Credit Card Processors

[Ah Pook]

What do y'all use?

I'm about tired of the misc BS of my current CC processor. Would like a PC bases system vs a stand alone box. Something under $0.19 per trans and 1.75% would be nice.

Ideas?

TIA!

[Hoosier]

Do you have your own merchant account? You're selling physical goods card-in-hand, over the internet, or both? Any non-physical goods you're selling?

I haven't been in that arena directly in many years, but I know some people I can ask.

H.

[ChunkyMonkey]

I gave up w/ online vendors awhile back. We went with Bank of the west - they are decent - but you do have to have the volume to get the best tier.

[Bailey Guns]

What do y'all use?

I'm about tired of the misc BS of my current CC processor. Would like a PC bases system vs a stand alone box. Something under $0.19 per trans and 1.75% would be nice.

Ideas?

TIA!

I'd say the only way you'll get those rates is for swiped-only transactions. And you can figure about a 1.3% to 1.7% surcharge for mid and non-qual cards (rewards and business-type cards).

And it will make a difference what you're selling and how you're selling it.

I would highly recommend you stay away from any processor that uses First Data Corp to process their transactions. They will insist you have all sorts of "compliance inspections" and "certifications" (to the tune of several hundred dollars) to make sure you're PCI compliant (which all will ensure....they just won't charge you for it). I finally went with a company that was endorsed by GunsAmerica. But I was selling firearms online which made it almost impossible to find a processor.

Good luck...finding a decent processor is a real PITA.

[Tweety Bird]

When we had our tool truck, we found the best deals with Chase. We got out of that in 2008 so what I say is old news. (We might have a wireless CC machine if anyone is interested.) Their fees varied with the type of transaction (swiped or keyed, with or without CID, etc. but don't remember MC and Visa fees being too bad. Discover and AMEX, while we could take them, weren't encouraged nor advertised (no stickers on the truck door).

CC fees are just part of the cost of doing business these days. I guess you just gotta shop around like you do insurance.

[Ah Pook]

Thanks for the replies!

Right now Flagship Merchant Services and Leaders look promising. Short of any hidden fees, I'll probably go with FMS (1.59%/$0.21). They have no contract obligations and have PC based capabilities through Authorize.net.

I knew it was time to change when I found myself yelling into the phone about the absurdity their policies. [Rant2]

[Bailey Guns]

FYI...I had a very bad experience with Flagship. They like to nickel and dime you to death with charges. And they will charge very hefty surcharges for mid and non-qualified cards...up to 1.7% on top of the discount rate. So don't be surprised when your 1.59% rate becomes 3%+ because someone uses a rewards card.

[Ah Pook]

Thanks for the heads up.

[ChunkyMonkey]

FYI...I had a very bad experience with Flagship. They like to nickel and dime you to death with charges. And they will charge very hefty surcharges for mid and non-qualified cards...up to 1.7% on top of the discount rate. So don't be surprised when your 1.59% rate becomes 3%+ because someone uses a rewards card.

Rewards card and cash back rewards drive me crazy!! Chase and Discovery are the most expensive ones.

[Ah Pook]

I avoid anything related to Chase at all cost.

Any word on Inspire Commerce or Advo Charge? Got a few VMs out but no callbacks yet.