14 Card Processing Secrets That’ll Save You Big on Transaction Fees

You’re running a business, chances are you’re paying more than you need to in card processing fees. You’re a small business owner or a multi-location enterprise, understanding the hidden tricks of merchant services can save you thousands annually. At Motus Financial, we specialize in helping businesses unlock savings with smarter card processing strategies.

Below are 14 actionable insights to reduce your transaction costs and put more profit back in your pocket.

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1. Understand the Fee Structure

Most merchants simply accept the rates they’re offered without questioning what they’re paying for. Card processing fees generally fall into three categories:

• Interchange Fees: Set by card networks (Visa, MasterCard).
• Assessment Fees: Charged by the card brands.
• Processor Markup: The fee charged by your provider.

Knowing how each fee works will help you identify where you can save. Example, some interchange fees vary depending on your industry, card type, and even the time of day a transaction is processed. A deep understanding of these subtleties can have a significant impact on your bottom line.

2. Choose the Right Pricing Model

Not all pricing models are created equal.

Three Common Pricing Models:

• Flat Rate: Simple, but often higher overall cost.
• Tiered Pricing: Easy to understand, but can hide high rates in non-qualified tiers.
• Interchange Plus: Most transparent and often the most cost-effective.

Motus Financial can guide you in selecting the best model for your business type and volume. For example, interchange plus pricing reveals exactly how much goes to the card issuer and how much your processor keeps, helping you make better financial decisions.

3. Optimize Card Entry Methods

How you accept payments matters. Keyed-in transactions often carry higher fees compared to swiped or chip-inserted cards. Keyed entries are also more susceptible to fraud, which can cost you chargeback fees or loss of revenue.

Tips to Reduce Keyed-In Transactions:

• Use EMV chip readers.
• Encourage contactless/NFC payments.
• Train staff to avoid manual entries.

Reduce manual errors and switch to more secure entry methods, your business benefits from lower fees and improved customer trust.

4. Avoid Non-Qualified Transactions

Non-qualified transactions are one of the biggest contributors to high processing fees. These transactions fall outside of the standard criteria and are assessed higher rates.

Common Triggers:

• Manually keyed cards
• Incomplete or missing AVS (Address Verification System)
• High-risk card types (rewards cards, corporate cards)

You implement systems that prompt for AVS or encourage chip-enabled cards, you reduce the chances of falling into the non-qualified category. Make sure your payment terminal is updated and supports the latest technologies.

5. Implement Level 2 and Level 3 Data Processing

You process B2B or government transactions, Level 2 and Level 3 processing can drastically lower your interchange rates. These levels allow businesses to send more detailed transaction data, which reduces risk and cost.

Benefits Include:

• Lower transaction costs
• Reduced risk of fraud
• Increased payment security

Level 2 requires tax and customer codes, while Level 3 requires even more detailed information such as line-item descriptions. With the right point-of-sale system, Motus Financial can enable you to unlock these savings automatically.

6. Watch Out for Hidden Fees

Your monthly statement could be hiding unnecessary charges. Many processors add obscure fees that are difficult to notice unless you perform a detailed audit.

Check for:

• PCI non-compliance fees
• Monthly minimums
• Batch fees
• Statement fees
• Junk fees disguised under generic terms

By carefully reviewing your monthly statements, you can spot these charges and demand their removal. Better yet, switch to a transparent provider like Motus Financial who guarantees no hidden fees.

7. Stay PCI Compliant

Non-compliance fees can cost you upwards of $20–$30 per month, and the cost of a data breach is far greater. Staying compliant protects your business and lowers costs.

Steps to Maintain Compliance:

• Complete your Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)
• Install updated security patches
• Use secure payment terminals
• Educate your staff on safe handling of payment data

PCI compliance is not a one-time event—it’s an ongoing process. Motus Financial offers dedicated support to help you pass compliance checks year after year.

8. Negotiate with Your Processor

Many business owners don’t realize their rates are negotiable. Your provider charges can often be reduced, especially if you process a high volume of transactions.

What You Can Negotiate:

• Processor markup
• Monthly fees
• Equipment costs
• Early termination fees

If you’re under contract, your processor may be open to reducing your fees to keep your business. Motus Financial will even negotiate on your behalf.

9. Use a Gateway with Competitive Rates

Your payment gateway could be eating into your profit margins, especially if you’re using an outdated or third-party system not designed for your business model.

Top Features to Look for:

• No setup or monthly fees
• Fraud detection
• Transparent rate structure
• Compatible with your current systems

A poorly integrated or expensive gateway can offset all your savings. Motus Financial partners with top-tier gateway providers that blend seamlessly with your operations and reduce your processing costs.

10. Audit Your Monthly Statements

Regular audits help you catch pricing errors or hidden fees. Sometimes, processors increase rates without notice, or bill you for services you don’t use.

Monthly Audit Checklist:

• Compare actual fees to your agreement
• Check for “junk” fees
• Track rate fluctuations over time
• Watch for extra charges on equipment

But with our statement analysis service at Motus Financial, we do the heavy lifting for you. We’ll even break it down in simple terms.

11. Consolidate Payment Systems

Using multiple vendors for in-store, online, and mobile payments? You’re likely paying redundant fees, and worse, dealing with fragmented data.

Advantages of Consolidation:

• Simplified reporting
• Streamlined support
• Centralized compliance management

By consolidating with a single provider, you can often negotiate better rates and unify your customer experience. Motus Financial offers solutions for retail, ecommerce, mobile, and everything in between.

12. Choose Industry-Specific Solutions

Generic solutions often mean higher fees and inefficiency. Opt for card processing tools built for your niche.

Custom Features Available:

• Tip adjustment for hospitality
• Recurring billing for gyms or salons
• Invoice support for B2B
• Online scheduling integrations for service industries

Customized POS system not only reduces processing fees but improves customer satisfaction. Let Motus Financial tailor a solution to your exact needs.

13. Educate Your Team

Simple mistakes can lead to higher costs. Training your team ensures your operation runs smoothly.

Focus Areas:

• Proper card handling
• Decline code responses
• Fraud prevention tactics
• Refund and dispute procedures

An informed team is less likely to trigger chargebacks or non-qualified transactions, both of which increase your costs. Set up monthly refreshers or quarterly reviews.

14. Work with a Transparent Provider

Partner with a trusted provider who prioritizes your success.

Why Motus Financial Stands Out:

• No hidden fees
• Personalized customer service
• Custom payment solutions
• Expert compliance support
• Transparent contracts

Transparency builds trust. You know exactly what you’re paying for, you can plan, grow, and thrive without financial surprises.

Related to Google My Business (GMB)

Searching for reliable card processing services near you, look no further than Motus Financial. Our verified Google My Business listing ensures you can find our contact details, hours of operation, and genuine customer reviews with ease. By managing our GMB presence proactively, we offer a transparent look at how we support local businesses just like yours.

Be sure to check our reviews and photos to see how Motus Financial stands apart in the industry. Our local presence helps us provide fast, personal support—whether you’re across town or across the state.

Top Ways to Save on Card Processing

• Choose interchange plus pricing
• Avoid non-qualified transactions
• Stay PCI compliant
• Regularly audit your statements
• Consolidate systems with one provider
• Train your team properly
• Work with Motus Financial for expert guidance

Contact Us

Ready to save big on your card processing fees? Motus Financial is here to help.

📞 Call us today or 📧 email us to schedule a free consultation and see how much you could be saving every month. You’re just starting or scaling up, our tailored solutions ensure you’re always ahead of the curve.