Credit Card Processing

Are you curious about how payment processing works and what exactly happens when a customer swipes a card? When it comes to operating a business in the modern world, understanding everything you need to know about processing credit cards and other types of payments is vital.

Not sure where to start? Build a solid foundation by learning about merchant accounts, payment gateways, and virtual terminals.

If you’re thinking of working with a payment service provider, check out our article on its pros and cons, and the alternative that may work better for your business.

An important aspect to consider when shopping around for the lowest credit card processing fees includes interchange fees vs flat-rate pricing. Contrary to popular belief, flat-rate pricing may not always be the best choice for your business.

Most Recent Credit Card Processing Articles

Breaking Free from Merchant Account Holds, Freezes, & Termination

The event of a merchant account hold, freeze, or termination can result in some nightmare situations for business owners: cash flow problems at best and…

Credit cards exploding over a merchant account.

Merchant Account vs Payment Processor: Key Differences

The proper tools for accepting credit card payments are one and the same as the proper tools for business success. After all, over 40% of…

A minimalist illustration of two hands holding a yellow and a blue puzzle piece, fitting them together against a light background, symbolizing collaboration, partnerships, or financial connections.

Stripe vs. Merchant Account: What's the Difference?

With more than 39 billion combined card transactions annually in the United States, businesses accepting credit cards can expect to generate more revenue than those…

three shopping carts against a blank background as a merchant debates merchant account vs stripe

Merchant Account vs Business Bank Account: What's the Difference?

Merchant accounts and business bank accounts may seem like the same thing, but they're not. If you own a business, you probably already know that…

A stylized digital painting of two classical-style buildings, one in warm yellow tones and the other in cool blue tones, symbolizing a comparison or contrast in financial institutions.

How to Accept Credit Card Payments Without a Merchant Account

A 2024 survey conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta indicates that credit and debit cards are the most preferred method of payment in…

Accepted payments transfer with mobile phone for in person transactions without merchant account

What Is a VAR Sheet & Why Do You Need One?

Within the payments industry, VAR sheets are of extreme importance. These documents carry all of the information regarding your merchant account and communicate said information…

A computer screen with a sheet of data on it as a business owner reviews what is a var sheet.

What Is a Merchant Service Provider and How Do They Work?

If you operate an online or physical storefront, it is increasingly important to have a merchant service provider to process credit card payments. In fact,…

woman business owner holding payment terminal while male customer pays with credit card

Signature Panel Code: What Is it and How Does it Work?

You may have seen the signature panel code as a three or four-digit number on your credit card. This code is used as an extra…

Secure lock on credit card pile

How to Accept Payments: Best Ways to Get Paid Online, In-Person & by Phone (2025)

Accepting payments forms the foundation of your revenue, no matter what type of business you run. While cash and check payments dominated the payment space…

What Is a Merchant Account & How Does It Work? The Ultimate Guide

A merchant account is a particular type of bank account that business owners must establish in order to accept payments. Currently, consumers' most preferred payment…

A man looks at his merchant account on his computer while money shoots at him from the screen.
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