The 26 Best Cheapest Credit Card Processing Services, Reviewed & Ranked for 2026
The Top 10 Cheapest Credit Card Processing Services
Let’s see the top picks for the best cheapest credit card processing providers before moving on to the details:
As a retailer, you know credit card processing fees are a silent profit killer. The right provider can mean the difference between a healthy margin and a slow bleed—especially if you’re dealing with high-volume sales, in-person transactions, or the joys of ecommerce.
I’ve been on the hook for every line item, from inventory to international shipping, so I know exactly how much those “small” fees add up.
This guide is for business owners who want to stop overpaying for payment processing and start getting real value from their credit card processor. I’ve cut through the marketing noise, compared the top companies, and flagged the real-world pros, cons, and pricing structures.
You’ll find a shortlist of the best credit card processing providers for small business, in-person, and online payments, plus a breakdown of what each company actually delivers.
Whether you’re looking to lower rates, avoid hidden fees, or just get a straight answer on monthly fees and contract terms, you’re in the right place.
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We’ve been testing and reviewing retail and ecommerce software and services since 2021.
As retail experts ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting a provider. We invest in deep research to help our audience make better purchasing decisions.
We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools and hundreds of service providers for different retail management use cases, and written over 1,000 comprehensive reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & check out our review methodology.
Comparing the Best Cheapest Credit Card Processing Services, Side-by-Side
If you want the quick version, here’s a side-by-side look at the top cheapest credit card processing providers. This table breaks down the core use case, trial details, and pricing for each company—so you can spot the best fit for your business at a glance.
| Service | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for instant cash flow access | Free plan available | From $49/month + transaction fees | Website | |
| 2 | Best for subscription-plus-interchange pricing | Free quote available | From $99/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for mixed in-person and online payments | 3-month free trial | From $79/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for recurring payments | Free demo available | From 0.5% + $0.05/transaction | Website | |
| 5 | Best for large enterprises | Free demo available | Pricing available upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for subscription services | Free demo available | From 2.90% + $0.30/successful card transaction | Website | |
| 7 | Best for mobile payments | Free demo available | From 2.60% + 10¢ per transaction | Website | |
| 8 | Best for online retailers | Free demo available | From $25/month | Website | |
| 9 | Best for global transactions | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 10 | Best for cloud-based solutions | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
The 10 Best & Cheapest Credit Card Processing Services, Reviewed
Ready to dig deeper? Below you’ll find my detailed reviews of each shortlisted provider. I break down what each company actually offers, who they’re best for, and the real pros and cons—so you can make a smart, cost-effective choice for your payment processing.
Square provides credit card and payment processing services for small to medium-sized businesses, with tools to accept payments in-person, online, or remotely. It also includes financial management features that make it especially helpful for businesses focused on cash flow.
Why I picked Square: I chose Square because of its instant fund access. Instead of waiting days for payouts, you can move sales revenue into your account right away, which helps maintain liquidity and avoid cash crunches. Square also offers short-term business loans, giving you extra flexibility to manage expenses during slow periods.
Standout Services: Square provides a mix of payment and business management tools. Hardware options like card readers and registers allow payments anywhere, while cash flow tracking and real-time performance insights give you a clear view of sales trends. Square’s payroll and team scheduling features also reduce administrative work by keeping payments and workforce management in the same platform.
Target industries: retail, restaurants, personal services, and small business.
Specialties: Instant fund access, real-time sales tracking, employee payroll, business loans, and versatile POS hardware.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multiple POS hardware options
- Includes team payroll tools
- Instant deposits available
Cons:
- Limited advanced reporting
- Higher fees on Afterpay
New Product Updates from Square
Square Introduces Neighborhoods on Cash App
Square launches Neighborhoods on Cash App, offering businesses access to over 57 million active accounts, direct marketing, neighborhood rewards, and a 1% processing fee. For more information, visit Square's official site.
