Credit card processors are integral for businesses in this digital age. More shoppers prefer to use credit cards over cash, and businesses that don’t accept them can lose potential sales. Credit card processors make it possible for businesses to take advantage of this trend by allowing them to process credit card payments quickly and securely.
They also offer a variety of features that can help businesses grow, including online reporting, merchant accounts, and fraud protection. However, all of these features come at a cost.
And there are fees associated with every credit card transaction, which can add up quickly. So be sure to know them before signing up with a credit card processor. Some of the most common fees include the following.
Processing Fees
For each transaction, credit card processors charge processing fees. It’s usually a percentage of the sale amount, and it can vary depending on the type of credit card used. Say, for instance, you run a small business and sell a product for $100. Your processor may charge a fee of around $0.30 for each Visa transaction.
This fee is usually passed on to the merchant in the form of lower prices. But some businesses absorb the cost themselves to avoid passing it on to their customers because they want to encourage them to return.
Some businesses pass credit card processing fees to their customers at a surcharge. And this is common among businesses with small profit margins, such as restaurants. For example, a restaurant may add a $0.50 surcharge to each bill for credit card transactions.
Surcharges are generally not popular with customers, so businesses that choose this option should make sure they clearly state the surcharge amount on their prices and receipts.
It’s important to note some restrictions on how merchants can charge for credit card processing fees. For example, merchants in the United States can’t add a surcharge for American Express transactions. And in some states, merchants are not allowed to pass on credit card processing fees to their customers.
Monthly Fees
A monthly fee, also known as a usage fee, is a charge that some credit card processors may assess to maintain your account. This fee can range from $0 to $100 or more and usually covers the cost of customer support and online reporting. It may also include access to online tools and resources in some cases.
If you’re thinking about signing up for a credit card processor, be sure to ask about any monthly fees that may apply. This way, you can budget accordingly and avoid any unexpected charges. One of the affordable options out there is Stripe. Be sure to read a stripe processor review to learn more about it.
Interchange Fees
Interchange fees are usually the most expensive cost of card acceptance. It’s because the card networks (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express) charge merchants a fee for each transaction. The fee is based on the type of card used, the merchant’s processing volume, and other factors.
Merchants typically pay two types of interchange fees: a fixed-dollar amount per transaction and a percentage of the sale total. For example, a small business with a $100 average ticket size might pay an interchange fee of $0.22 plus 0.75% of the total sale. That would add up to an extra $0.77 on top of every purchase made with a credit or debit card.
And to make matters worse, these fees are often hidden in the fine print of merchant processing contracts. And they can be subject to change at any time, with little or no notice. As a result, many businesses pay more than they need to for card acceptance.
The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce your interchange fees:
- It’s essential to understand how interchange fees work and what factors influence them.
- You can shop around for a merchant processor that offers competitive rates.
- You can negotiate with your current processor for a lower rate.
You can save money on card acceptance and keep more of your hard-earned profits by taking these steps.
Early Termination Fees
A credit card processing early termination fee (ETF) is a charge assessed by a credit card processor when a merchant prematurely terminates their contract with the processor. The EFT is generally a percentage of the remaining contract term and can range from $50 to $200 per month.
When evaluating a credit card processing contract, it’s essential to understand the early termination fee and whether or not there is a penalty for terminating the agreement before its expiration. In addition, if you’re considering switching processors, be sure to factor in the ETF in your calculations.
Closing Statement
When you’re running a business, it’s essential to know all of the costs associated with it. It includes the credit card processing fees. Credit card processing fees are the fees that credit card companies charge businesses for accepting credit cards. These fees can be a significant expense for businesses, so it’s important to know what they are and to negotiate the best rates possible.
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