Quick answer
Ask for the total cost, not just the headline rate. The useful comparison is annual cost after percentage rates, per-transaction fees, terminal rental, gateway fees, minimums, chargeback fees, settlement timing and switching costs.
Questions to ask in writing
- What will our blended merchant service fee be after 1 October 2026?
- Are debit, credit, premium, foreign, card-present and card-not-present rates different?
- Which interchange reductions will be passed through, from what date and automatically or manually?
- What fixed fees apply: terminal, gateway, monthly minimum, authorisation, refund, chargeback or compliance?
- What is the contract term, exit fee and equipment-return requirement?
- Can statements separate network fees, provider margin and fixed charges?
- Can you quote our current transaction mix rather than a generic plan?
Comparison table
| Item | Provider A | Provider B | Provider C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blended rate | |||
| Card-not-present rate | |||
| Monthly fixed fees | |||
| Contract/exit cost | |||
| Settlement timing |