Accept Credit Card Payments

How Credit Card Processing Works

Every credit card transaction follows the same four-party flow: your customer's card issuer authorizes the charge, the card network routes it, the acquiring bank settles the funds, and your processor handles the technology in between. Understanding this flow helps you negotiate better rates.

The Payment Gods Partner Network works on an interchange-plus model. That means you pay the actual interchange fee set by Visa or Mastercard, plus a small fixed markup. No bundled pricing, no hidden surcharges.

Interchange-Plus vs. Flat-Rate Pricing

Flat-rate processors like Stripe and Square charge a single percentage on every transaction regardless of card type. That simplicity comes at a cost. A debit card transaction that should cost 0.5% in interchange still gets billed at 2.9%.

Interchange-plus pricing passes through the actual interchange cost and adds a transparent markup. For businesses processing more than $10,000 per month, this model consistently saves 20% to 40% on processing fees. Use our savings calculator to see the difference for your volume.

• Debit cards: interchange as low as 0.05% + $0.21
• Rewards credit cards: typically 1.5% to 2.1%
• Corporate cards: 2.2% to 2.65%

PCI Compliance and Security

Every merchant that accepts credit cards must comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Our partners provide PCI-compliant payment gateways and tokenization so sensitive card data never touches your servers.

Tokenization replaces card numbers with randomized tokens. If your database is breached, attackers get useless strings instead of real card numbers. This is table stakes for any modern processor.

Getting Started with Credit Card Processing

Approval through the Payment Gods Partner Network takes 24 to 48 hours for most businesses. You will need a valid business license, a bank account for deposits, and three months of processing statements if you are switching providers.

High-risk industries like CBD, supplements, and firearms require specialized underwriting but are fully supported through our network.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to accept credit card payments?

Interchange-plus pricing is the cheapest model for most businesses. You pay the actual card network fee plus a small markup, typically saving 20-40% compared to flat-rate processors like Stripe or Square.

How long does it take to get approved for credit card processing?

Most businesses are approved within 24 to 48 hours. High-risk industries may take 3 to 5 business days due to additional underwriting requirements.

Do I need a merchant account to accept credit cards?

Yes. A merchant account is a bank account that holds funds from credit card transactions before they are deposited into your business checking account. Our partners set this up as part of the onboarding process.

What is PCI compliance and do I need it?

PCI DSS is a security standard required for any business that accepts credit cards. Our partners handle most compliance requirements through their payment gateway and tokenization technology.

Can I accept credit cards without a website?

Yes. Virtual terminals allow you to key in card numbers manually for phone and mail orders. You can also use mobile card readers for in-person transactions.

What are chargeback fees and how do I avoid them?

Chargeback fees range from $15 to $100 per dispute. Prevent them by using clear billing descriptors, shipping with tracking numbers, and responding to disputes within the required timeframe.