Here’s a little industry secret: terminals are not made of gold.

In fact, terminals usually retail for around $300. But many people pay hundreds of dollars a month against a multi-year terminal lease. This is maybe the most crippling and underhanded scam used by processing reps. The victims are often small and medium sized companies, the hardest hit business owners in this unstable economy.

The list of merchant complaints stemming directly from leasing is staggering.

By the rep inflating the cost of the equipment it seems perfectly reasonable to enter a long-term lease. These leases are usually non-cancellable and are not even lease to own!

Merchants feel it’s the only option because the money to buy isn’t available immediately. Because there just aren’t enough hours in the day, careful reviews and research of the equipment just isn’t possible. The easiest rule of thumb is if a company doesn’t provide the option of a free terminal… end the conversation there.

At Sekure Card Services, we have the resources available to give you the equipment you need at no cost.  Anyone who is actually interested in your business will provide you free equipment as a loaner. It’s a small but realistic investment in your business.

Two of our preferred brands are Verifone and Hypercom. They are the two biggest names in processing equipment for a reason. Both are reliable, easy to program and not tied to any one processor.
If your business is mostly manual entry and you are keying instead of swiping consider a virtual terminal. Sekure Card Services is a direct reseller for Authorize.net, a widely used online payment tool that works with most payment processing companies. This means better customer service, monthly costs and per transaction fees.

A virtual terminal is basically just a website. You go to the site, log in and enter the credit card information. It gives you an authorization code and you’re done. You can set up recurring billing and customer profiles for regular clients.   The added option of being able to review the past two years of transactions in depth is great as well. For wholesalers, manufacturers and web-based companies this is definitely the most practical solution.

Knowing the basics is half the battle and the rest is putting that information to good use. A brokered quote from a company that is genuinely interested in your business and can prove it is definitely the way to go.

One of the first anti-scam measure introduce to protect the merchants against card fraud from online purchase scams is the card sekurity code(CVC or CVC2). Introduced for the growing number of purchases where the card is not present or Card Verification Value (CVV or CVV2), allowing validation of the card number presented is the original produced by the issuer. Supplying the card security code(CSC) in a transaction is intended to verify that the customer has the card in their possession.

Security benefits

For “card not present” transactions merchants are forbidden from storing the CVV2 once the individual transaction is completed. The idea here is if a database of transactions data is ever compromised, without the CVV2, the stolen information has limited value for online credit frauds. The online payment gateways as part of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) do not allow to store the CVV2 code, therefore access to these web-based payment interfaces may provide access to complete card numbers, expiration dates, and other transaction information without the CVV2 code.

The PCI standard applies to larger merchants who stores, processes and transmits card holder information and. These merchants have the resources to develop their own credit processing solution or are credit card service providers who service smaller merchants with point of sales (POS) devices or online credit card processing web interfaces.  Since the CSC is not contained on the magnetic stripe of the card, it is not typically included where the card is presented and handled in a POS device. Some merchants may require the code for their own security standards. These are usually larger merchants chains who use this code to validate a presented card for protection against duplicated cards. Usually these larger merchants have negotiate better rates from card payment processors based on the lower risk they represent to card issuers, who provide them the interchange services.

As everyone knows; commitments are a necessary part of any business’s long-term success.

Your business would not be where it is today without the commitments you’ve made, such as money and countless dedicated hours put into building your business. To move forward and be profitable, these commitments must be made. It develops trust and strengthens the bond between you as a business and all the other people and companies at play. No one wants a short-term relationship that leads to uncertainty and doubt.

Sekure Card Services is willing to commit to you for the length of your merchant agreement. Our cost free-brokered quote from national providers allows us to show you what the buying power that hundreds of merchant’s combined volume can offer. With fixed rates for the length of your agreement, dedicated account managers as well as in house technical and customer support we are committed to developing a lasting relationship with your business. Regardless of your industry, size or specific needs we promise to do our utmost to make you a priority and strengthen that bond.

In the courting ritual that is shopping for merchant service providers, there are a lot of fast talkers on the dance floor. The most common but unstable pick up line is the promise of a month-to-month contract. Our best advice is to politely decline any offer built on this premise. Just like everyone else, you want something that works for you in the long term. Today is fleeting and tomorrow is inevitable.

