Choosing a merchant services provider is a big decision for your business. Whether you’re opening your first store or upgrading your current system, not all providers are created equal — and asking the right questions can save you a lot of money, headaches, and time.

Here are the Top 10 Questions you should ask before signing the dotted line.

1. What Are Your Processing Fees?

Every provider structures fees differently — flat-rate, interchange-plus, or tiered pricing. Ask for a breakdown of every fee so you can avoid surprises later.

2. Are There Any Hidden or Monthly Fees?

Look out for:

• Statement fees

• PCI compliance fees

• Batch fees

• Monthly minimums

• Equipment lease charges

Transparency is everything.

3. What Kind of Support Do You Offer?

Is support 24/7? Is it U.S.-based? A strong provider won’t leave you hanging during peak hours or weekend rushes.

4. How Fast Will I Receive My Funds?

Cash flow is king. Some processors offer same-day or next-day funding, while others take 2–3 business days. Ask about deposit timelines and batch cut-off times.

5. Do You Offer Hardware and Software Solutions?

Find out if they provide:

• Point-of-sale (POS) systems

• Mobile readers

• Virtual terminals

• Contactless/NFC tech

Make sure it’s scalable with your business.

6. Is Your System Secure and PCI-Compliant?

Your provider should help you stay PCI compliant and offer tools to prevent fraud, such as tokenization, encryption, and EMV chip support.

7. Are There Long-Term Contracts or Cancellation Fees?

Some companies lock you into multi-year agreements with steep termination penalties. Look for flexible, month-to-month plans when possible.

8. Can I Access Real-Time Reporting?

You should be able to monitor your transactions, chargebacks, and deposits in real-time. A modern, user-friendly dashboard is a must.

9. Do You Integrate with My Existing Tools?

Whether it’s QuickBooks, Shopify, or your restaurant’s POS system, make sure the merchant services platform plays nice with your current tech stack.

10. What Makes You Different From Other Providers?

This is a good litmus test for how much they care about your business. A great provider will explain how they can save you money, support your goals, and help you scale — not just process payments.

Final Thoughts

At First National Processing, we believe in transparency, support, and helping businesses thrive. Whether you’re a small shop or an enterprise-level operation, we’re here to simplify your payments — and grow with you.