Some merchants use third party credit card processing because they have had difficulty getting a direct merchant account relationship. Others, unfortunately, may be unaware that they are under a third-party setup and can get much better rates from a direct setup.
What is third party processing? As the name implies, there is another organization handling merchant services between you and the payment processor. These “middle men” may offer a degree of convenience for new companies and low-volume ...Read More
Third Party Credit Card Processing – Why It’s A Last Resort
Some merchants use third party credit card processing because they have had difficulty getting a direct merchant account relationship. Others, unfortunately, may be unaware that they are under a third-party setup and can get much better rates from a direct setup.
What is third party processing? As the name implies, there is another organization handling merchant services between you and the payment processor. These “middle men” may offer a degree of convenience for new companies and low-volume ...Read More
Most people who are looking to use a payment gateway for credit card transactions may be unaware that there are charges for gateway usage on top of the usual credit card fees. These fees pay for the infrastructure and security as well as integration with virtual terminals and online shopping carts. Although credit card gateway fees are usually fairly small, they can add up if your business processes a high volume of low-dollar transactions.
How does gateway usage volume affect overall costs? 
Note: This article is in reference to an emerging payment option, and may not yet be available through all credit card processing companies.
One of the ideas being publically tested for mobile wallets and smartphone-based payments involves QR codes. These cryptic square barcodes which seem to have found their way into print media, signage, tattoos, and sidewalk art over the past couple of years, are now being seen at registers. Essentially, smartphones enabled with mobile wallet (and/or NFC) features 
At Capital Processing Network, our nationwide representatives have the privilege of visiting thousands of business owners every year. We work with individual companies on a case-by-case basis in order to give them the best merchant account and credit card acceptance setup for their businesses. Our account executives have gained a lot of experience in dealing with multiple business types, and part of the advice we offer involves tips for improving loyalty and keeping customers coming back.
Here 
Many of our merchants have been asking for details on the recent Visa and MasterCard credit card settlement which allows for surcharges on credit card transactions. Retail customers nationwide have been learning about the surcharge through news stories, and are expressing concern about another potential price increase. The surcharge, which is seen by business owners as a way to recoup the cost of accepting credit cards, has become controversial among consumer advocates.
Here are a few guidelines 
Smartphone tools Square, Intuit GoPayment, and PayPal Here are a hit with the general public. The credit card processing “dongle” for smartphones has made it possible for millions of ordinary people to take credit cards. Now, anyone holding a yard sale, bake sale, or school fundraiser is likely to have a smartphone with a Square reader or an alternative brand of card acceptance made by companies like PayPal, Intuit, or Groupon.
For many small businesses, Square is akin to a “merchant account 
The average business owner might not have a need for multiple merchant accounts, but in a few rare cases having accounts through separate processors may be advantageous. Occasionally, a business may have a different account as a backup in case one processor goes down, but this has become less of an issue thanks to better phone and internet connectivity. In other cases, companies may have one processor for internet or MOTO (mail order-telephone order) accounts and another for retail sales. Finally, 
One of the questions asked by merchants is how the 2013 “debt ceiling” debate may affect consumer sales and credit card processing rates. While consumer credit and spending limits aren’t tied to government debt, there are some considerations for business owners who take credit cards.
Although the government debt ceiling debate has nothing to do with an ordinary customer’s credit limit or ability to swipe a credit card through a terminal, there is still concern among some merchants about 
Dental care can be expensive, and many procedures have limited coverage under dental insurance plans. To help their patients get the work they need, many dentists will use recommend specialized dental care financing. “Dental Care Cards” work just like regular credit cards, and are attached to a credit account specifically designed for dentistry patients.
Cards like CareCredit, which can also be used for other medical expenses, are often found at dentist’s offices. Similar to major brands 
Credit card brands and tax preparers are already advertising the ability to get your tax return on a prepaid debit card. Additionally, many states are issuing debit cards for refunds instead of checks. Despite the fact that the fiscal cliff has pushed tax filing back to January 30, and many people haven’t even gotten their W2 forms yet, the push for “instant gratification” on tax filing has already started.
As long as your business already takes credit cards, these prepaid refunds represent