If you’ve ever looked at your statement and thought, “Why are there so many different rates?” — you’re not alone. A lot of business owners get confused by all the little charges, especially when they seem to change all the time.
Let’s make it simple.
Some Cards Cost More to Accept Than Others
Not every credit card is the same.
Some give customers big rewards like points, travel miles, or cash back. And when a card gives more rewards, it usually costs you a bit more to accept it. That’s just how it works — the banks need to pay for those rewards somehow.
But here’s the flip side: people who use those fancy cards usually spend more. They’re the type of customers who come in, spend $100 instead of $30, and don’t think twice about it.
So yes, those cards might cost a little more to process — but they often bring in bigger sales, too. That’s a trade-off that works in your favor.
Bigger Businesses Get Better Deals
If you’re doing more volume, you can get better rates. It’s just like anything else: buying one orange costs more than buying a box of oranges.
So when someone tells you they’re paying “way less,” it might be because they’re doing $50K/month… not $5K. Processing companies give discounts when you’re doing more.
It’s not just volume either — it also depends on what kind of business you have and how you take payments.
Tapping Is Safer Than Typing — And It Costs Less
The way the customer pays makes a difference, too.
If someone taps or inserts their card in-person, that’s low risk. But if the card number is typed in online or over the phone, it’s higher risk — which means slightly higher fees.
That’s why restaurants, retail stores, and online shops can all have different pricing, even if they’re doing the same amount in sales.
You’re Not Just Paying a Fee — You’re Getting Paid
It’s easy to look at fees and feel like you’re losing money. But remember — that customer may not have had the money today. They used a credit card, which means you got paid, even if their bank didn’t get paid yet.
You’re not losing. You’re getting money that wouldn’t be in your pocket otherwise.
Without that card, they might have walked away.
So yes, processing has a cost. But it also keeps your cash flowing and your business moving.
Why Your Rate Isn’t the Same as Someone Else’s
There’s no one-size-fits-all rate. What you pay depends on:
- The type of cards your customers use
- Whether you take payments in person or online
- How much you sell each month
- What kind of business you run
- How your account is set up
That’s why working with someone who actually understands all this stuff matters. You don’t want a random setup. You want a setup that fits your business.
The Lowest Rate Isn’t Always the Best Deal
It’s normal to want to save money. But chasing the cheapest rate without understanding what you’re giving up can hurt you later.
Processing is like the engine under the hood. It runs everything — your sales, your money, your reporting. If it breaks, you’re stuck.
That’s why you don’t just need a processor — you need a partner who knows what they’re doing and cares about your success.
Find out how Monetix can help you with your payment processing needs.