So you're in the market for a new Credit Card Processing and you've started checking out reviews to find the best option for your business. But how much can you trust what you're reading? The truth is, that many reviews could be more transparent. Processors often incentivize customers to leave positive reviews or pay review sites to feature them prominently. Meanwhile, dissatisfied customers are more likely to complain on forums and social media, skewing perceptions.
Understanding Credit Card Processing Fees
Finding the best processor for your business requires an understanding of the credit card processing reviews and rates. Before you sign a contract, be sure you know precisely what you're being charged because the costs may quickly pile up.
Interchange fees are charged by the credit card networks (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) to process each transaction. These fees make up the bulk of your processing costs and are non-negotiable. However, processors markup these fees and add their own, so shop around.
Authorization fees are charged each time a card is swiped or dipped. These typically range from $.10 to $.30 per transaction. If you have a high volume of transactions, these fees can be substantial. Look for processors with low auth fees or a monthly flat rate.
Some processors impose statement fees to produce your monthly statements. To avoid them, find out whether e-statements are available. Otherwise, search for processors who charge no statement costs.
PCI compliance fees cover the cost of securing customer data. These are charged annually and range from $100 to $300 for small businesses. Make sure you understand exactly what's covered for the fee. Some processors charge extra for security scans or breach insurance.
By understanding the various credit card processing fees - from interchange rates to PCI compliance charges - you can accurately compare processors and find one with fair, transparent pricing for your unique business needs. The more you know, the less likely you'll be broadsided by unexpected fees down the road.
What to Look for in Credit Card Processing Reviews
When researching Credit Card Processing, the most important thing is to read reviews from actual merchants. Look for reviews that discuss rates and fees in-depth, not just generic five-star ratings. Some things to consider:
Fees
- Transaction fees: This is the percentage charged per sale plus a flat fee. Look for processors with competitive rates for your business type. Some offer interchange-plus pricing which may save you money.
- Monthly fees: Many processors charge a monthly minimum fee and/or statement fee. Make sure you understand all recurring charges. Some waive or reduce monthly fees if you process a certain volume.
- Early termination fees: Check if there are any fees for canceling your contract early. Some lock you in for a year or more. See if month-to-month or short-term options are available.
Customer Service
- Responsiveness: Look for reviews discussing how quickly the processor responds to questions and issues. Poor customer service often means headaches down the road.
- Support options: See what support channels are offered - phone, email, live chat, 24/7 support is best.
- Contracts: Be wary of processors that lock you into long, complicated contracts. Look for simple, straightforward terms and the ability to cancel if needed.
The cheapest rates aren't necessarily indicative of the lowest overall prices, to put it simply. Do your research and read testimonials from actual consumers. Consider the whole cost, customer support, and contract details. Finding a credit card processor that satisfies your company's demands will be worth the extra work you put in upfront.
Top 5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Processor
When choosing a credit card processor for your business, there are several key factors to weigh. These top considerations will help ensure you find a processor that meets your needs and helps your business thrive.
Fees and Rates
The fees a processor charges significantly impact your bottom line. Look for a processor with transparent rates and minimal hidden fees. Interchange-plus pricing is typically the most straightforward, with a small markup over the interchange fee charged by card networks like Visa and Mastercard. Flat-rate or tiered pricing often includes higher markups and more hidden fees.
Customer Service and Support
You'll want to work with a Credit Card Processing that provides high-quality customer service and technical support. Look for 24/7 phone support, a dedicated account representative, and a quick response time. Poor customer service can lead to headaches, lost sales, and damage to your reputation.
Security and Compliance
Credit card processing involves sensitive customer data, so security and compliance are crucial. Choose a processor that is PCI DSS compliant and uses encryption and tokenization to protect data. Fraud prevention tools like address verification (AVS) and card security codes (CVV) provide added security for card-not-present transactions.
Payment Methods
The processor you choose should support all the payment methods your customers want to use, such as credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and PayPal. This allows you to provide the best checkout experience and avoid losing sales. Look for a processor that allows you to enable and disable payment methods easily as your business needs change.
Advanced Features
Consider the additional features you may want like a virtual terminal, recurring billing, checkout customization, or a mobile card reader. The right features for your business depend on your industry and sales model. An all-in-one solution may be more convenient, but individual tools integrated with your other systems could provide more flexibility. Compare options from different providers to find the best value.
