Why Did My Credit Card Processing Rate Go Up?
Seven reasons processing rates drift up: change-of-terms clauses, interchange updates, card mix, tier downgrades, PCI fees. How to find yours on a statement.
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What accepting cards actually costs, how to find your real effective rate, and which fees on a merchant statement are negotiable.
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What are you actually paying to accept cards?
Enter two numbers from your merchant statement and see your real effective rate, how it compares to your industry, and what a fair rate would cost instead. Nothing is saved or sent anywhere.
What Is Interchange? The Fee Nobody Can Lower for You
Interchange fees go to your customer's bank, not your processor, and cost the same everywhere. Most credit card transactions run 1% to 3% plus a per-item fee.
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The Credit Card Terminal Lease Trap
A terminal lease is a separate contract with a leasing company, so leaving your processor doesn't end it. How to read one, get out, and what to ask first.
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Merchant Account Fees Explained: Every Line on Your Statement
Interchange and assessments are pass-through costs you cannot negotiate. Statement fees, monthly minimums and annual fees are padding. Here are all 15, named.
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Square vs Merchant Account: Where the Crossover Really Sits
Square wins under about $5,000 a month in card volume. A dedicated merchant account starts winning between $8,000 and $15,000. Here's how to figure out which.
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Level 2 and Level 3 Processing: Lower Interchange on Commercial Cards
Level 3 processing adds about two dozen data fields to a commercial card sale so it prices on lower interchange. Consumer and debit cards get nothing from it.
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How to Read Your Merchant Statement: A Line-by-Line Guide for Texas Business Owners
Your processor's statement is designed to be confusing. Here's how to find your real effective rate, separate interchange from markup, and spot the fees that shouldn't be there.
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