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Stax Pay caters to businesses seeking affordable credit card processing by offering a transparent subscription-based model that eliminates hidden fees. This solution is particularly appealing to small to mid-sized businesses, SaaS platforms, and enterprises looking to manage their payment processes while reducing costs. With features like compliant surcharging and customizable integrations, Stax Pay addresses the challenge of managing transaction expenses and provides a straightforward payment experience for your customers.
Why I Picked Stax Pay
I picked Stax Pay because it swaps the percentage-based transaction markups typical of many processors for a subscription-plus-interchange pricing model — meaning you pay a consistent monthly fee rather than unpredictable per-sale percentages. Its platform supports both card-present (in-person) and card-not-present (online or keyed) transactions under the same system, which gives your team flexibility if you sell in multiple channels. Because of this pricing structure and multichannel capability, Stax Pay makes sense when your business processes a fair volume of transactions — giving you more predictable costs while handling both physical and digital sales.
Stax Pay Key Features
Aside from the pricing model and surcharging capabilities, I also found that Stax Pay offers several valuable features:
- Digital Invoicing: Allows you to send professional invoices directly to customers via email, improving payment collection times.
- Mobile Payment Acceptance: Enables you to process transactions using mobile devices, providing flexibility for businesses on the go.
- Recurring Billing: Supports automated billing cycles for subscription-based services, ensuring timely payments and reducing manual workload.
- Secure Payment Gateway: Offers PCI-compliant payment processing, ensuring the security and protection of sensitive customer data.
Stax Pay Integrations
Integrations include HubSpot, QuickBooks, Salesforce, Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Xero, NetSuite, and Stripe.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Ability to pass processing fees to customers where surcharge laws allow.
- Supports various payment methods, including mobile processing.
- Transparent subscription-plus-interchange pricing gives predictable costs.
Cons:
- Hardware must be purchased or sourced separately — no built-in terminal included.
- Subscription fee may outweigh savings for low-volume merchants.
New Product Updates from Stax Pay
Stax Processing: New End-to-End Payments Platform
Stax Payments introduces Stax Processing, an end-to-end payments platform offering an integrated transaction lifecycle and direct card network access. For more information, visit Stax Pay's official site.
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Payment Depot gives you access to wholesale-rate credit card processing without the confusing markups that many processors apply, which can translate into lower fees for merchants who run a steady stream of transactions. If you run a small or mid-sized retail shop, a service business, or an online store and want to avoid paying inflated per-transaction costs, this could appeal to you. With Payment Depot, you get credit/debit card processing tools, POS options, and gateway services in a model designed to cut down costs and simplify billing.
Why I Picked Payment Depot
I picked Payment Depot because its membership-style pricing — passing through wholesale interchange rates with no percentage markup — directly addresses the cost control many merchants worry about when choosing a credit card processor. With a fixed monthly fee plus a small per-transaction charge, you know ahead of time roughly what you’ll pay, which helps if you process many transactions and want predictable processing costs. It also provides a free virtual terminal and supports both in-person and e-commerce payments, which means you don’t need to juggle multiple vendors just to handle different sales channels.
Payment Depot Key Features
In addition to the pricing model that drew me to Payment Depot, you’ll find a number of features worth noting for credit-card acceptance:
- 24/7 Customer Support: Offers round-the-clock assistance, ensuring any issues are promptly addressed.
- Support for POS and mobile payments: Works with countertop terminals or mobile readers, letting you accept payments whether you’re in a store or on the go.
- E-commerce gateway for online sales: Enables you to accept credit cards on your website, not just in person.
- Next-day funding: Deposits from processed payments are generally available quickly, helping with cash flow.
Payment Depot Integrations
Integrations include Clover, SwipeSimple, Vend, QuickBooks, Authorize.Net, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, Shopify, and Square.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Transparent pricing with interchange-plus model attracts cost-conscious users.
- No long-term contracts offer flexibility for businesses.
- 24/7 customer support provides reliable assistance for users.