Month to month contracts mean zero security for your company. Thousands of merchant complaints and reviews prove these arrangements never work to a business’ advantage. Fluctuating rates, hidden fees and the nightmare of terminal leasing and rental costs often go hand in hand with this type of account. Then there is the dreaded promise of meet or beat policies. What better way to start a relationship than to admit they may be overcharging you? Then when you call their bluff, the rates inevitably increase after a few short months.

Any sales rep can offer you the sun and the moon to get you to sign. As much as the freedom of not having a contract may be a relief, rest assured the storm is just brewing.

What kind of company wouldn’t want build a lasting relationship with you as a client? As we all know, most sales reps don’t make a salary or hourly wage. Lucrative signing bonuses, kickbacks when your new account is approved and yet another payoff when you’re plugged in is their ultimate goal. After that, they make a percentage of your monthly costs. This is true whether it’s the rep down the block or an agent for a leading national bank.

Then the rep simply moves on to the next merchant, saying whatever is necessary to get them on board. With only a handful of new accounts each month, they’ve made a substantial profit directly off of your trust. In the end they want you to feel at ease because they know it won’t last.

At Sekure Card Services, customer referrals accounts for 30% of our business and this directly related to building long term relationships with our merchants. Because we sign hundreds of new accounts every month, our focus is based on retention, the cost of retaining a client is far less than acquiring a new one, a simple lesson that few agents seem to learn. Our goal is to be a solid foundation for your business and help you expand by lowering your basic costs. Because of our size and relationships with major banks and processors, you’ll get rates you can count on and the support you need. Whether it’s an immediate concern, technical questions or even basic question about your billing we’re there to guide you through the process.

Just like any reputable player in the processing industry, we will also cover the standard termination fees with your current provider. We see it as an investment in you as a merchant. We want to earn your trust as well as your business. Thousands of satisfied companies each year would agree.

If you’ve made a commitment to a provider who simply can’t live up to your cost expectations, Sekure Card Services would love to have you as one of our clients now and in years to come. You strive to treat your customers with the respect they deserve. You should expect nothing else but the same from your merchant service provider.

www.sekurecardservices.com

1-866-437-3189 ext.225

PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) was established, and on 15 December 2004 and was initiated to define, on behalf of card issuers, the level of security required for merchants to meet basic acceptable level of data and communication security when storing and transmitting cardholder data.

The Security Standards Council defined the standard to provide better data security protecting against credit card fraud. Compliance is very expensive and as well as the costs of the annual mandatory validation by a QSA (Qualified Security Assessor) for organizations handling large amounts of card transactions.

So many companies turn to third party PCI compliant payment providers like 2checkout or 1^st Americard to simplify the integration of payments services with their organization. These PCI compliant services offer their platform as a service for a fee, that that make up the costs the merchants must absorb that makeup the complex set of rates, rates that are part of accepting credit card and debit card payments today.

Although the integration with these compliant third party providers shield the businesses from formal validation and compliance of the PCI DSS standards there are still some security associated with the handling of credit cards that must be implemented by businesses and the personnel responsible In the handling of credit cards and the information that are on these cards.

One of the biggest problem facing merchants accepting credit cards is fluctuating rates. Merchants often enter into agreements with credit card processing companies at established rates, only to find these rates “creeping up” anywhere from one to four times a year. These increases are rarely “red flagged” on the statements which, as a rule, are quite complicated and difficult for the average merchant to understand or review. As well, increases will come in different forms such as, an increase in basis points, transaction fees or monthly fees. As such, these increases look nominal but, in fact, they can have substantial impact on the merchant’s bottom line.

SekureCard Services, a merchant services broker servicing merchants throughout the United States, connects credit card processors with merchants looking to save money on their processing rates. SekureCard typically deals with a few hundred merchants per month, and often guarantees rates for 36 months, therefore addressing the above concerns and complaints merchants have with regular rate hikes. Establishing guaranteed, competitive processing rates can save merchants substantial, bottom line dollars.

Merchants accessing processors through SekureCard Services are offered additional services by the brokerage. An accounts manager is assigned to each merchant. The account manager completes the application process with the merchant, making sure that all required documents are submitted correctly. However his / her responsibilities do not stop there. The accounts manager becomes the “go to” person for all issues relating to credit card processing. Up-grades, adjustments, repairs, billing inquiries etc. can all be addressed by the accounts manager. Removing this tedious responsibility from the merchant frees up valuable time and ensures that all processing related issues will be handled quickly and effectively.