Choosing a Credit Card Processing is an important decision that impacts your business success and bottom line. Evaluating fees, customer service, security, payment methods, and features will help you find the perfect match for your needs. With the right processor by your side, you'll be set up to thrive.
Watch Out for These Red Flags
When evaluating Credit Card Processing, keep an eye out for these common red flags that could end up costing you in the long run.
Hidden Fees
Beware of companies that lure you in with promises of “no hidden fees” or “lowest rates guaranteed.” Unfortunately, the fine print often reveals various non-negotiable charges like gateway fees, PCI compliance fees, statement fees, and more. Get details on the total cost of Credit Card Processing, including any potential surcharges, to avoid unwanted surprises on your monthly bill.
Long-Term Contracts
Locking into a long-term contract, typically 3 years, can be risky if you end up unhappy with the service or find a better deal elsewhere. Look for companies that offer month-to-month terms so you have the flexibility to switch providers if needed without penalty. Some may charge slightly higher rates for month-to-month, so compare total costs.
Poor Customer Support
In the fast-paced world of credit card processing, you’ll likely have questions or issues come up from time to time regarding your account, statements, card terminals, or other services. Choosing a company with unresponsive or unhelpful customer support can lead to frustration, missed chargebacks, and loss of business. Look for 24/7 phone support and quick response times.
Outdated Technology
Using antiquated card terminals, payment gateways and processing systems will make transactions slower, less secure, and more prone to errors. The best Credit Card Processing stays up-to-date with the latest payment technology like EMV chip card compatibility, NFC payments, and tokenization to protect customer data. They pass on the benefits of these advanced systems to business clients with modern card terminals, virtual terminals, and mobile wallets.
By being on alert for these common red flags, you can avoid problem providers and confidently choose a Credit Card Processing with fair rates, transparent fees, strong customer service, and cutting-edge technology to suit your business needs. The extra diligence upfront will save you headaches and money in the long run.
How to Negotiate the Best Rates and Fees
When it comes time to negotiate rates and fees with Credit Card Processing, you want the best deal for your business. Don’t be afraid to compare offers from different processors and use that information to your advantage. Here are some tips to get the lowest rates and fees possible:
Do your homework.
Research the average rates for your industry so you know if an offer is reasonable or not. Processors make money from the fees they charge, so they have room to negotiate.
Be upfront about your business.
Provide details about your average ticket size, monthly volume, and chargeback ratio. The processor can tailor a competitive offer if they fully understand your business.
Ask for interchange plus pricing.
This model charges you the interchange fees charged by card networks like Visa and Mastercard plus a small markup for the processor. It’s very transparent and offers lower rates than a tiered pricing model. Push for interchange plus if it’s not offered upfront.
Negotiate each fee individually.
Don’t just focus on the overall rate. Look at fees for interchange, assessments, monthly minimums, gateway access, and PCI compliance. Ask if any fees can be reduced or eliminated. One less fee means more money in your pocket.
Get it in writing.
Once you’ve negotiated the best deal, make sure all rates, fees, and terms are explicitly outlined in the contract before you sign. Verbal promises won’t protect you from unexpected rate increases or new fees down the road.
Be willing to walk away.
If a processor won’t budge on rates or refuses to negotiate in good faith, walk away. There are many options out there, so you can easily find a processor willing to work with you to secure a competitive offer that benefits you both. Don't feel pressured into a bad deal.
With some persistence and negotiation, you can get credit card processing rates and fees that maximize your profits without hurting your bottom line. Stand up for your business and don't settle for less than the best offer.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the real truth about credit card processing reviews and fees. The options out there can be confusing and frustrating to sort through, especially when sales reps are throwing around terms and promises that seem too good to be true. But now you're armed with the knowledge and insights to cut through the noise. You understand the types of fees, how rates work, and the right questions to ask to determine if a processor is the right fit for your business's needs and budget. With this guide as your roadmap, you'll avoid getting locked into an expensive multi-year contract or dealing with hidden fees and rate hikes down the line. Keep this information handy, do some research on your own, and don't be afraid to negotiate the best deal for your business. The power is in your hands to choose a credit card processing solution that won't break the bank. You've got this!