Cons:
- Not suitable for high-risk or international merchants.
- Membership fees may be high for small or low-volume businesses.
GoCardless offers services for collecting ACH and international bank payments, focusing on automating payment collections for businesses. They serve a wide range of clients, from small businesses to large enterprises, making them ideal for those requiring efficient and cost-effective payment solutions.
Why I picked GoCardless: GoCardless excels in handling recurring payments, providing businesses with a reliable way to automate billing cycles. Their ACH Pull payment system reduces costs by eliminating credit card fees and supports international transactions. You can easily integrate their platform with your existing software, simplifying the payment process for your team.
Standout Services: GoCardless provides intelligent payment retries, which help recover approximately 70% of failed payments, reducing the hassle of missed transactions. Their online dashboard offers a user-friendly interface to manage payments and integrate with software like Zuora and Xero.
Target industries: Subscription services, utilities, education, finance, and non-profits.
Specialties: ACH payments, international payments, recurring billing, payment automation, and integration support.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automates billing cycles
- Easy software integration
- Supports international payments
Cons:
- No credit card processing
- Limited to bank payments
Global Payments offers credit card processing and payment technology for businesses that operate across multiple locations and countries. It focuses on supporting large enterprises with scalable solutions for accepting payments in-store, online, and through apps.
Why I picked Global Payments: You can manage payments across high-volume retail or enterprise environments from one platform. It offers integrated reporting and analytics to help you track performance across business units. If your team handles complex operations, the tools are built to support enterprise-level needs.
Standout Services: Omnichannel payment processing lets you accept payments across physical stores, websites, and mobile apps through a single platform, helping keep things connected and organized. Advanced reporting tools give you insights into sales trends and payment activity across locations, which can help with planning and operations.
Target industries: Retail, hospitality, healthcare, higher education, and automotive.
Specialties: Omnichannel payments, payment data analytics, multi-location support, custom integrations, and recurring billing.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers white-label platform options
- Lets you customize reporting tools
- Works well with complex enterprise setups
Cons:
- User portal can be hard to navigate
- Long sales process for setup
BlueSnap offers a Global Payment Orchestration Platform that simplifies payment processes and serves various industries like software, education, and healthcare. They provide global payment acceptance, invoicing, and billing solutions to businesses looking to enhance revenue and customer satisfaction.
Why I picked BlueSnap: BlueSnap's focus on subscription services is evident through its comprehensive invoicing and billing capabilities, which are essential for recurring payments. Their platform supports global payment acceptance, making it ideal for businesses with international customers. You can also benefit from their risk management tools that help mitigate potential payment issues.
Standout Services: BlueSnap's accounts receivable automation streamlines the payment collection process, reducing manual effort and improving cash flow. Their virtual terminal capabilities allow you to process payments without a physical terminal, which is useful for remote transactions.
Target industries: Software, education, healthcare, retail, and logistics.
Specialties: Global payment acceptance, invoicing, billing, accounts receivable automation, and risk management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Expert support available
- Supports subscription billing
- Global payment acceptance
Cons:
- May require technical expertise
- Integration complexity
Elavon provides merchant services and payment processing solutions, focusing on in-person, online, and contactless payments. They primarily serve industries like restaurants, retail, and healthcare. Their main client base includes businesses of all sizes looking for secure and efficient payment transactions.
Why I picked Elavon: Elavon is distinct for its mobile payment solutions, making it ideal for businesses needing flexibility in payment processing. Their focus on fast processing and advanced data protection aligns with this USP. You can rely on their 24/7 customer support to address any issues that arise with mobile transactions.
Standout Services: Elavon introduces paze, a digital wallet that consolidates eligible cards into one secure platform, simplifying online checkout. Their customized reporting tools offer valuable insights into transaction data, helping your team make informed decisions.
Target industries: Restaurants, retail, healthcare, hospitality, and financial services.
