At HJS Accountants we can provide businesses in the Southampton area with help and advice on finance and on a wide range of business issues. Here are some tips for reducing 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.

If you are in the Southampton area and are looking for professional advice from an experienced team of accountants, contact HJS Accountants.

Southampton Office

HJS Accountants
Tagus House
9 Ocean Way
Southampton
Hampshire
SO14 3TJ

Tel: 023 8023 4222

Winchester Office

HJS Accountants
6 Charlecote Mews
Staple Gardens
Winchester
SO23 8SR

Tel: 01962 842000

Reading Office

HJS Reading
3 Richfield Place
Richfield Avenue
Reading, Berkshire
RG1 8EQ

Tel: 0118 951 1115