Price on your real numbers
Ask each provider to price the same statement. Have them show interchange pass-through separately from their markup, and list every fixed monthly, annual and equipment fee.
What to compare beyond price
Total cost is only the start.
- Contract length, auto-renewal and early-termination fees
- Equipment: owned, rented or leased (leases are often non-cancelable)
- Next-day vs. two-day funding and weekend deposits
- Integration with your POS, practice software, invoicing or accounting
- ACH, text-to-pay, card-on-file and recurring billing options
- Who answers support, and how fast
Pricing models in brief
Flat-rate pricing is simple and can suit low volume. Interchange-plus shows the networks' cost and the provider's markup separately, which usually makes comparison easier as volume grows. Tiered pricing groups transactions into buckets and is the hardest to compare.
Run the numbers
Total card sales on your statement.
Add every fee line: discount, interchange, assessments, monthly, PCI, gateway.
Your effective rate
3.25%
Fees per year
$23,400
Avg. fee / sale
$4.88
Avg. ticket
$150.00
Effective rate is a diagnostic, not a savings quote. Card mix, card-present vs. keyed, and network rules change what any provider can offer.
Questions to ask your processor
- • Is my pricing interchange-plus, tiered or flat-rate?
- • What is your markup above interchange, in % and per item?
- • Which monthly, PCI, statement or gateway fees apply?
- • Is there an early-termination fee or equipment lease?
Estimates only. Results vary. No guarantee of approval, rates or savings.
Talk with a payments specialistCommon questions
Which processor is best for small businesses?
There is no single answer. The right fit depends on your volume, ticket size, how you take payments and the software you use. We help you compare options side by side.
Should I switch to save money?
Only after you compare total cost, contract exit fees and the work of changing equipment and software. Sometimes renegotiating with your current provider is the better move.
Do you recommend a specific provider?
If you want an introduction, your financing specialist can connect you with a selected provider you approve. You decide; Profit Theory may be compensated, as explained in our referral disclosure.