Specialties: In-person payments, online payments, contactless payments, payment gateways, and security compliance.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- 24/7 customer support
- Advanced data protection
- Fast payment processing
Cons:
- Complex setup for some users
- May require contract commitments
Authorize.Net offers payment gateway services that let businesses accept credit cards, e-checks, and other payment types online and over the phone. Its core focus is helping ecommerce stores, nonprofits, and service providers manage online credit card transactions.
Why I picked Authorize.Net: It supports online payments with built-in fraud detection and recurring billing tools that work well for subscription-based businesses. You can set up checkout pages quickly and take payments on your site or through a virtual terminal. It's a solid option if your team needs a way to accept credit card payments online without building custom integrations.
Standout Services: Customer information manager helps you securely store customer payment details, so repeat buyers can check out faster without re-entering their info. Advanced fraud detection suite lets you set rules to flag or block suspicious transactions, helping reduce chargebacks and risky payments.
Target industries: ecommerce, nonprofit, professional services, healthcare, and education.
Specialties: Recurring billing, fraud detection, virtual terminal payments, tokenized customer data, and invoice management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Lets you accept phone orders
- Good for recurring payments
- Works with many shopping carts
Cons:
- Old-looking user dashboard
- Some features require coding
Worldpay provides credit card and payment processing services for businesses of all sizes, with tools to accept payments in-store, online, and across borders. It mainly supports international businesses, ecommerce platforms, and retailers handling multi-currency transactions.
Why I picked Worldpay: You can accept payments in multiple currencies and regions using one platform. It also offers built-in currency conversion and localized payment options to help with cross-border sales. If you're selling globally, your team can manage international payments without juggling multiple vendors.
Standout Services: Multi-currency settlement lets you accept and settle payments in over 135 currencies, helping you cut conversion fees and get more control over how you manage global funds. Local payment methods allow your customers to use region-specific payment options, which can help reduce cart abandonment and support smoother checkouts across markets.
Target industries: ecommerce, retail, travel, hospitality, and education.
Specialties: Cross-border payments, currency conversion, fraud protection, recurring billing, and checkout optimization.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Helps with chargeback reporting
- Custom checkout for different regions
- Handles over 100 currencies
Cons:
- Account holds can be sudden
- Long-term contracts required
Versapay provides credit card processing and accounts receivable automation services, focusing on enhancing the invoice-to-cash process for businesses. They serve a wide range of clients, from small to large enterprises, looking to improve cash flow management and reduce overdue invoices.
Why I picked Versapay: Versapay stands out with its cloud-based solutions that integrate seamlessly with various ERP systems, allowing your team to manage payments across multiple sales channels efficiently. Their AI-driven cash application automates invoicing, reducing manual efforts and enhancing accuracy. This approach makes it an excellent choice for businesses aiming to optimize payment processing and improve operational efficiency.
Standout Services: Versapay offers digital invoicing, which simplifies the billing process and improves payment speed, reducing overdue invoices. Their account updater service automatically refreshes expired credit card information, enhancing customer satisfaction and minimizing payment disruptions.
Target industries: Retail, manufacturing, distribution, technology, and financial services.
Specialties: Credit card processing, accounts receivable automation, digital invoicing, ERP integration, and payment network connectivity.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Enhanced customer satisfaction
- AI-driven cash application
- Seamless ERP integration
Cons:
- Complex integration for some users
- May require technical setup
Other Cheapest Credit Card Processing
Here are some additional cheapest credit card processing providers that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Clearly Payments
For low transaction fees
- EBizCharge
For B2B transactions
- PayAnywhere
For small businesses
- Dharma Merchant Services
For ethical businesses
- Leaders Merchant Services
For high-risk industries
- Swipesum
For payment consulting
- Helcim
For transparent pricing
- Stripe
For online payment integration
- Shopify POS
For retail integration
- ProMerchant
For personalized service
- NetSuite Payment Processing
For ERP integration
- PayPal
For international transactions
- Merchant One
For high-risk merchants
- Stax
For subscription businesses
- Clover
For customizable hardware
- Payline Data
For flexible payment options
Our Selection Criteria For Cheapest Credit Card Processing Providers
Not all credit card processing companies are created equal—and picking the wrong one can cost you more than just a few extra basis points. Here’s the framework I used to separate the real contenders from the also-rans.
