Big Change in Card Transaction Signature Requirements

Good news for those of you running credit card sales on EMV-accepting terminals.  In April of this year, the four major card brands (Visa, MasterCard, American Expr...

Pros & Cons of Cash Discount Programs

Are They an Alternative to Credit Card Surcharging?

The public loves their credit cards!  A 2017 survey showed that we prefer our credit cards nearly 3:1 vs cash.  Of course, accepting cards means paying card proces...

Accounting for Credit Card Processing Fees

We are nearing the time when cash-only small businesses will be making their final curtain call. For years, some small businesses dealt in cash or checks because get...

What is EMV Non-Compliance?

And why am I being charged for it?!?

Maybe you haven’t switched because you’re afraid of costs. Maybe you’re worried about training your staff. Or maybe you just think that changing will be a hass...

Cash Discounts & Credit Card Surcharges Explained

Beware the Hidden Cost of Doing a Cash-Only Business

It makes good business sense to accept credit cards. Not only do many people pay exclusively with credit cards, but those paying with a card tend to spend more. (It�...

Payment Processor vs. Payment Gateway — Any Difference?

If you’re a small business owner, you may sometimes feel overwhelmed by all of the details of running your own business, not to mention the new vocabulary that com...

Credit Card Declined – Error Code Guide

It’s hard on a customer when their credit card is declined during a purchase. Frequently they feel embarrassed or get angry and, in a brick and mortar store, it's...

5 Business Moves to Reduce Credit Card Transaction Costs

Things You Can Do WITHOUT Arguing Over Rate

Much of the cost of processing card transactions is “firm.” But there are still a few things you could investigate that might lower your costs. Here is our list...

Explaining the Time Lag from Credit Card Sale to Deposit

Credit Card Batch Processing & When Money Reaches Your Account

When Do You See Money? “When will funds be posted to my account?”  That’s the second most popular question that merchants have (after “What are my fees goi...

A Merchant’s Guide to Credit Card Costs

Understanding Credit Card Transaction Fees & Interchange

How Are Credit Card Transaction Fees Calculated? The card brands (VISA, MC, DISCOVER, AMEX) control between 70% to 90% of the fees you pay each month.  That's some...