Merchant services, explained plainly
Guides for business owners on processing fees, pricing programs, POS systems and opening a new business.
How to Read a Merchant Statement (and Spot Hidden Fees)
A plain-English guide to your credit card processing statement: where to find total sales and fees, how to calculate your effective rate, and which fees to question.
October 23, 2026Dual Pricing vs. Cash Discount vs. Surcharge: What Texas Businesses Should Know
The difference between dual pricing, cash discount programs and credit card surcharges, and why Texas merchants should be careful with surcharging.
October 23, 2026Interchange-Plus vs. Flat Rate Pricing: Which Costs Less?
How interchange-plus and flat-rate credit card pricing work, when each one costs less, and how to compare them with your own numbers.
October 23, 2026Payment Processing Checklist for a New Business (30 to 60 Days Before Opening)
What to set up, and when, so a new business can take cards on day one: merchant account, POS, equipment, bank account, signage and testing.
October 23, 2026Square Fees Explained: What You Pay and When to Compare
Square's published processing fees by plan, what they add up to at real volume, and when a traditional merchant account may be worth comparing.
October 23, 2026Choosing a POS System for a New Restaurant: 10 Questions to Ask
Ten questions to answer before you pick a restaurant POS: service style, hardware, online ordering, processing, contracts and support.
Not sure what you're paying, or what you'll need?
Send a recent statement or tell us about the business you're opening. You'll get a plain-English breakdown and options, with no cost or obligation.