Credit card processing fees are an essential part of accepting payments, yet they often feel complicated and, at times, overwhelming to merchants. These fees include a variety of charges, each with its own purpose and impact on a business’s bottom line. So, what is a markup fee in credit card processing, and why is it crucial for understanding? In essence, without clarity on these fees, merchants may unknowingly pay more than necessary.
In a significant move on December 6, 2024, the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced that it would place Google Payment under supervision. This decision comes after the regulator cited consumer risks associated with the company’s services. In response, Google has filed a lawsuit and challenged the CFPB’s authority and its findings.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development forecasts that the global economy is expected to accelerate in 2025, driven by recovering markets and ongoing advancements in key sectors. While the outlook reflects optimism, rising tariffs and escalating trade tensions pose significant risks to sustained recovery. Balancing these challenges will require coordinated efforts from policymakers to ensure a resilient and inclusive global economy.
Credit card processing loans are a good alternative to short-term loans for businesses, and they are easy to access for merchants with good sales volume. Even though they are frequently referred to as loans, they are actually advances on sales – typically credit or debit card sales, rather than loans. However, it can be costly, so it’s critical to fully understand the expenses and the ways in which a commercial cash advance) differs from a standard small business loan.
With more than 40% of the world’s population and around 25% of its GDP, the BRICS alliance – which stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – has become a powerful economic force in recent years. With the launch of a new BRICS currency, these countries have taken a risky move, united by a common goal to challenge Western dominance in global banking.
For merchants navigating the complexities of payment processing, understanding what is a chargeback can prove to be crucial for protecting their business from revenue loss and unnecessary fees. While chargebacks were originally created as a consumer protection measure against fraudulent charges, they can present significant challenges for merchants. For businesses, effectively managing chargebacks involves knowing why they happen, how to respond, and what strategies can help prevent them in the first place.
Online and in-person non-cash transactions are continuing to rise, and fraud has become a significant concern for merchants. Implementing credit card fraud detection strategies is crucial for countering scams and avoiding financial losses due to chargebacks, reputation damage, and customer relations.
Credit card theft is a growing concern for merchants, especially as more transactions shift online. Criminals use various tactics, such as phishing, skimming, and hacking, to steal credit card information, which they can then use to make unauthorized purchases. For merchants, this can lead to significant financial losses through chargebacks. That’s why understanding and preventing credit card theft is essential to protecting both a business’s bottom line and its reputation.
It never hurts to know how much you can save.
