Pumpkin spice lattes and packed shopping carts are a sign of the season, but they also mean one thing for business owners: more credit card transactions. And when transaction volume spikes, so do the fees.
Here’s the challenge: the cost you were quoted for processing often isn’t the cost you actually pay. The difference between what you expect and what shows up on your statement is what we call the real cost of credit card processing.
A Story You Might Recognize
A sales rep promises a “low rate.” You sign on. But by the time holiday receipts come in, your statement is packed with extra line items: gateway fees, monthly minimums, PCI charges, “miscellaneous” costs. Suddenly, the bargain isn’t such a bargain anymore.
That’s why smart business owners track their effective rate: total fees divided by total card volume. It’s the simplest way to see your true cost.
Why It Matters Now
During the holiday rush, a one-percent difference in your effective rate could mean hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars in lost profit. Knowing your real cost means you can step into the season with confidence instead of surprise.
Want to know what you’re really paying? Try our Rate Calculator. In just a few minutes, you’ll see your effective rate and know whether your current plan is helping or hurting your bottom line.
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