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When it comes to credit card processing fees, you might be wondering if there’s anything you can do to reduce the amount you’re paying.
The truth is, there are a number of things you can do to lower your credit card processing costs. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about credit card processing fees and costs so you can make the best decision for your business.
What are Credit Card Processing Fees?
Credit card processing fees are the charges you pay to accept credit cards as a form of payment from your customers. These fees can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of credit card you’re accepting, the transaction amount, and the processor you’re using.
Generally, credit card processing fees fall into one of three categories: interchange fees, assessment fees, and processor fees.
Interchange Fees
Interchange fees are set by the card associations (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, etc.) and are the largest component of your credit card processing fees. These fees are paid to the issuing bank that issued the credit card to your customer.
Assessment Fees
Assessment fees are set by the card associations and are paid to the card associations themselves. These fees help cover the cost of running the card associations and initiatives to increase card security.
Processor Fees
Processor fees are the charges you pay to your credit card processor for processing your transactions. These fees can vary depending on the type of processor you’re using and the features you’re using (such as recurring billing or automated fraud prevention).
What Determines My Credit Card Processing Fees?
There are a number of factors that can affect the amount you pay in credit card processing fees.
- The type of credit card you’re accepting: Rewards cards, corporate cards, and international cards generally have higher interchange rates than regular consumer cards.
- The transaction amount: Larger transactions generally have higher interchange rates than smaller transactions.
- The processor you’re using: Some processors charge higher fees than others.
- The features you’re using: Some features, such as recurring billing or automated fraud prevention, may come with additional fees.
How Can I Reduce My Credit Card Processing Fees?
There are a number of things you can do to reduce the amount you pay in credit card processing fees.
- Accepting major credit cards: Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards, so you’ll generally pay lower processing fees if you accept them.
- Offering discounts for cash: You can offer a discount for customers who pay with cash to incentive them to choose this payment method.
- Getting a merchant account: A merchant account is a type of bank account that allows you to accept credit cards. Merchant accounts typically have lower processing fees than other types of accounts.
- Using a processor with low fees: Some processors charge higher fees than others. You can compare processors to find one with low fees.
- Asking your customers to pay by ACH: ACH is a type of electronic bank transfer. Many processors offer lower fees for ACH payments than for credit card payments.
Conclusion
Credit card processing fees can be a significant cost for your business. However, there are a number of things you can do to reduce the amount you pay in fees. By accepting major credit cards, offering discounts for cash, and using a processor with low fees, you can save money on your credit card processing costs.
