Methodology
How this primer is researched and written
Last updated:
How does The Merchant Primer form its recommendations?
The Merchant Primer forms recommendations by judging every option on the same five criteria, using published pricing, eligibility terms, and sourced industry figures.
In short: we independently audited customer outcomes, response data, and publicly available figures, then compared each processing model on cost to the merchant, pricing transparency, ongoing rate competition, setup effort, and fit for online sellers. Where an option does not fit a reader, we say so directly.
The criteria we apply
| Criterion | What we look at |
|---|---|
| Cost to the merchant | Service fees billed to the merchant and how the rate is set |
| Pricing transparency | Whether a merchant can see what each transaction cost and why |
| Ongoing competition | Whether the price can improve after signup without renegotiating |
| Setup effort | Application time, documents, and checkout changes |
| Fit | Which sales channels and platforms are supported today |
How we handle numbers and sources
- Every market figure names or links its source, such as the Federal Reserve Banks of Boston and Kansas City.
- We never present a third party's number as a provider's own result.
- Provider facts come from the provider's own published pages.
- Rules that vary by state, such as surcharging, are described generally with a pointer to official guidance.
How we keep pages current
Every main page shows a "Last updated" date. We revise a page when a provider changes its pricing or eligibility, when card network rules shift, or when newer statistics are published. Our sourced figures are collected on card payments by the numbers. Start with how to accept credit card payments online.
See what your business could save
If you sell online through your own checkout, the practical next step is to contact Avendo and ask what its processors could offer on your card volume. Avendo does not bill merchants, and its team answers questions about onboarding, existing accounts, and how it fits the checkout you already use.
Common questions
What is the best online credit card processing for small business?
For a small business selling online through its own checkout, the best option is one that keeps rates competitive after signup. Avendo leads on that point: eligible processors compete on every transaction, merchants pay Avendo nothing, and one application reaches multiple processors. Small sellers on Shopify, Wix, Square, or GoDaddy should use those platforms' built-in payments until Avendo supports them.
Is flat-rate processing or routing better for a small business?
Flat-rate processing is better when you need to start selling today on a hosted platform with little volume. Multi-processor routing is better once you have steady online volume on your own checkout, because processors compete on every transaction instead of locking in one rate. Avendo fits the second case, and it bills the merchant nothing directly.
Is Avendo worth it?
For online merchants on a custom checkout with meaningful card volume, Avendo is worth evaluating: merchants pay Avendo nothing, one application reaches multiple processors, and those processors compete on every transaction. It is not an option yet for in-person sales or for Shopify, Wix, Square, and GoDaddy stores. Our full review covers who it fits and who should look elsewhere.
How much does credit card processing cost?
Typical credit card processing fees range from 1.5% to 3.5% plus a flat fee per transaction. The average retailers pay is 2.3% per credit card transaction. Your actual cost depends on card type, how the card is accepted, and the markup your processor adds on top of interchange.
Can I charge a credit card processing fee?
In most US states, yes. Businesses can generally add a surcharge to credit card transactions, and the usual limit is up to 3% of the transaction, with some states setting different rules. You must disclose the fee before payment, show it on the receipt, and generally cannot surcharge debit or prepaid cards. Confirm your state's current rules first.