is for you?
Choosing between gross and net deposits really comes down to your bookkeeping preference. Neither one is inherently better than the other. They just present your financial information differently.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide.
Consideration | Gross Deposits | Net Deposits |
Bank Statement | Two entries: 1 for total sales, 1 for fees. | One entry: Sales minus fees. |
Reconciliation | Often easier to match total sales to your sales records directly. | Simpler bank statement (fewer lines). |
Fee Visibility | Fees are explicitly shown as a separate withdrawal on your bank statement. | Fees are deducted before deposit, but are visible in your Helcim account. |
Merchant Preference | Some merchants prefer seeing the full sales amount hit their account before fees are itemized. | Some merchants prefer not seeing a separate withdrawal for fees, liking the simplicity of a single deposit. |
Bank Account Setup | Can be an issue if you have automated transfers that clear your account immediately after a deposit. | May be preferred if your bank account has limitations on transaction types or if you’re aiming to minimize your number of transactions. |
Potential Bank Fees | If your bank charges per transaction, this method involves two transactions (one deposit, one withdrawal). | This method involves only one transaction per settlement, potentially reducing bank transaction fees. |
What’s the default deposit type at Helcim?
To simplify reconciliation for most businesses, merchants are started on gross deposits when they join Helcim.
How to change your deposit type
We understand that every business is unique, and what works for one might not be the best fit for another. That’s why you have the flexibility to choose!
If you are currently on gross deposits and would prefer net deposits, or vice-versa, you can request a change by reaching out to our Support team. You can either:
Create a support ticket through your Helcim account.
Call our friendly support team.
They’ll be happy to help you make the switch!
Conclusions
Let's recap what we've learned:
Helcim offers both gross deposits (full sales deposited, fees withdrawn separately) and net deposits (fees deducted before deposit).
Gross deposits are generally favored for easier reconciliation and are the default for new Helcim merchants.
Net deposits offer a simpler bank statement with a single entry per settlement.
You can easily switch between deposit types by contacting Helcim Support.
Next steps
Understanding how your deposits work is a great step! Here are a few other things you might be interested in:
Learn more about how long bank deposits take.
Find out how to monitor and manage your bank deposits.
Need to update your bank details? See how to set up your bank deposits.
Contact Helcim Support to change your deposit type.
FAQs
Why does Helcim offer both net and gross deposits?
We believe in providing merchants with choices that best suit their business operations and accounting preferences. Offering both options gives you the flexibility to manage your finances in the way that makes the most sense for you.
Which deposit type is better for reconciliation?
Generally, gross deposits are considered easier for reconciliation because the total sales amount deposited into your bank matches your sales reports directly, with fees itemized separately. However, it depends on your internal processes.
If I switch to net deposits, will my Helcim reports still show my gross sales and fees separately?
Absolutely! Regardless of your deposit type, your Helcim merchant statements and our online reporting tools will always provide a breakdown of your gross sales, individual transaction details, processing fees, and final funding amounts.
How long does it take to switch my deposit type?
Once you contact our Support team to request a change, it’s typically processed within 2 business days. They will confirm with you once the change is active.