Take a look at your last merchant statement. Can you explain what every single line item means? If the answer is no, you’re not alone. Some processors make their statements intentionally confusing to hide extra charges, making it nearly impossible to know if you’re getting a good deal. We’re here to demystify the process. This article will act as your guide, breaking down the most common hidden fees, explaining different pricing structures in simple terms, and giving you a checklist of what to look for in a transparent partner. Our goal is to equip you to find low cost online payment processing without the usual headache and confusion.

Key Takeaways

• Focus on the total cost, not just the advertised rate: A low rate often hides expensive monthly, annual, and incidental fees. Always get a complete fee schedule to understand the true cost of processing before you commit.
• Let your pricing model evolve with your business: A simple flat rate is perfect when you’re starting out, but as your sales increase, switching to a more transparent model like interchange-plus or a cash discount program is key to maximizing your profits.
• Prioritize partnership features over the lowest price: A cheap rate means nothing if the service is unreliable. Look for a processor with strong security, seamless software integrations, and excellent customer support to protect your business from costly disruptions.

What Does “Low-Cost” Payment Processing Actually Mean?

When you see an ad for “low-cost” payment processing, it’s smart to be a little skeptical. The term can be misleading because the processor with the lowest advertised rate isn’t always the cheapest option. The true cost of processing payments is the total amount you pay each month, which includes not just transaction rates but a whole host of other potential fees. Finding a genuinely affordable solution means looking past the flashy headline numbers and understanding the full picture.

A truly low-cost provider is one that offers transparent pricing without nickel-and-diming you with hidden charges. It’s about finding a partner who helps you keep more of your hard-earned money, not one who surprises you with a confusing statement full of unexpected fees. To do that, you need to know what to look for. Understanding the different pricing models and the common fees that can inflate your bill is the first step toward finding a processor that actually saves you money.

Spotting the Difference: Transparent Pricing vs. Hidden Fees

Transparent pricing means your processor is upfront about every single fee you’ll be charged. There are no surprises, and your monthly statement is easy to understand. Companies committed to this approach, like MBNCrad, Inc., clearly outline their fee structure so you know exactly what you’re paying for. Hidden fees, on the other hand, are often buried in the fine print of your contract or disguised with confusing names on your statement. These can include things like monthly minimums, statement fees, or annual PCI compliance fees that you weren’t expecting. Always ask for a full fee schedule before signing up with any provider.

Flat-Rate vs. Interchange-Plus: What’s the Deal?

Two of the most common pricing models you’ll encounter are flat-rate and interchange-plus. Flat-rate pricing is simple: you pay one consistent rate for every transaction, like 2.9% + 30¢, no matter what kind of card your customer uses. This model offers predictability, which is great for new or small businesses.

Interchange-plus pricing is a bit more complex but often more transparent. It separates the wholesale cost of the transaction (the “interchange” fee that goes to the card-issuing bank) from the processor’s markup (the “plus”). This model can be more cost-effective for businesses with higher sales volumes, as the processor’s markup is typically smaller. The tradeoff is that your monthly costs can fluctuate since interchange rates vary between different card types.

Look Beyond the Advertised Rate

That super-low transaction rate you see advertised is designed to catch your eye, but it rarely tells the whole story. To understand the real cost, you have to look at the entire fee structure. When you’re comparing providers, think about all the potential costs involved. This includes monthly account fees, setup or application fees, and the cost of any hardware like a card reader or POS system. You should also ask about fees for disputed payments, known as chargebacks, and find out if there are any penalties for closing your account early. A processor’s advertised rate might be low, but high incidental fees can quickly erase those savings.

Comparing the Top Low-Cost Payment Processors

Choosing a payment processor can feel overwhelming, especially when every company claims to be the cheapest. The truth is, the “best” low-cost option really depends on your business. A brand-new coffee cart has very different needs than a high-volume online retailer, and their ideal pricing models will reflect that. Some businesses thrive on the predictability of a flat rate, while others save more with a model that rewards high sales volume.

To help you find the right fit, we’re breaking down five of the top low-cost payment processors. Each one offers a different approach to pricing and serves a unique type of business owner. We’ll look at MBNCard’s fee-elimination programs, Stripe’s developer-focused platform, Square’s simple flat rates, Helcim’s volume-based discounts, and Payment Depot’s membership model. By understanding how each one works, you can make an informed decision that protects your bottom line and supports your business as it grows.

MBNCard: Transparent Pricing with Cash Discount Programs

If your primary goal is to drastically reduce or even get rid of your credit card processing fees, MBNCard is an excellent choice. We specialize in programs that help you offset these costs legally and effectively. Our most popular option is the cash discount program, which allows you to share processing costs with customers who choose to pay by card.

Here’s how it works: You offer a discount to customers who pay with cash, while your listed prices account for the cost of card acceptance. This structure incentivizes cash payments and ensures you’re not shouldering the entire burden of transaction fees. It’s a straightforward way to protect your profit margins on every single sale, potentially saving you thousands of dollars a year.

Stripe: Developer-Friendly with Competitive Rates

Stripe is a powerhouse for online businesses, especially those that need a customizable payment solution. It’s known for its robust, developer-friendly platform that allows you to build a checkout experience tailored to your brand. With competitive, pay-as-you-go flat-rate pricing and no monthly fees, it’s a flexible option for e-commerce stores, subscription services, and software platforms.

Stripe shines in its ability to handle complex payment scenarios, supporting over 135 currencies and a wide array of payment methods from around the world. If you have a developer on your team or feel comfortable working with APIs, Stripe gives you the tools to create a seamless and powerful payment system for your online customers.

