However, it’s possible to transition to a new processor smoothly and with minimal disruptions. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process step by step, from determining if it’s time to switch to actually cancelling your old account. How to Know if It’s Time to Switch Merchant Accounts Before I get into how to switch, you may still be wonder...

Let’s face it: merchant services is a confusing topic for most business owners. And sometimes that’s not an accident. Between intentionally vague terms and sales reps that range from well-intentioned but inexperienced to outright deceptive, it’s no surprise that myths about merchant fees persist. I’ve written about credit card processing for dec...

The rule, sometimes referred to as the “Junk Fees Rule,” specifies that businesses in specific industries must clearly disclose the total price including all mandatory fees. As of 2025, the rule applies to businesses selling tickets to live events and short-term lodging businesses, such as hotels, inns, vacation rentals, and bed & breakfasts. ...

There are several choices, each with different costs and features. In this article, we’ll cover the monthly fees for Clover plans, hardware/software compatibility, and what you get with each software plan. Clover Equipment There are currently five choices for Clover credit card processing equipment: Go, Flex, Mini, Station, and Station 2018. ...

The short answer is that embedded payments refers to payment options that are integrated directly into apps or websites. Instead of requiring an external credit card machine or redirecting you to a payment processing page online, the payment capability is “embedded” in the app or website. In this article, I’ll go into more detail on how embedded...

I’ve reviewed hundreds of processor contracts over the years. While some are fairly straightforward, others contain “gotchas” that aren’t always easy to spot. Unfortunately, missing those can cause you a lot of frustration and money. In this article, I’ll help you avoid pitfalls by showing you what to avoid in your credit card processing agreeme...

In this article, we’ll clear up these credit card processing misconceptions to help you avoid common pitfalls and misleading sales spin. Misconception 1: Flat Rate Pricing is the Cheapest Flat rate pricing, where a processor offers you a fixed rate for transactions, looks simple. Instead of various interchange rates, you’ll just see one rate. Com...

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 Keeping in mind that the actual ra...

My guess is that you’re starting your search for a processor by heading to Google to read reviews on the “best” credit card processors, or to find the processors with the lowest “rates.” Or perhaps you’re trying to verify something you were told by one of the dozen merchant services salespeople that seem to call every hour of every day. Or you have...

In today’s increasingly cashless world, it might seem counterintuitive to install an ATM at your business. However, there are compelling reasons to consider it. Whether you've been thinking about adding an ATM or never gave it a second thought, here’s what you need to know about the pros, cons, and costs of ATM ownership or leasing. Pros of an On-...