Negotiate credit card fees

Did you know that the rates set by banks and other credit card companies are negotiable?

Different companies have different charges for processing credit card transactions, so it pays to shop around for the best deal.

Credit card processing fees are determined by:

1. The number of transactions
2. The sterling amount of these transactions
3. The type of equipment used (use swipe machines not imprinters)
4. Your ability to negotiate fees with the bank

Depending on these factors and on the card used, processing fees can range from 1% to 4%. At the top end, the credit card company can be taking a large part of your bottom line away, and when margins are tight these fees can mean the difference between enjoying a profit or slipping into the red.

Trying to trim these costs by setting a minimum level for credit card transactions risks losing sales if the limit is set too high.

A better way is to negotiate a reduction in the processing fee with your credit card company.