CardFellow Credit Card Processing Blog

Case Studies

CardFellow’s Lifetime Rate Lock Proves Key for HeartMath

by Ellen Cunningham

The Issue: Constant rate increases and not knowing if current rates are truly the best. The solution: CardFellow’s lifetime rate lock and free ongoing statement audits to ensure the lowest possible pricing. It wasn’t the first time Tom had switched processors. For 27 years, HeartMath, LLC had provided research-based solutions to help people lower stress,…

For Tom Beckman, a notification of a rate increase wasn’t unexpected, but it was the final straw. It was time to look for a new credit card processor, again.

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Credit Card Processing

Clover vs Square: Which should you choose?

by Ellen Cunningham

When it comes to choosing between Square and Clover, you’ll want to consider the cost not just for hardware but the processing fees as well. In this article, we’ll cover features and processor compatibility as well as examine how the most comparable devices in each line stack up side by side. General Features Square Capital…

Both companies offer sleek, modern-looking POS systems, credit card machines, and mobile readers, but how do they compare in terms of costs, features, and processor compatibility?

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B2B, Credit Card Processing

Level III Credit Card Processing: Large Tickets, B2G, and Purchasing Cards

by Ellen Cunningham

Visa and Mastercard have separate interchange categories for level III transactions, so providing all of the required information can result in savings if your business accepts a lot of cards that are level III eligible. However, not all cards are level III eligible, and not all gateways are capable of passing level III data. Let’s…

Level III (or level 3) data refers to providing specific line item details at the time of a purchasing card or government card transaction beyond what is required for consumer card transactions.

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ecommerce, Security and PCI Compliance

Riskified Fraud and Chargeback Management

by Ellen Cunningham

Riskified is a software-as-a-service company that offers chargeback prevention and fraud management for mid-market and enterprise level businesses, specifically online retailers. The company boasts clients such as Aldo, Skullcandy, Burlington Coat Factory, Mattel, Swarovski, Prada, and more. With fraudsters increasingly turning to the internet as a result of increased in-person security due to chip cards,…

Credit card processing companies offer basic anti-fraud tools and chargeback management, but dedicated solutions can provide greater protection for online sellers. Enter Riskified.

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Credit Card Processing

What is a Good Rate for High Risk Processing?

by Ellen Cunningham

However, it’s still possible to get a general idea of average costs for various industries and business types. At CardFellow, we work with processors that serve high risk businesses and have pulled together some rough numbers to give you an idea of whether you’re overpaying. Rates for High Risk Merchant Accounts What High Risk Processors…

At the best of times, it can be difficult to give an accurate answer regarding a good “rate” for credit card processing, because costs are highly business-specific. This is even more true of “high risk” businesses – those in industries like adult entertainment, gambling, vape shops, travel, and tech support.

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Credit Card Processing, Specialty Businesses

Challenges for CBD Merchant Accounts

by Ellen Cunningham

CBD products that make “unsubstantiated” health claims, in particular, may have fewer options when it comes to credit card processing. Let’s take a look at finding the right merchant account for CBD sales. How is CBD different than marijuana? Is CBD legal? CBD vs. Marijuana According to the DEA Problems for CBD Sellers What are…

If you sell CBD oils, waters, creams, or edibles, you know that it’s not the same as selling marijuana or marijuana edibles. But that doesn’t mean you won’t run into difficulties finding a credit card processor.

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Credit Card Processing, Legal

Eliminating Credit Card Fees with Cash Discounts: Is It Legal?

by Ellen Cunningham

The short answer: yes, when done correctly. The longer answer is that there’s a lot of confusion about the difference between “cash discounts” and “surcharges,” and that confusion has led to labeling surcharge programs as cash discount programs. Let’s look at the differences between the two and how you can stay on the right side…

Credit card processing companies are popping up left and right offering “cash discount” programs to eliminate your credit card processing fees. Are they legal and are they permitted in merchant agreements?

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Credit Card Processing

Stripe Terminal for In Person Payments

by Ellen Cunningham

However, it’s not quite what you’re thinking. The Stripe Terminal solution allows businesses to build their own card-present checkout system by programming it with pre-certified card readers. The company calls it an “API-driven solution” and says that it’s geared toward tech-savvy businesses with both online and offline selling channels. If you’re not tech-savvy (or don’t…

In autumn 2018, Stripe officially announced the launch of Stripe Terminal, an option for in-person payments.

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Credit Card Processing exposed