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JERSEYPAYMENTS · BUYING GUIDES

Compare payment processing costs using your actual sales mix

The most useful processing comparison uses the same sales volume, transaction count and channels for every proposal. An advertised percentage does not capture all operating costs. Build a simple monthly model, then ask each provider to explain the figures and conditions in writing.

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Build a consistent monthly example

Choose a representative month and record card sales, transaction count and refunds by channel. Separate in-person payments from online, invoice or keyed transactions. If the month was unusually busy or quiet, include a second example so the decision does not depend on a distorted snapshot.

For a hypothetical illustration, 500 transactions totaling $20,000 produce a $40 average sale. Under a made-up price of 2.5% plus $0.10 per transaction, the transaction charge would be $550 before any other costs. These are teaching numbers, not a JerseyPayments or vendor quote. The example shows why transaction count matters alongside total volume.

Request every recurring and occasional charge

Ask the provider to identify monthly software, hardware, gateway or other account charges, along with transaction pricing by channel. Ask about refunds, disputes, payout options and any additional services you expect to use. Mark which items are included and which depend on a separate plan.

If a proposal contains a hardware lease or long-term commitment, obtain the complete terms and compare them with an outright equipment purchase. Ask what happens if the processing account or software is cancelled while equipment obligations remain. Keep commercial assumptions separate from product capability claims.

Check whether the workflow offsets a price difference

A slightly cheaper transaction rate may not improve the business if the system adds manual reconciliation, duplicate stock entry or checkout delays. Estimate the staff time spent on those tasks and test the proposed integration with sample data. Do not count a vendor’s promised time savings as proven results for your own team.

For Square or any alternative, verify that the proposed product supports your industry, channels and required features. Account acceptance, transaction restrictions and payout conditions need direct confirmation. JerseyPayments does not guarantee underwriting, a particular rate or a faster payout simply because a product appears in a guide.

Make a decision that can be checked later

Retain the written estimate, underlying assumptions and final agreement. After an agreed trial or initial period, compare actual fees and reconciliation time against the model. Investigate differences by channel and transaction type before concluding that the whole proposal was inaccurate.

Payment security remains part of operating the arrangement. Ask the acquirer or payment brand about your applicable PCI validation requirements and use approved payment interfaces. JerseyPayments’ form can collect a general volume range, sales channels and the issue you want to solve. Do not send cardholder data, bank credentials or an unredacted processing statement through the enquiry form.

Sources and editorial approach

Research checked October 19, 2026. Product details and availability can change; confirm the exact scope and costs before deciding.

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