Worked example
See a sample processing statement broken down line by line
A fictional statement with processor markup, a PCI non-compliance fee, account fees and notes on what is actually worth questioning.
See the sample breakdown →Processing guides
Useful answers for a processing bill that should not be this hard to read
These guides cover the parts of merchant processing that usually create the most confusion: statements, interchange, processor markup, recurring fees and negotiation. They are written for business owners who want to understand the bill before making a change.
How to read a merchant processing statement
A line-by-line way to separate network costs, processor markup and the fees that deserve a second look.
Read the guide →Which processing fees can actually be negotiated?
A practical breakdown of which costs come from the card networks and which ones are controlled by the processor.
Read the guide →Processor markup vs. interchange
The distinction that makes processing statements and processor quotes much easier to judge.
Read the guide →How to tell if you are overpaying
The signs that an account is worth reviewing, without pretending one magic percentage applies to every business.
Read the guide →How to negotiate fees without switching processors
How to ask your current processor for better pricing, compare the offer and make sure the change actually sticks.
Read the guide →Have an actual statement?
Reading about the fees is useful. Seeing your own numbers is better.
A statement is optional when you ask about a review.