Why Your Processor Can Raise Rates Without Telling You
Most merchant agreements include a clause that lets the processor increase fees at will. Here's where to find it and what to do about it.
Read more →
Payment Processing, Explained
Plain-English guides for business owners who are tired of overpaying and not understanding why.
Start Here
What Happens When You Swipe Your Card
Follow your transaction from terminal to bank — and see who takes a cut along the way.
Read →Flat Rate vs. Interchange-Plus
The real math behind both pricing models — and which one actually saves you money.
Read →Free Guide: Statement Checkup
Find out in 5 minutes if you are overpaying. Includes a rate calculator and red flag checklist.
Get the Guide →Latest Posts
The Real Cost of Accepting Amex — And When It's Worth It
American Express has a reputation for being expensive. But the gap has narrowed, and refusing Amex might cost you more than accepting it.
Read more →
What Is Interchange — And Who Actually Sets Your Rates?
Interchange is the biggest chunk of what you pay to accept cards. Here's who controls it, how it's calculated, and why your processor can't lower it.
Read more →
Level 2 and Level 3 Data: How B2B Merchants Cut Interchange by Half
If you sell to businesses or government agencies, sending additional transaction data can slash your interchange rate. Here's how.
Read more →
PIN Debit vs. Signature Debit: The Cost Difference Nobody Talks About
The same debit card can cost you two different rates depending on whether the customer enters a PIN. Here's which is cheaper and why.
Read more →
Batch Processing Explained: Why Closing Your Batch Daily Saves Money
Every day you don't close your batch is a day you're paying higher interchange rates. Here's the fix.
Read more →
Early Termination Fees: The Clause Your Processor Hopes You Forget
Some processors lock you in with ETFs of $500 or more. Here's how to spot them before you sign and how to get out if you're already stuck.
Read more →
How to Actually Negotiate Your Processing Agreement
Your merchant agreement isn't a take-it-or-leave-it contract. It's a first offer. Here's how to push back on the terms that cost you money.
Read more →
Card-Present vs. Card-Not-Present: Why Your Online Sales Cost More
The same card can cost you two different rates depending on whether it's physically present at checkout — and the gap can be 40% or more.
Read more →
Monthly Minimums: The Processor Fee Nobody Warns You About
A monthly minimum sounds harmless — until you realize it's a guaranteed floor on your processing cost, regardless of how little business you actually do.
Read more →
FREE GUIDE
The 5-Minute Merchant Statement Checkup
Grab your most recent statement and find out if you are overpaying — in under 5 minutes. Includes a rate calculator, comparison chart, and 9-point red flag checklist.
Download the Free GuideWant a second opinion on your statement?
Upload your merchant statement and I'll break down exactly what you're paying — and whether it's fair. Free, no strings attached.
Send me your statement →