Reduce credit card processing fees without changing processors
Merchant statements are built to be hard to read: interchange, assessments, processor markup and a list of monthly fees that grows over time. Small changes in markup are invisible on a single statement and expensive over a year of sales. We take the statement apart and negotiate the parts that are negotiable.
Where processing costs hide
Card-brand interchange is set by the networks and is the same for everyone. Everything the processor adds on top of it is a commercial term, and that is where a review finds room.
- Processor markup above interchange, and rate increases added after signing
- Monthly, annual, statement, PCI and “non-compliance” fees
- Transactions downgraded to a more expensive category
- Equipment leases and gateway fees for hardware you may already own
What we need from you
A few recent monthly merchant statements is enough to start. Analysts rebuild your effective rate, separate the fixed costs from the negotiable ones, and show you in writing what they would change before contacting your processor.
Your terminals, online checkout and deposit schedule stay as they are unless you choose otherwise; the work is negotiation, not a sales pitch for a new processor.
Paid only from results
There is no upfront cost. If the review does not find savings, there is no fee; if it does, the fee is a share of the savings achieved. Statements are checked afterwards, because processor rates have a habit of drifting back up.
Savings engagements are contracted with MECA LLC under the Schooley Mitchell brand. West Tennessee Consulting operates this site and introduces the engagement; it is a separate company.
Frequently asked questions
- Do we need to change our card terminals or payment gateway?
- No. The review starts from your current setup and works with your existing processor wherever possible.
- Is our business big enough for this to be worthwhile?
- Card volume matters more than company size. Send a statement and the analysts will tell you whether a review is worth doing before any work begins.
- Can you help with PCI compliance fees?
- Yes. Non-compliance fees are a common line item, and the review checks whether they are being charged correctly.