Merchants who are referred to credit card processors by brokerages such as SekureCard Services inevitably access competitive rates rarely available to agents with specific geographic territories and representing only one processor.  These commissioned based agents are encouraged to maximize their earnings by applying elevated rates. They also frequently lease and, or sell terminals at exorbitant rates. Merchant’s should never be obliged to pay for terminals in any way, and leasing is considered to be a scam. It is the responsibility of the processor to supply state of the art equipment to their merchants, without exception.

The safest, most efficient and cost effective way to access credit card processing is through a merchant service broker such as SekureCard Services.

SekureCard Services has an excellent support staff available to assist you. Accepting credit and debit is a necessity in today’s business environment and a very important aspect of your business. Electronic payments already make up the majority of consumer spending and are increasing at a rapid rate. We understand the importance of having nothing but the best in customer support and service for any need or question you may have, big or small. Our integration team is available for all your POS and terminal needs, whether its reprogramming equipment, assisting in updates or transaction inquiries.

We are dedicated to supporting you in every step of way. We believe strongly in after sales support and customer referrals accounts for 30% of our business. Sekure Card is quickly becoming a trusted name in credit card processing and has been advocating for merchants since inception.

We are always honored when a Merchant allows us to analyze their statement, whether it leads to a new customer or simply empowering a merchant with valuable information. SekureCard reviews thousand of credit cards statements every month. We attract a wide variety of potential customers ranging from savvy business owners looking to cut costs, to some merchants that actual feel like they have been taken advantage of or even been victim of a scam.

Whatever your reason may be, Sekure Cards staff of over 150 professionals is ready to help. If you would like a free analysis of your statement without any cost or obligation then call us today or visit us online.

www.sekurecardservices.com

1-866-437-3189 ext.225

TERMINAL LEASING

Unfortunately there are numerous ways a merchant can fall victim of a scam when shopping for payment processing services. One of the most common, as well as financially damaging, is leasing a credit card terminal.

Far too often some smooth talking salesperson convinces a merchant their current equipment “isn’t compliant” or “needs to be upgraded”. Surprise, surprise… they have the perfect solution! They offer a state-of-the-art terminal that is always much more expensive than you’d expect. Surely you wouldn’t want to pay thousands of dollars upfront for such a sophisticated new machine. The rep then cuts you a great deal with reasonable monthly payments for the next four years and the machine is yours.

What isn’t brought up is that the leasing agreement can’t be cancelled and the true value of the terminal is usually no more than a few hundred dollars. It isn’t uncommon to pay well over ten times the value of the terminal over the length of a lease. Many of these agreements aren’t even lease to own, and  in some cases the equipment may be refurbished or less current than the previous terminal.

Most reputable companies will provide you a free terminal as a loaner or simply sell it to you at cost. Often the equipment you have is perfectly fine and can be reprogrammed in a few minutes over the phone. SekureCard Services  has a full integration team for ease of switch or reprogramming your equipment.

Sekure Card Services has had only one complaint with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) which was successfully resolved, thus giving us an “A” rating CLICK HERE to see SekureCards BBB rating.

If you wish to have a review done of your processing statement and fees you can contact us at,  1-866-437-3189 ext.225 or visit us online at, www.sekurecardservices.com

Merchants’’ often feel scammed and often have complaints about the cost associated with accepting credit cards from there payment processor.

A payment processor is a company appointed by a merchant to handle credit card transactions, and is usually broken down into two types: front-end and back-end.

Front-end processors have connections to various card associations and supply authorization and settlement services to the merchant’s banks’. Back-end processors accept settlements from front-end processors and, move the money from the issuing cards bank to the merchant’s bank.

In an operation that will usually take a few seconds, the payment processor will both check the details received by forwarding them to the respective card’s bank or card association for verification, and also carry out a series of anti-fraud measures against the transaction.  Once the payment processor has received confirmation that the credit card details have been verified, the information will be relayed back via the payment gateway to the merchant, who will then complete the payment transaction. If verification is denied by the card association, the payment processor will relay the information to the merchant, who will then decline the transaction.

SekureCard services support merchants’ with a fast and reliable payment system that includes;

• Credit Card Processing,
• Check Acceptance,
• Fleet Card Acceptance,
• Wireless Payments
• Gift Card / Loyalty Programs,
• Online Payments,
• Mail / Phone Payments
• Business Cash Advances

As each service has a cost associated with it it’s important to understand how those fees are established so merchants’ can understand how best to make use of their payments services.  Sekurecard ™ services include over 100 professional looking to keep their merchants abreast with changes, making sure right POS (Point of sales) equipment is used and that the services they provide are understood, saving merchant’s money and easing the process so they can grow their businesses without feeling scammed by their payments processor.

