Weekly Brief
×Be first to read the latest tech news, Industry Leader's Insights, and CIO interviews of medium and large enterprises exclusively from Financial Services Review
Thank you for Subscribing to Financial Services Review Weekly Brief
By
Financial Services Review | Monday, July 31, 2023
Stay ahead of the industry with exclusive feature stories on the top companies, expert insights and the latest news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe today.
Credit card processing fees are unavoidable but can be minimized by following certain techniques.
FREMONT, CA: Credit card acceptance has become common among small and medium-sized businesses. However, the processing fees associated with this payment method can significantly impact their profitability margins. Although seemingly insignificant, these modest percentages have the potential to accumulate rapidly.
Regrettably, partially eradicating the credit card processing fee is only possible. Nonetheless, there are a few techniques that can aid in saving a few thousand dollars every month. Here are some ways we will discuss.
Address Verification Services, commonly called AVS, are a valuable tool for businesses looking to ensure the accuracy of their customers' billing addresses. By verifying the address provided by the customer against the address on file with the issuing bank, AVS can help reduce the risk of fraudulent transactions and improve overall customer satisfaction. AVS can add a layer of security and peace of mind to your payment processing system.
Credit card holders can utilize address verification services to confirm their billing address with their respective banks. In eCommerce, this uncomplicated anti-fraud software boasts numerous benefits, including distinguishing genuine customers and streamlining operational efficiency. According to customer feedback, the utilization of AVS has resulted in a 10 percent upsurge in ID verification matches.
Once the address verification process is finalized, the bank will issue an AVS code to the merchant. The merchant can use this code to either authorize or decline the transaction. Visa encourages businesses to utilize Address Verification Services (AVS) and offers a reduced interchange rate for each transaction as an added incentive.
Account and terminal configuration must be correct for optimal functionality.
Frequently, minor errors can result in increased processing fees and supplementary expenses. It is crucial to establish your account properly right from the start. If incorrect information is provided while filling out your account details, your bank may impose additional charges.
How you configure your terminal can significantly impact the processing fees involved. Develop a routine of processing transactions daily, as this can effectively decrease the volume of transactions during that specific time frame, leading to reduced processing fees.
It is highly advisable to avoid any involvement in credit card fraud.
To prevent credit card fraud, inputting the correct security information is crucial. This includes a three-digit code located on the back of the card. Utilizing this security feature can effectively safeguard against unauthorized transactions and protect your financial assets. This measure safeguards the cardholder against any potential fraudulent activity by validating the purchase. It is recommended that you enter the billing ZIP code when prompted. Incorporating an additional level of security into your purchase enhances its safety. Failing to complete this particular step may lead to an increased rate due to the heightened risk of fraud.
When processing credit card payments, it's important to negotiate the fees with your chosen processor. Doing so can save your business a significant amount of money in the long run. Research and compare rates from different processors before entering into any agreements. Once you've found a processor that meets your needs, don't hesitate to negotiate the fees to ensure you're getting the best possible deal.
For merchants seeking to minimize credit card processing expenses, the most efficient approach is to engage in fee negotiations with payment processors. Presenting the processor with more transactions will increase the likelihood of receiving a reduced fee. You can optimize your leverage by comparing the total transaction volume with the cost per transaction.