Each provider was scored on what matters for retail and ecommerce operators: core functionality, standout features, onboarding, support, value, and real customer feedback.
Core functionality (25% of total score)
To cut, a provider had to deliver the basics every business needs:
- Payment processing solutions. Handles credit and debit card transactions reliably.
- Payment gateway integration. Connects your online store or POS system to the payment networks.
- Security and fraud prevention. Keeps your business PCI-compliant and your customers’ data safe.
- Mobile payment acceptance. Lets you take payments anywhere, not just at the counter.
- Customer support access. Real help when you need it, not just a chatbot.
Additional standout features (25% of total score)
I gave extra points for companies that go beyond the basics:
- Customizable reporting tools. Gives you real insight into your sales and processing costs.
- Automated billing solutions. Saves time and reduces manual errors.
- International payment support. Handles multiple currencies and cross-border transactions.
- Loyalty program integration. Helps you keep customers coming back.
- Advanced analytics features. Lets you spot trends and optimize your payment strategy.
Usability (10% of total score)
You shouldn’t need a PhD to get paid. I looked for:
- Simple setup and onboarding. Fast, clear, and with minimal headaches.
- User-friendly interface. Easy to navigate, even for non-techies.
- Clear training materials. So your team isn’t left guessing.
Onboarding (10% of total score)
Getting started should be painless:
- Dedicated onboarding support. Real people to walk you through setup.
- Speed of implementation. No endless waiting for approvals or hardware.
- Helpful documentation. Answers to common questions up front.
Customer support (10% of total score)
When things go sideways, support matters:
- 24/7 availability. You need help on your schedule, not theirs.
- Multiple support channels. Phone, email, chat—take your pick.
- Responsive service team. Fast, knowledgeable, and helpful.
Value for price (10% of total score)
It’s not just about the lowest rate—it’s about what you get for your money:
- Transparent pricing structure. No hidden fees or gotchas.
- Competitive transaction fees. Lower rates for your sales volume.
- Tiered or flexible pricing. Options that fit your business model.
Customer reviews (10% of total score)
Finally, I checked what real online business owners are saying:
- Overall satisfaction ratings. Consistent positive feedback.
- Common strengths and complaints. Patterns that matter.
- Feedback on reliability and support. How the provider performs when it counts.
What are Cheap Credit Card Processing Providers?
Cheap credit card processing providers are companies that help businesses accept credit and debit card payments while keeping transaction fees as low as possible.
These companies offer essentials like payment gateway integration, mobile and in-person payment options, virtual terminals, and fraud protection—so you can process payments efficiently without getting gouged by hidden fees.
Small businesses, ecommerce retailers, and service providers use these companies to reduce processing costs and keep more of every sale.
How to Choose the Best Cheap Credit Card Processing Provider
Picking a credit card processing provider for your small biz is a business decision, not a guessing game. Skip the marketing noise and zero in on the factors that actually impact your day-to-day: transparent pricing, contract terms you can live with, and support that’s there when you need it—not just when you’re signing up.