Please see below for more information regarding SekureCard Services, or visit us online at, www.sekurecardservices.com

Corporate Sales:

Phone: (866) 437-3189 ext.225

Email: info@sekurecardservices.com

Statement Analysis:

Fax or email your most recent statement to:

Fax Numbers: 1-888-990-9929
 or 1-888-990-9932

Email: analyze@sekurecardservices.com

Credit card processing requires an enormous communication infrastructure and it is impossible to offer the service for free. To keep costs down and charge those that use the service more than those that don’t, the processing fees are billed at a percentage rate on total volume and a transaction fee as well. The lion’s share of the fees goes to Visa, MasterCard and the issuing bank.

Processing companies assume most of the risks on each transactions, so the riskier the transaction usually means the higher the cost will be for the Merchant to process said transaction. Each time a credit card transaction is processed, the credit issuer pays out the cash and then bills the consumer who can pay quickly or default on a credit card balance. The retailer then gets paid without assuming any risk, or very little risk.

Because businesses assume no risk on the transaction, except in case of a charge back where the Merchant could be out the product and payment for the product they are asked to pay a merchant fee that is consistent with the level of risk, costs and losses incurred by the processor. In order to maintain accreditation credit issuers must maintain high standards to meet federal guidelines.

Businesses benefit by supporting credit card payments options, although they do also take a small hit in terms of the merchant fees, this cost is part of doing business and has become a vital service in today’s consumer driven economy.

Retailers have several ways to offset the cost of credit processing. Only accepting a qualified credit card is one step that merchants can take to keep their rate low. Another option is to only process cards that swipe, and refuse to offer manual entry. The merchant rate can be figured based on several factors for each transaction. Ensuring that you are familiar with the way that fees are charged can help you get the best merchant rate on each transaction. SekureCard Services specializes in analyzing merchant statements and lowering merchant fees. If you have a complaint regarding your current providers fees or would simply like a free review then allow Sekure card services to analyze your statement.

Contact a Corporate Sales representative today

Phone: (866) 437-3189

Email: info@sekurecardservices.com

Statement Analysis

Fax or email your most recent statement to:

Fax Numbers: 1-888-990-9929
 or 1-888-990-9932

Email: analyze@sekurecardservices.com

Interchange fees or rates are determined and set by the issuing bank. The issuing bank is the bank that distributes or offers the branded credit card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) to the consumer. The interchange rate, which is the bulk of the fees Merchants pay for accepting credit cards, will vary depending on several factors. These include but are not limited to risk level, transaction amount, and how the card is accepted (swiped or keyed). In short, the riskier the transaction, the higher the rate will be.

This predetermined interchange rate is the basic cost that all processing companies work with, mark up accordingly and then charge to the merchant. Processors will either bill their Merchants on a tiered setup or an Interchange plus setup. Tiered billing consists of categorizing the merchant’s credit card transactions into 3 or more categories. The basic categories are, qualified, mid-qualified and non- qualified. From there, processing companies will mark up the interchange rate an average of 30 to 80 basis points and also mark up the transaction fees. Other fees, such as monthly statement fees and batch fees, are also quite standard. Interchange plus billing is a little different. The processor will pass on the actual interchange rate established by the issuing bank and then charge a separate fee or rate. This allows the merchant to have some transparency in what the real costs are and this usually results in a more cost effective solution for the Merchant. Beware of the flat rate scam, this is a deceitful practice often used by local agents or sales reps where a flat rate is offered without the mention of interchange being added. As an example, you may be offered a flat rate of 1.20%, when in actuality this is in addition to the interchange cost.

SekureCard Services offers both, tiered and Interchange plus. SekureCard usually prefers to offer an “apples to apples” comparison and will work with whichever setup the potential client is currently on. SekureCard always offers very close to cost rates so whether you’re on a tiered or interchange plus, you can rest assured that we will find you the best deal out there. In keeping with our philosophy of transparency, we will openly share that SekureCard Services has had only one complaint with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) which was successfully resolved, thus giving us an “A” rating.

If you would like a free analysis of your statement without any cost or obligation then call us today or visit us online.

www.sekurecardservices.com

1-866-437-3189 ext.225