If you\'re a small business owner, you\'re probably always looking for ways to save money. Credit card processing fees can be a big expense, so it\'s important to understand what you\'re paying for and how you can get the best deal possible.
let\'s start by taking a look at the different types of credit card processing fees you may be charged:
- Interchange fees: These are the fees that your credit card processor charges you for each transaction. They vary depending on the type of card being used, the processor, and other factors.
- Assessment fees: These are set by the card associations (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) and are passed on to you by your processor.
- PCI compliance fees: If you process credit cards online or over the phone, you\'ll need to be PCI compliant. This involves meeting certain security standards and paying a yearly fee.
- Statement fees: Some processors charge a monthly or annual statement fee.
- Gateway fees: If you process credit cards online, you\'ll need to pay a gateway fee. This is a per-transaction fee charged by the company that provides your payment gateway.
Now that you know the different types of fees you may be charged, let\'s take a look at how to get the best deal on credit card processing for your small business.
- Shop around: Don\'t just accept the first offer you get from a credit card processor. Get quotes from several different companies so you can compare prices.
- Negotiate: Once you\'ve found a few processors you\'re interested in, see if you can negotiate a lower rate. This is especially effective if you\'re willing to commit to a longer contract.
- Read the fine print: Make sure you understand all the fees and terms before you sign up with a processor.
- Use a credit card processing service: If you don\'t want to deal with the hassle of negotiating rates and reading contracts, you can use a credit card processing service like Square or PayPal. They have simple, flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees.
- Ask about discounts: Some processors offer discounts for certain types of businesses or transactions. For example, you may be able to get a lower rate if you process a lot of credit card payments each month.
By following these tips, you can be sure you\'re getting the best deal possible on credit card processing for your small business.