Here’s how to evaluate your options like an operator, not a sales target:
| Factor | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Business fit | Does the provider support your sales model (in-person, ecommerce, mobile)? Are they familiar with your industry? | The right fit means fewer headaches, faster onboarding, and no surprises when you scale or add new channels. |
| Pricing structure | Is the fee structure clear—flat-rate, interchange-plus, tiered, or subscription? Are there hidden fees or minimums? | Transparent, predictable pricing helps you plan and keeps more money in your pocket. |
| Support and service | Is real support available 24/7? Can you reach a real human, not just a chatbot? | When something breaks, you need a fix—not a form letter. |
| Integration and setup | Will it plug into your existing POS, ecommerce platform, or accounting tools without extra hassle? | Seamless integration means less downtime and no double entry. |
| Security and compliance | Are they PCI compliant? Do they offer real fraud prevention tools? | Protect your business from chargebacks, fraud, and data breaches—before they become disasters. |
| Contract flexibility | Are you locked into a long-term contract, or can you leave if the provider isn’t delivering? | Flexibility gives you leverage and keeps providers accountable. |
Key Services to Expect from Cheap Credit Card Processing Providers
If a cheap credit card processing provider can’t deliver on these essentials, they’re just a line item waiting to bite you later. Here’s what you should expect from any company worth your business:
- Payment gateway integration. Securely connects your ecommerce site or POS system to the payment networks—no DIY hacks required.
- Mobile payment acceptance. Lets you take card payments anywhere, whether you’re behind the counter or out at a pop-up.
- Virtual terminal access. Process payments from any computer—handy for phone orders, invoices, or remote sales.
- Security and fraud prevention. Keeps your business PCI-compliant and helps you spot or stop fraud before it’s your problem.
- Recurring billing support. Automates payments for subscriptions or memberships, so you’re not chasing down invoices.
- Customizable reporting tools. Real-time insights into sales, fees, and trends—so you know where your money’s going.
- International payment support. Accepts multiple currencies and cross-border payments if you’re selling beyond your zip code.
- Customer support access. Real people available by phone, chat, or email—not just a help center FAQ.
- Transparent pricing model. Clear rates and fees, with no gotchas buried in the fine print.
- Loyalty program integration. Lets you reward repeat customers and boost retention without juggling another vendor.
Benefits of Choosing a Cheap Credit Card Processing Provider
The right cheap credit card processing provider does more than just shave a few points off your fees—they give you real leverage to run a smarter, leaner business. Here’s what you should get out of the deal:
- Lower transaction costs. Keep more of every sale instead of watching profits evaporate in fees.
- More payment options. Accept cards, mobile wallets, and online payments—meet customers where they want to pay.
- Improved cash flow. Faster deposits and reliable recurring billing mean you’re not left waiting on your own money.
- Stronger security. Built-in PCI compliance and fraud prevention tools help you avoid chargebacks and data breaches.
- Actionable reporting. Real-time insights into sales, costs, and trends—so you can make decisions with facts, not guesses.
- Better customer experience. Easy checkouts and loyalty program integration keep shoppers coming back.
- No hidden fees or gotchas. Transparent pricing means fewer surprises and no nickel-and-diming.
- Scalability. Add new locations, channels, or sales volume without renegotiating your whole setup.
Cost and Pricing Structures of Cheap Credit Card Processing Providers
Pricing is the difference between a provider that quietly eats your margin and one that actually helps you grow. Cheap credit card processing providers use a handful of pricing structures, each with its own tradeoffs.
If you want to avoid sticker shock, you need to know what you’re signing up for—and how it fits your sales volume, payment mix, and business model.
| Pricing structure | How it works | Pros | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat-rate | One fixed percentage per transaction, regardless of card type. | Simple, predictable, easy to compare. | Small businesses, low volume |
| Interchange-plus | Passes through the card network’s rate, plus a fixed markup. | Transparent, often lowest cost at scale. | High-volume or growth retailers |
| Tiered pricing | Transactions bucketed into “qualified,” “mid-qualified,” and “non.” | Can look cheap, but often hides real costs. | Businesses needing flexibility |
| Subscription | Monthly fee for access to wholesale rates, plus per-transaction. | Great for high volume, clear monthly cost. | Multi-location, scaling ops |
| Pay-as-you-go | No monthly fee, just pay per transaction. | No commitment, good for unpredictable sales. | Seasonal or pop-up businesses |
Key factors that influence your processing costs
Don’t just look at the headline rate—real-world costs depend on a handful of variables. Here’s what actually moves the needle for cheap credit card processing:
- Sales volume. Higher volumes can unlock lower per-transaction rates (and more negotiating power).
