Compare transaction fees on each provider’s official pricing page. Take payments through hosted checkouts so you never store card data, since PCI standards apply. Test checkout on phones, show your cancellation policy before payment, and send ordering problems to the provider’s support. Rules vary by state and city, so confirm requirements with the official agency.
How do I compare transaction fees?
Compare per-transaction percentage, fixed fee, monthly fees, payout timing and chargeback fees from each provider's official pricing page. Calculate the total cost on a typical month of sales to compare fairly.
Should I collect payments on my website?
Usually through a payment provider's hosted checkout or link, not by handling card data yourself. Hosted checkouts keep card data with the provider and reduce your security burden.
How do I avoid storing sensitive payment details?
Use hosted payment pages and never ask for card numbers by email or forms; PCI Security Standards apply to card data. Train staff never to write card numbers down or send them by message.
How do I test mobile checkout?
Run a test purchase on iPhone and Android before launch and after changes. Check that confirmation emails and receipts arrive correctly too.
How do I handle cancellations?
Write a cancellation policy, show it before payment and handle refunds through the provider. Apply the policy consistently and explain it clearly in confirmations.
Who supports the ordering provider?
The ordering provider supports its own system; your website links to it. Keep the provider's support contact handy for order problems.
Worked example
A food truck compares two payment providers using each provider's official pricing page. The owner calculates a typical month: number of transactions, average ticket and total fees, plus monthly fees and payout timing. She chooses the one with lower total cost and next-day payouts. For catering deposits she uses a payment link instead of collecting card numbers by message. Before launch she runs a test order on an iPhone and an Android phone, confirms receipts arrive, and writes a short cancellation policy that appears before payment. When an ordering problem occurs, she contacts the ordering provider's support, since that system belongs to them.
Common questions
How do I compare transaction fees?
Compare per-transaction percentage, fixed fee, monthly fees, payout timing and chargeback fees from each provider's official pricing page.
Should I collect payments on my website?
Usually through a payment provider's hosted checkout or link, not by handling card data yourself.
How do I avoid storing sensitive payment details?
Use hosted payment pages and never ask for card numbers by email or forms; PCI Security Standards apply to card data.
Can I pass card fees to customers?
Rules on surcharges vary by state and card network; check them before adding any fee.
Sources
Sources checked October 6, 2026. Rules, fees and forms change; confirm details with the agency or provider before you act. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.
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