Choosing the best merchant services provider for your business
An essential part of any business is getting paid. Whether your company accepts payments online, in person or over the phone, you need a financial partner to process non-cash transactions.
Your merchant processor or merchant services provider serves as the link between your business and banks, card issuers and card networks. With many options to choose from, the challenge is to find the one that best meets YOUR business needs. As with any major financial decision, it’s wise to compare your options. Don’t be afraid to admit that you might not fully understand what goes into credit card processing and the merchant provider industry. That’s why we are here – to walk you through the complexities. Here are some questions to consider.
What types of payment does the processor accept?
You never want to turn away a paying customer. That’s why your business will likely prefer a payment processor that accepts all major credit and debit cards, as well as prepaid and gift cards, electronic benefit transfers (EBT) and contactless payments, such as Apple Pay®, which gains in popularity every day due to its safety measures - both physical and technological.
What will it cost?
Merchant processor fees can vary depending on volume of transactions and amount of revenue generated, as well as the payment method, equipment costs and fraud risk, among other factors. Purchases made online often carry greater fees, for example, because you — the merchant — cannot see the actual card, heightening the risk of fraud.
Take time to understand your processor’s fee structure and choose a pricing model that suits your transaction trends. A company that promises the lowest rates may have hidden fees or limited service capabilities. Choose a credit card processor whose fees align with your business volume and projected growth. Common fees include:
- Interchange fees: This is the fee paid by the merchant processer to the bank that issues the credit or debit card.
- Application and setup fees: You may be charged a fee to apply for the service or set up the equipment needed to accept credit cards.
- Monthly minimum fee: Some companies charge a minimum fee if your card transactions fall below this threshold.
- Early termination fee: If you cancel your contract early, you may be responsible for a few hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on your contract.
What type of technology do I need to consider?
Nearly all new credit cards feature EMV chip technology, which helps protect your business from fraud. However, not all point-of-sale credit card equipment is updated to accept payments via the chip, especially if you purchase used equipment. Also consider the tech-savviness of your customers. If they are part of the mobile payment revolution, you might choose a payments processor with the technology to accept digital wallets. Take, for example, the Clover point-of-sale system. This modern day solution can alleviate these concerns as it can act as your main register or as a portable payment option. All Clover products are part of an all-in-one, cloud-based solution that allows for constant connectivity and synchronization between devices, giving you safe, anywhere/anytime access to your business transactions.
What other security features should I look for?
Some processing systems are more secure than others. When comparing options, look for those that comply with:
- PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) regulations, which stipulate that a merchant's payment ecosystem must be inventoried, documented and secured.
- SSL certificates and CVV2 verification – processors must support these card features if selling products online.
- P2P encryption – this security feature protects consumers by encrypting data transmissions at every stage. Again, taking Clover as an example, all of its devices are set up to pass the rigorous hardware and software testing to meet the industry’s stringent standards.
How do they support their customers?
No-frills, low-cost customer service may work out if you never need customer support. But the reality is that most businesses will need some assistance at some point-in-time. Even the best credit card machines can malfunction. Online purchases may trigger questions. System downtime translates into lost revenue. For peace-of-mind, look for a merchant processor that offers in-house support and is familiar with both your account and your equipment.
The time and money you spend researching the right processor will be far less than the extra surcharges and fees that you might incur if you don’t do your homework. Look for a good value, which includes reasonable cost, options that address your needs, strong security and excellent customer support.
We are always here to help – contact us with any questions.
