Know Your Rates.
Know Your Rights.
Free guides, articles, and resources to help you understand credit card processing, evaluate your costs, and ask the right questions.
Articles & Guides
Plain-English explanations of the fees, pricing models, and tactics that affect your bottom line.
Understanding Interchange Fees: What You're Actually Paying
Every time a customer swipes a card, a fee flows from your bank to the cardholder's bank. That fee is called interchange — and most merchants have no idea how it works.
Tiered vs. Interchange-Plus Pricing: Which Is Better for Your Business?
Your pricing model determines how much you actually pay to accept credit cards. Most merchants are on the wrong one — and their processor is counting on them not to notice.
Cash Discount vs. Surcharge: Understanding Your Options
Cash discount, dual-pricing, and surcharge programs are not interchangeable. They have different structures, different legal requirements, and different card-network rules. Here is what each one means.
How to Read Your Merchant Statement
Merchant statements can be difficult to read. Here is a plain-English guide to every section and fee line — and the warning signs worth reviewing.
How to Switch Credit Card Processors Without Disrupting Your Business
Switching processors sounds complicated, but it doesn't have to be. Here's a step-by-step guide to moving to a better processor — without downtime, lost sales, or headaches.
High-Risk Merchant Accounts: What They Are and How to Get One
If your business has been labeled "high risk," you're not out of options. Here's what high-risk means, why it happens, and how to get competitive processing rates.
Chargeback Prevention: How to Protect Your Business from Costly Disputes
Chargebacks cost merchants the transaction amount, a $15–$100 fee, and potentially their merchant account. Here's how to prevent them before they happen.
5 Hidden Fees on Your Processing Statement
These five fees appear on most merchant statements — and most business owners have no idea they're paying them. Together, they can add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars per year.
How to Calculate Your Effective Processing Rate
Your effective rate is the one number that tells you what you are actually paying to accept credit cards — not what your processor advertises, but your true cost after every fee is included.
POS System Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Choose
Your POS system choice affects your processing costs, your reporting capabilities, and your ability to switch processors. Here is what to look for before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions from merchants.
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Interchange-Plus Pricing
Full transparency on every transaction — no tiered buckets.
Learn moreHigh-Risk Processing
Reliable accounts for firearms, CBD, and other high-risk industries.
Learn moreFree Statement Review
See exactly what you're paying and where you can save.
Learn moreIndustry-Specific Processing
Firearms & FFL Businesses
Processing from providers that knowingly support the industry.
Learn moreB2B, Manufacturing & Wholesale
Level 2 and Level 3 data for corporate and purchasing cards.
Learn moreRestaurants & Food Service
Tips, tabs, tableside payments and next-day funding.
Learn moreRetail Businesses
POS systems with inventory management and cloud reporting.
Learn moreChurches & Nonprofits
Online giving, recurring donations and event payment solutions.
Learn moreStill Have Questions?
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