Statement literacy
Before you hunt a “better rate,” learn what you already pay. A useful statement review separates:
- Interchange and network fees — largely driven by card brand, card type, and how the transaction was accepted
- Processor markup — the portion a provider controls and can explain
- Flat fees — monthly minimums, PCI or non-compliance fees, statement fees, gateway fees, chargeback fees
- Equipment or software rents — often buried as separate lines
If lines are opaque or labeled with vague “discount” codes, ask for a plain-English breakdown. Opacity itself is a reason to start a conversation.
Channel mix
How customers pay changes cost:
- Card-present (chip/contactless) usually prices differently than keyed or e-commerce
- Rewards and commercial cards often cost more than basic debit
- Online and MO-TO paths may need a payment gateway plus fraud tools that add fees—but also reduce chargebacks when used well
Optimizing channel mix is not “force everyone to cash.” It is matching acceptance method to risk and customer experience. For cash-discount education (not a rate promise), see cash discounting.
Ask for a review
Bring two to three recent statements when you request a statement review / quote. New businesses without history can share estimated monthly volume, average ticket, and channels. We do not publish public rate tables; a review without your mix would be fiction.
Related: when to change processors, merchant accounts, and the FAQ.
Common questions
What is the fastest way to lower fees?
Understand your statement first. Blindly switching without reading lines often swaps one opaque bill for another.
Do you guarantee savings?
No. Legacy “nobody beats our prices” claims are discarded. Quotes follow your facts.
Should I turn off rewards cards?
Usually no—customers expect them. Focus on acceptance method and markup clarity instead.
Is cash discounting a cost fix?
Where do I send statements?
Via get a quote or program mail on contact.