POSitive Processing Blog

What to Avoid When Searching for a Credit Card Processor
Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Finding the best credit card processing company for your business can be an adventure — and not always the best kind. Here are some pitfalls to avoid when performing your search.

Long-Term Contracts and/or Early Termination Fees

Be wary of processors asking you to sign a long-term contract with early termination fees. It’s common in the industry to find contracts of up to five years in length, and some processors have an auto-renewal clause.

In addition, there are processors who don’t charge a flat early termination fee but calculate the amount using a method referred to as “liquidated damages.” With liquidated damages, you’ll be charged the amount in revenue that your processor determines it will lose due to you closing your account. For example, if you have a three-year contract, and you cancel after one year, you will pay a cancellation fee equal to two years worth of processing costs.

Long-Term Non Cancellable Equipment Leases

Leasing versus purchasing a credit card terminal can seem like an affordable option, but lessee beware. Often times, these long-term lease agreements cannot be cancelled, which means that you are the hook for monthly payments for the entire duration of the lease term — even if you switch processors or stop accepting cards altogether .

Unexpected Rate Increases

Don’t fall for the classic “bait and switch.” Processors will quote aritifically low rates only then to raise them a few months later. Always read the Terms and Conditions to ensure that the processing company does not reserve the right to raise your rates.

Confusing Pricing and Statements

Credit card processors employ a few different pricing methods. One in particular — tiered pricing — can lead to confusing, hard-to-understand statements and unexpected higher rates.

With this pricing model, transactions are lumped into “rate buckets,” such as qualified, mid-qualified and non-qualified. Usually the processor advertises the rate associated with the qualified bucket because it is the lowest. What often happens, however, is that a large amount of the merchant’s transactions are downgraded and consequently charged at a higher rate.

Hidden Fees

The devil is in the details. Ask for an outline of all the extra monthly and annual fees you will be charged. Make sure that the rate they quote takes into account all of those fees. Take the time to read through the Terms and Conditions to ensure that what you’re being promised is what you’re going to receive.

In essence, credit card processors are in the “trust” business. You trust them to safely process your credit card receipts for a fair price. By doing some homework, you can help ensure that you find the best processor for your business and its unique needs.

What to Avoid When Searching for a Credit Card Processor

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WHAT OUR MERCHANTS ARE SAYING

"I have found OMEGA to be a wonderful service for processing our credit card transactions. On the couple of times that I've had a question, I have called, and one of the customer service representatives have resolved it immediately. I've been very satisfied with the ease of use, customer service and the reasonable cost."

Maury White Law Offices

"OMEGA Processing's quick response and focus on service and cost effectiveness is outstanding. I would recommend OMEGA to any of my colleagues with a dental or medical practice."

John Strief, D.D.S.

"I was so impressed with Julianne from your Customer Service Department, with whom I worked this morning. She was patient, kind and knowledgeable. Really a huge help to me!"

Relogistics LLC

"Our representative has been excellent to work with. If I ever call, she either answers or calls me back just a couple of minutes later. She's saved me a ton of money, and the service is excellent."

Giovannis

"We really appreciate OMEGA Processing's Online Merchant Portal. It's very easy to access and, most importantly, it's easy to understand. OMEGA's way of doing things is so much easier than our prior processor!"

Swain's Furniture

"There have been a handful of occasions when I've called OMEGA Processing's customer service for assistance. Every time, and no matter who I have dealt with, the personnel and entire experience have been professional, helpful, knowledgeable and -- quite frankly -- enjoyable. This type of courtesy and service is rare in today's business world."

Woodland Cabins

"What sets OMEGA Processing apart from other providers is SERVICE, SERVICE, SERVICE!!! I would absolutely recommend OMEGA to anyone. We have saved quite a bit of money and had the very best service possible."

Perfect Game USA

"I wanted to tell you what amazing sales and support team you have. I worked with Dennis and Becca and they are amazing! We really appreciate the service and follow up service we receive from both of them. As small business owners that personal touch means a lot. Again thank you for your team's great customer service before and after the sale."

Hoover Chiropractic Clinic

"When we were considering switching to OMEGA for our credit card processing, our Account Rep spent a lot of time explaining the savings we could expect and why. He explained how to read the monthly statements and what the process would be for switching. He answered all of my questions patiently and completely. The process could not have been easier."

Horton Family Dental

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