Find out what you're really paying to take cards.
Answer a few questions. Your last statement helps, but you don't need it. A MerniPayments rep goes through every line with you and gives you a straight answer about your rates.
Free, with no obligation to switch. You'll answer a few questions, share a recent statement with your rep, and we'll contact you about your review and our processing services. Savings aren't guaranteed.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Interchange | $228.00 |
| Card network fees | $16.80 |
| Processor markup | $138.60 |
| PCI non-compliance fee, flagged: worth a second look | $39.95 |
| Statement fee | $9.95 |
| "Non-qualified" surcharge, flagged: worth a second look | $34.70 |
| Card sales | $12,000.00 |
| Total fees | $468.00 |
| Effective rate | 3.9% |
we'll walk you through every line.
Where your money goes
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Interchange
Set by the card networks and paid to the bank that issued the card. No processor or agent sets it.
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Card network fees
Charged by the card networks themselves, on every sale.
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Processor markup
The part that varies.
Fees worth a second look
- Interchange
- The largest part of most card fees. The card networks set it, and it goes to the bank that issued your customer's card.
- Card network fees (assessments)
- Small fees the card networks charge on every sale, passed through on your statement.
- Processor markup
- What your processor adds on top of interchange and network fees. This is the part that varies between providers.
- Effective rate
- Your total fees divided by your total card sales for the month. The simplest way to compare what you really pay.
- Tiered pricing and downgrades
- Pricing that sorts sales into "qualified", "mid-qualified" and "non-qualified" tiers. A downgrade moves a sale into a pricier tier.
- Interchange-plus
- Pricing that passes interchange and network fees through at cost and adds a stated markup, so every part shows on the statement.
- PCI compliance fee
- A charge for the program or tools that help you meet the card industry's data security standard (PCI DSS).
- PCI non-compliance fee
- A monthly penalty charged when your yearly PCI questionnaire isn't on file. Completing the questionnaire usually stops it.
- Statement fee
- A flat monthly charge for producing your statement.
- Monthly minimum
- If your processing fees for the month come in under a set amount, you're charged the difference.
- Batch fee
- A charge each time the day's sales are closed out and sent for settlement.
- Annual fee
- A once-a-year charge, often billed in a month when it's easy to miss.
- Gateway fee
- A charge for the software that connects online or keyed-in payments to the processor.
- "IRS reporting" fee
- A processor charge, not a government fee. Processors do report card sales to the IRS, but this fee is theirs.
- Early termination fee
- A charge for ending a processing contract before its term is up.
- Liquidated damages
- A contract clause that can charge you the processor's estimated lost fees for leaving early. It can cost far more than a flat early termination fee.
Effective-rate calculator
Two numbers from your last statement are enough.
Enter both amounts to see your effective rate.
Get a line-by-line reviewHow it works
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Tell us about your business
About 3 minutes, no sensitive details.
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We review your costs line by line
Your rep goes through a recent statement with you.
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You decide
If switching makes sense, your rep helps with the application, equipment and setup. You see the full terms before you sign a processing agreement.
Keep what works. See what would change.
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Countertop terminals
A card machine on the counter that prints receipts
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Smart terminals
A touchscreen device, often handheld, that can print and take tips
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POS systems
A register and software for orders, menus or inventory, with payments built in
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Mobile readers
A small reader that pairs with a phone or tablet
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Virtual terminal & invoicing
Key in a card on a computer, for phone orders and invoices
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Online checkout
Payments on your website or online store
Some systems only work with one processor. Tell us what you use and we'll check what can stay and what would need replacing before you commit to anything.
Who we work with
- Restaurant or bar
- Retail store
- Salon or spa
- Professional services
- Auto services
- Healthcare or dental
- Online store
- Mobile business or food truck
What you get
- A real person (your own rep)
- Line-by-line explanations in plain English
- Help with the application, equipment and setup
- A free, no-obligation review
Frequently asked questions
Is the review really free?
Yes. There's no charge and no obligation to switch. We'll contact you about your review and our processing services.
What do you need from me?
About 3 minutes of answers. Your rep will ask for a recent processing statement. Black out bank account numbers, and never send full card numbers. No SSN or bank details at this stage.
Will I have to replace my equipment?
It depends on what you have. Some systems (like Square, Toast and Clover) only work with their own processor. Many standalone terminals can be reprogrammed. Tell us the make and model and we'll check.
Do I have to cancel my current processor?
Not for a review. If you decide to switch, your rep helps you time it around your contract and any early-termination fee. If you lease equipment, check that lease too. It's usually a separate contract.
How long does switching take?
[DRAFT: owner]
Who processes the payments?
[DRAFT] MerniPayments is an independent sales agent of Elavon, Inc., Atlanta, GA. MerniPayments is independently owned and is not a bank, payment processor or acquirer. Merchant processing services are provided by Elavon, Inc. and its sponsor bank, are subject to Elavon's application, underwriting and approval, and are governed by Elavon's Terms of Service and the merchant processing application you sign.
Is my information safe?
[DRAFT] Your answers are encrypted in transit and while they wait for our team, then kept in access-controlled systems. We use them to prepare your review, to contact you about it and about our processing services, and, if you apply, to set up your account. We don't sell them.