Guides to reading your statement, understanding what you pay, and keeping up with changes from the card networks. Written by an independent auditor with no processing services to sell and no commission from switching providers.
Residuals stopped and recruiters are calling. What agents should do first, what to check before moving merchants, and the contract terms that protect you.
October 16, 2026 · 11 min read
Surcharges and cash discounts look alike at the register but follow different rules: card network caps, state laws, debit rules, and how to check yours.
October 15, 2026 · 10 min read
The processing fees most owners never notice, from PCI non-compliance to IRS mismatch charges, and which ones you can stop paying, fix or negotiate.
Read your merchant statement line by line: effective rate, interchange, network fees, processor markup and the fees worth questioning. An independent guide.
October 15, 2026 · 12 min read
What the proposed Visa–Mastercard swipe-fee settlement changes for merchants, where approval stands, and why your pricing model decides if you see the cut.
October 15, 2026 · 9 min read