7 Best Small Business Credit Card Processors in 2024

What Is Credit Card Processing?

Credit card processing looks like a simple and instant process, but it actually consists of several interlocking steps. Your credit card processor is the entity that connects a bunch of moving parts to make sure your business can accept payments, which is why it’s so important to have a good one.

The process starts when a consumer initiates a payment with their card. The information is then shared with the merchant, who collects the details. Once the merchant gets the card information, they send it to their credit card processor, which then sends it to the card network. The card network passes the information to the consumer’s bank.

The bank verifies that the consumer has enough funds/credit, then approves or declines the transaction, and tells the merchant’s credit card processor. Once the bank approves a transaction, your card processor releases the funds to your merchant account. 

The consumer’s bank notifies you of the payment’s approval or denial. That’s what happens when you see the notification of an approved transaction on your card reader or virtual terminal. 

And finally, there’s the settlement process: the official transfer of the money from the consumer’s bank to your bank. This process is not always instant, and can even take days, depending on the consumer’s card network. 

The settlement process is also when any processing fees are taken from the total amount. These fees will vary based on the credit card processor you’ve chosen.

How To Pick the Best Credit Card Processing Service for Your Business

First, there are a few basic requirements you should keep in mind. You’re looking for:

• Transparent pricing
• Payment security. PCI compliance at the minimum.
• Enough payment types allowed. Customers expect choice.
• Customer support. This stuff can be tricky for a business of any size, so it’s important to be able to get help.

But aside from these basics, the most important factors are your business size, expenses, and income. Understanding this will help you figure out which card processing service costs the least for you in the long run.

If you’re a high-risk business – in a taboo industry or with mixed credit history – then regular processing may not be sufficient. Instead, you should look for services with a special high-risk focus. These include vendors offering advanced fraud protection features to protect high-risk merchants, like placing holds on customer accounts that require additional verification.

If your business is small or just getting started, you may want to prioritize services that save time and are easy to use. That means looking for providers that onboard quickly, sync well with other platforms, and are clear about prices.

Another necessary point of consideration is finding a good point of sale (POS) system. Most credit card processors offer a POS system that combines hardware and software, so you can take in-person, online, and mobile payments without having to contract multiple services.

However, processors package their POS offerings differently. For example, some services have good card-reading terminals, but they come with a hefty up-front cost on top of your existing account fees. Meanwhile, other providers offer free equipment depending on the contract you choose.

Even if you find a processor that has an attractive POS package, you’ll need to double-check if the software will work with your existing set-up. If you have an e-commerce store, for instance, you’ll want to ensure the processor’s virtual terminal can integrate with your site’s shopping cart.

How Much Does Credit Card Processing Cost?

Almost all credit card processors impose an interchange fee. An interchange fee is composed of two parts: a percentage of that transaction, and a flat charge for every transaction. (It will look something like this: 2.6% + 10¢.) The interchange fee varies on the credit card, the size of the transaction, and whether a purchase was in-person or online.

Additionally, most credit card processors impose a monthly subscription fee. (Or an upfront cost for a certain amount of time, like three years, that is displayed as a monthly rate.) Sometimes processors call this an equipment or software fee. 

You may also encounter chargeback fees over disputed payments. Chargeback fees cover the costs banks incur when a customer disputes a previous transaction and asks for their money back. Chargeback fees range from $15 to $50, plus the transaction fee. 

You can dispute chargeback fees, but it can be time-consuming and complicated. Luckily, some credit card processors have dedicated chargeback departments that offer specialist support.

There are a few more costs that are common, but not universal, among credit card processors. Many will sell you card-reading equipment for a one-time fee (though some have free device options). Some will charge fees for the use of online payment gateways. Other processors issue markup fees on transactions too.

That’s why it’s important to find a processor that’s upfront about their fees – for example, some vendors state plainly that they won’t markup interchange rates.

Lastly, some companies allow you to negotiate for the lowest rate possible based on the services you do (and do not) require, as well as factors like your industry, transaction volume, and average transaction amount. This can result in significant savings, especially with companies that try to beat your current processor’s rates.

Many processors bundle various software integrations, “free” equipment, and e-commerce solutions in their plans. The ability to choose a custom service at a custom price means that you only pay for what you actually need, helping to keep your processing costs as low as possible.

It’s on you to make sure you (or your accountant) understand the relevant tax law and document everything adequately. That’s why you’ll probably want a credit card processing service that makes documentation easy with automatic reporting and QuickBooks integration.