What Should I Look For When Choosing A Credit Card Processor

Introduction to Payment Processors

For 83% of Americans between the ages of 30 to 49, a credit card is a must-have. As a business, making it easy for customers to pay with credit cards and digital methods can significantly impact your overall sales. A reliable card processing partner is critical in today's tech-enabled world.

What Is a Payment Processor?

A payment processor (also known as an acquirer) is a business that helps merchants accept credit card payments. They provide:

• Necessary hardware (terminals) to accept credit cards and digital payments
• Act as a middleman between the customer, merchant, credit card network service, and card-issuing bank
• Assume the risk of every transaction in case of fraud

In exchange for these services, processors charge fees.

How Payment Processors Set Rates

Processors consider several factors when setting rates:

• Type of industry
• Credit history
• Business track record
• Sales record (established or projected)

Types of Fees:

Flat Fees: Include monthly fees, batch fees, annual fees, terminal fees, etc.

Processing Fees: Calculated per transaction, making up the bulk of what you pay.

Situational Fees: Charged when specific actions occur, such as cancellation fees, international fees, chargeback fees, etc.

Factors to Consider When Comparing Merchant Services

1. The Risk Level

Processors classify merchants as high or low-risk based on:

• Business management quality
• Customer fraud rates
• Chargeback frequency
• Regulatory risk

2. Map the Payment Needs of Your Firm

Consider:

• How you'll accept payments (in-person, online, etc.)
• Any industry-specific systems you need
• Additional services like recurring billing

3. Cost

Understand different pricing models:

• Flat monthly fee
• Interchange plus
• Tiered model

4. Look out for Deceptive Marketing

Be wary of:

• Abnormally low rates
• Attractive terminal leasing offers

5. Speak to at Least Three Processors

Compare offers and contracts from multiple processors.

6. Fraud Prevention and Detection Capabilities

Consider:

• EMV chip-card compatibility
• Point of Sale (POS) unit security
• PCI-DSS compliance
• Industry-specific experience
• Seller protection and support

7. Customer Support

Look for:

• 24/7 support
• Live representatives for complex issues
• Responsiveness to inquiries

Conclusion

Choosing the right credit card processor impacts both your top line and customer perception. Consider all factors carefully to select a partner that offers secure, seamless, and cost-effective credit card processing for your business.