The Hidden Cost of “Low Rate” Credit Card Processing Offers

If you’ve ever been approached with a “rock-bottom” processing rate, you know how tempting it sounds. Unfortunately, many of these offers hide fees that can cost more in the long run. Let’s uncover the truth behind “low rate” credit card processing offers.

The Teaser Rate Trap

• Some providers advertise rates as low as 0.25%.

• This is usually the qualified debit rate—a category you’ll rarely see on actual transactions.

• Most of your sales fall into “mid-qualified” or “non-qualified” categories with much higher costs.

Common Hidden Fees to Watch Out For

• Monthly minimum fees.

• PCI non-compliance penalties.

• Batch fees.

• “Regulatory” or “association” pass-throughs that aren’t real.

Why Transparency Matters

Instead of focusing only on the “headline rate,” merchants should calculate their effective rate—the true percentage paid after all fees.

Example:

• Processor advertises 0.25%.

• Actual effective rate after hidden fees: 3.25%.

The lowest advertised rate is rarely the lowest actual cost. What matters is transparency and fairness.

Upload your statement today, and we’ll run a free, no-obligation comparison to show you your true effective rate.

https://www.trueblusolutions.com/get-a-quote