- Business type and risk profile. High-risk industries (CBD, adult, travel) often pay more, no matter what the ad says.
- Payment mix. Swiped, dipped, keyed, or online—all have different fee structures.
- Integration needs. Custom POS, ecommerce, or accounting integrations can add costs or require premium plans.
- Contract terms. Watch for early termination fees, minimums, or auto-renewals that can bite if you need to switch.
- Chargebacks and fraud rates. More disputes mean higher fees—and some providers penalize more than others.
Bottom line: Always get a custom quote, read the fine print for add-ons, and run the math based on your actual sales—not just the "starting at" price from top credit card processing companies.
FAQs About Cheap Credit Card Processing Providers
Let’s get into the common questions that we assume you may still have after reading this post.
How do I know if a cheap credit card processing provider is actually reliable?
You can check a provider’s reliability by looking at customer reviews, how long they’ve been in business, and industry certifications. Ask about their customer support options and resolution times. Try to find independent feedback from businesses similar to yours. Reliable providers are transparent about fees and contract terms.
What’s the real difference between flat-rate and interchange-plus pricing?
Flat-rate pricing charges you a single rate for every transaction, no matter the card type. Interchange-plus pricing separates the base card-issuing bank fee (interchange) from the processor’s markup. Interchange-plus can save you money if you process large volumes or mostly debit cards, but flat-rate is simpler to understand.
Are there hidden fees I should watch for with cheap credit card processing companies?
Yes, some low-cost processors tack on hidden fees like monthly minimums, PCI compliance charges, or early termination fees. Always read the full contract and ask for a complete fee schedule in writing. Watch out for statement fees, gateway fees, and batch fees. If something seems unclear, ask for clarification before signing.
Can I use my existing POS or ecommerce platform with a new provider?
Often, yes—you can keep your current point-of-sale or ecommerce system, but you’ll need to confirm compatibility with the new processor. Ask if your hardware and software will work without extra fees or new equipment. Some cheaper processors may charge integration or setup fees, so check before switching.
How fast will I get my money after a sale?
Most providers deposit funds within one to two business days, but this can vary based on your sales volume, risk profile, and the provider’s policies.
Ask about funding timelines up front—especially if cash flow is tight or you’re running high-volume transactions.
What happens if I need to switch providers later?
You can usually switch processors, but you might face cancellation fees or need to return leased equipment. Check your original agreement for early termination fees.
Plan your switch for a slow sales period, and back up data from your POS or ecommerce platform. Give yourself a buffer to test the new setup before fully switching over.
How can I negotiate lower credit card processing fees?
You can negotiate by leveraging your transaction volume, having quotes from other providers, or asking for a custom rate based on your industry. Highlight your payment history and monthly sales. Don’t be afraid to ask about waiving setup or PCI fees, and always get fee reductions in writing.
Can I pass credit card processing fees to my customers legally?
In some states, yes, you’re allowed to pass credit card processing fees to customers, but rules vary by location and card network. This is called surcharging. Check both state laws and your processor’s terms, and make sure you post clear signs if you surcharge. Debit card surcharges are usually not allowed.
Don’t Let Credit Card Processing Fees Eat Your Lunch
Cheap credit card processing providers are about keeping more of your hard-earned cash in your own register, not someone else’s.
The right provider will let you take credit card payments anywhere, keep your fees predictable, and help you avoid the “surprise! you owe us more” moments that can kill your bottom line.
If you’ve read this far, you’re clearly not the type to hand over your wallet without checking the bill first.
Remember: in the world of credit card processing, the only thing that should be getting swiped is the customer’s card—not your profits. Choose a provider that fits your business, read the fine print, and don’t be afraid to negotiate.
The only thing you should be overpaying for is your morning coffee.
If you're in the process of researching cheapest credit card processing services, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.
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