Subscription pricing is becoming more popular as businesses try to find ways to cut credit card processing costs. This type of pricing can be competitive, but there is an element of marketing spin that can sometimes make it seem better than it actually is. Subscription flat rate pricing is available from some processors in the CardFellow marketp...

In this guide to pricing models, we’ll explain the pros and cons of different options. Fundamentals of Processing Fees Before we can get into pricing models, it’s important to start with a basic understanding of processing fees. Every credit card transaction is comprised of three parts: interchange, assessments, and markup. Interchange i...

How is it possible that American Express cards costs cost less than ever to accept, but businesses aren’t paying less? The answer is pretty simple: credit card processors are pocketing the difference. Amex Introduces “OptBlue” In early 2015, American Express decided to tackle two big problems: a reputation among businesses as the “expensive...

If you already take American Express cards or are considering accepting them at your business, you’ll want to make sure your processor charges you with OptBlue. Here’s why: It's Cheaper Well, probably. The OptBlue pricing is a "cost plus" model, so if you’re not on a tiered pricing model and if have a competitive processor markup, you’ll likely sa...

At this very moment you know just enough to be dangerous. Interchange plus pricing is not automatically the fix for your problem of high processing fees. I highly suggest (and I know my previous employer would agree) that you keep reading. The Flawed Definition of Interchange-Plus We have several articles here at CardFellow that delve into ...

OptBlue provides potential benefits to businesses in the form of transparency and reduced costs over current American Express's old One Point pricing, but it also opens the door for uninformed businesses to overpay. If you're looking for an American Express merchant account, here's what you'll need to look for - and what to avoid. What is...

In this article, I'll explain the benefits and limitations of interchange plus to help you avoid overpriced merchant accounts, and why "interchange plus" isn't enough on its own. Interchange Plus is a Pricing Model, Not a Guarantee Many of the articles here at CardFellow refer to interchange plus as a "pricing model." Some pricing models ar...

If you're considering a flat rate credit card processing company, here's what you need to know. What is flat rate pricing? Flat Rate Pricing is An Illusion Truly Competitive Pricing vs. Flat Rate Pricing Interchange Plus Pricing Arguments for Flat Rate Pricing Known Costs Small Tickets What is flat rate pricing? Flat rate i...

At CardFellow, we received this message from a curious business owner. I have a question about a specific company - [removed to protect the guilty]. They are saying the rate they can provide is 1.54% on qualified and mid-qualified cards ("flat wholesale rate"). The only other rate is "up to 4.61%" on non-qualified cards. Then they charge a three-c...

There's a lot of confusion about American Express merchant services. We regularly field questions about discount rates, pricing models, and settlement. In this article, we'll explain everything you need to know about accepting American Express at a business. Just looking to see costs to take Amex cards? For the most up-to-date pricing, use our f...