Over the last couple decades, I’ve fielded thousands of questions about pricing models and written countless blog posts to help clear up confusion about processing fees. But payment processing is a constantly-changing landscape. Over the years new models have joined the fray, such as flat-rate pricing and subscription-based pricing. So it’s worth r...

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...

Choosing a Seasonal Merchant Account Provider For seasonal businesses, transparency is key. You’ll need a processor that isn’t skittish about big seasonal swings in transaction volume and you'll need to be open with them about the seasonal nature of your business. Additionally, finding a processor that has no or low monthly minimums for your off-m...

That may sound confusing, but I'll explain. Monthly Minimum Explanation A monthly minimum indicates the minimum amount in fees that a processor will collect in any given month. If actual fees resulting from processing activity don't meet or exceed the minimum amount, the processor will charge however much is necessary to meet the minimum. A ca...

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. ...