by Grace Barone

Top 10 Questions Business Owners Ask When Choosing a Credit Card Processing Partner

Running a business comes with a never-ending list of decisions. One of the biggest? Choosing the right credit card processing partner.

It’s kind of like dating—pick the wrong one, and you’re stuck with high fees, bad customer service, and a whole lot of frustration. But pick the right one, and you’ll have seamless transactions, happy customers, and a partner who actually helps your business grow.

To make sure you land the best match, here are the 10 most important questions business owners ask when searching for a credit card processing partner. Let’s dive in!

1. What Fees Should I Expect?

If there’s one thing you don’t want in a payment processor, it’s surprise fees. Unfortunately, some providers like to hide costs in the fine print, and before you know it, you’re shelling out way more than expected.

Common Fees to Look Out For:

• Transaction Fees – The standard cut they take from each sale (usually between 1.5% and 3.5% plus a small fixed fee).
• Monthly Fees – Some processors charge a flat monthly rate just for having an account.
• Chargeback Fees – If a customer disputes a transaction and wins, you could get hit with a $20 to $100 fee per chargeback.
• PCI Compliance Fees – Some providers charge a fee to help you stay PCI compliant with security regulations.
• Hidden Fees – Some processors charge extra for things like printed statements, customer service, or equipment leases.

What to Do:

Before you sign anything, ask for a complete breakdown of fees. If they aren’t 100% transparent, that’s a big red flag.

2. What Payment Methods Can I Accept?

Customers want options when they pay. If your processor only accepts old-school credit cards and nothing else, you’re missing out on sales.

Key Payment Methods You Should Accept:

• Credit & Debit Cards – Both EMV chip cards and swipe transactions.
• Contactless Payments – Apple Pay, Google Pay, and tap-to-pay options.
• Online Payments – Secure eCommerce transactions and digital invoicing.
• EBT Processing – If your business qualifies, this is a huge deal for grocery stores and markets.
• Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) – Ideal for businesses selling high-ticket items.
• ACH & E-check Payments – Useful for service-based businesses.

Why It Matters:

Modern consumers expect fast and flexible payment options. If you don’t offer what they prefer, they’ll go somewhere else.

3. How Secure Is the Payment Processing?

Security is a non-negotiable factor. A single data breach could ruin your reputation and cost you thousands in lost business.

Must-Have Security Features:

• End-to-End Encryption – Ensures customer data is secure from the moment they tap their card.
• PCI Compliance – This keeps your business up to security standards.
• Tokenization – Converts sensitive data into a secure token.
• Fraud Prevention Tools – Some processors use AI to detect and stop fraudulent transactions before they happen.

What to Look For:

A good payment processor should include security features for free. If they charge extra for fraud protection, that’s a bad sign.

4. Will My Funds Be Deposited Quickly?

If you’re running a business, you need fast access to your money—not waiting 3 to 5 business days to get paid.

Funding Speed You Should Expect:

• Same-Day or Next-Day Deposits – This is ideal for steady cash flow.
• Instant Payout Options – Some processors let you access funds immediately (but often charge a small fee for it).
• Weekend Deposits – Some banks hold weekend sales until Monday—avoid this if possible!

Why It Matters:

A delayed payout cycle can mess with payroll, inventory purchases, and your overall cash flow. Choose a processor that offers fast and reliable deposits.

5. Can I Process Payments Online and In-Store?

Many businesses aren’t just brick-and-mortar anymore—they sell online, through invoices, and on mobile.

Must-Have Features:

• eCommerce Integration – Your processor should easily connect with your online store or shopping cart.
• Mobile Payments – If you sell at events, trade shows, or on the go, this is a game-changer.
• Recurring Billing – Perfect for businesses with subscriptions or memberships.

Why It’s Important:

A great processor should let you accept payments anywhere, anytime, without extra headaches.

6. What Happens If There’s a Chargeback?

Chargebacks are the bane of every business owner’s existence. They happen when customers dispute a charge, and if you don’t win the case, you lose the sale (and pay a fee).

How to Protect Yourself:

• Get a Processor with Dispute Resolution Support.
• Use Fraud Prevention Tools – Address verification, real-time alerts, and extra security layers help prevent chargebacks.
• Provide Excellent Customer Service – Many disputes happen because of misunderstandings. Clear refund policies help too!

What You Want:

A processor that actually helps you fight chargebacks, instead of just deducting money from your account.

7. Is Customer Support Available When I Need It?

If something goes wrong with your payments, you need help ASAP—not an automated phone tree that never ends.

Good Support Includes:

• 24/7 Live Support – Not just email tickets that take 48 hours to respond.
• Phone & Chat Support – Some problems can’t be solved over email.
• Dedicated Account Managers – If you’re a bigger business, this is a huge bonus.

Why It Matters:

If your system crashes on a busy Saturday night, you need a processor that actually picks up the phone and helps.

8. Will the POS System Fit My Business Needs?

Your POS system should do more than just take payments—it should help run your business better.

POS Features to Look For:

• Inventory Tracking – Essential for retail and restaurants.
• Employee Management – Track hours, set permissions, and manage schedules.
• Loyalty Programs – Reward repeat customers automatically.

The Right Fit:

Make sure your processor offers POS software that fits your industry.

9. Can This Processor Grow With My Business?

Your business isn’t staying the same size forever—your processor should be able to keep up.

Growth-Friendly Features:

• Multi-Location Support
• Advanced Reporting & Analytics
• Omnichannel Sales (Online, In-Store, Mobile, etc.)

Why It’s Important:

A scalable processor will grow with you, not hold you back.

10. What Makes This Processor Better Than the Competition?

At the end of the day, what sets one processor apart from another?

Key Differentiators:

• Lower processing rates
• Better customer service
• Faster payouts

Final Thoughts:

Choosing the right payment processor isn’t just about price—it’s about reliability, security, and support. Take your time, compare options, and pick the one that actually helps your business thrive.