Square: Simple Flat-Rate Pricing for Small Businesses

Square is a go-to for new and small businesses, and for good reason. It offers a simple, predictable flat-rate pricing structure with no monthly fees for its basic plan. You pay one consistent rate for every tapped, dipped, or swiped card transaction, which makes it incredibly easy to forecast your expenses. This is perfect for businesses just starting out or those with fluctuating sales volumes, like food trucks, artists at craft fairs, or independent contractors.

Beyond its straightforward pricing, Square provides a free, user-friendly point-of-sale (POS) app that works on most smartphones and tablets. The combination of simple rates and accessible hardware makes it one of the easiest ways to start accepting credit card payments right away.

Helcim: Interchange-Plus for Growing Businesses

As your business grows, a flat-rate model can become less cost-effective. That’s where a processor like Helcim comes in. Helcim uses an interchange-plus pricing model, which is known for its transparency. It separates the non-negotiable fees charged by card networks (the interchange) from its own markup. This means you see exactly what you’re paying for.

The best part? Helcim automatically lowers your rates as your sales volume increases. This makes it a fantastic partner for businesses that are scaling quickly and consistently processing more than $10,000 per month. If you’ve outgrown simple flat-rate pricing and want a more transparent model that rewards your growth, Helcim is a strong contender.

Payment Depot: A Membership-Based Pricing Model

Payment Depot offers a unique, subscription-based approach to payment processing. Instead of marking up each transaction with a percentage, you pay a monthly membership fee. In return, you get access to the direct wholesale interchange rates plus a small, fixed fee per transaction (e.g., $0.15). This model provides exceptional transparency and can lead to significant savings for businesses with high sales volumes.

While the monthly membership fee might not make sense for a small startup, it becomes highly cost-effective for established businesses processing a large number of transactions. By paying a flat monthly fee, you avoid the compounding costs of percentage-based markups, allowing you to keep more of your revenue on every sale.

How Different Pricing Models Affect Your Bottom Line

Choosing a payment processor can feel overwhelming, especially when every company claims to have the lowest rates. But the truth is, the “best” rate isn’t just a number—it’s about finding the right pricing structure for your specific business. The model that saves a high-volume retailer thousands could end up costing a small coffee shop more. Understanding the fundamental differences between these models is the first step to protecting your hard-earned revenue from confusing fees and unnecessary costs.

Think of it like choosing a cell phone plan. A simple, flat-rate plan might be perfect if you only make a few calls, but an unlimited plan is better for a heavy user. Payment processing works the same way. The key is to match your sales volume, average transaction size, and business type to the right model. A pricing structure that isn’t aligned with your operations can slowly eat away at your profits without you even realizing it. That’s why looking beyond the advertised rate is so critical. We’ll break down the most common structures—flat-rate, interchange-plus, and cash discount programs—so you can see exactly how each one impacts your bottom line and make a choice that truly supports your growth.

Is Flat-Rate Pricing Right for Your Small Business?

Flat-rate pricing is the most straightforward model out there, which is why it’s so popular with new businesses. Processors like Square and Stripe typically charge a single, predictable fee, such as 2.9% + $0.30, for every transaction. This simplicity is its biggest advantage. You always know exactly what you’ll pay, which makes budgeting and financial forecasting much easier when you’re just starting out. There are no surprise fees or complicated statements to decipher. However, that simplicity comes at a cost. As your business grows, flat-rate pricing can become one of the more expensive options. You pay the same rate whether a customer uses a basic debit card (which has a very low wholesale cost) or a premium rewards card, meaning you’re often overpaying on lower-cost transactions.

How Interchange-Plus Can Save You Money

If your business is processing a steady volume of sales each month, interchange-plus pricing is definitely worth a look. This model is built on transparency. It separates the two main components of a processing fee: the “interchange” fee, which is the non-negotiable rate charged by the card brands (like Visa or Mastercard), and the “plus,” which is the fixed markup from your payment processor. Because the processor’s markup is a small, fixed percentage, your total rate changes depending on the actual cost of the card used. This means you get to take advantage of the lower interchange rates on debit cards and other basic card types. For growing businesses, this transparency almost always leads to significant long-term savings compared to a flat-rate model.

What Are Cash Discount and Dual Pricing Programs?

What if you could nearly eliminate your processing fees altogether? That’s the idea behind cash discount and dual pricing programs. These innovative models allow you to offset the cost of card acceptance by offering customers a choice. You set a standard price for credit card payments and a lower price for customers who choose to pay with cash. This way, the processing fee is covered by the customers who opt for the convenience of using a card. Programs like MBNCard’s Duo Way are fully compliant and designed to make this process seamless. By clearly displaying both prices at the point of sale, you give customers transparency and control. For merchants, this can translate into saving thousands of dollars a year, turning a major business expense into a manageable operational cost.

Consider ACH Payments to Lower Costs

Credit cards aren’t the only way to accept payments online. ACH payments, which are direct bank-to-bank transfers, are an excellent, low-cost alternative. Instead of paying a percentage of the total sale, ACH transactions typically cost a low flat fee, often between $0.50 and $5. This makes them incredibly cost-effective for large transactions, B2B invoices, or recurring payments like monthly subscriptions. The main trade-off is speed. While credit card transactions are authorized instantly, ACH payments can take a few business days to clear. For some businesses, this delay can impact cash flow. However, if your business model can accommodate a slightly longer funding time, encouraging customers to pay via ACH is a powerful strategy for reducing your overall transaction costs.

What Hidden Fees Should You Look For?

The advertised processing rate is just the tip of the iceberg. To truly understand what you’ll be paying, you need to look at the entire fee schedule. Some processors hide extra charges in the fine print, turning a seemingly great deal into a financial headache. These fees can quickly eat away at your profits if you don’t know what to look for.

Think of it like this: the low rate gets you in the door, but the hidden fees are where some companies make their money. Being a savvy business owner means asking direct questions and demanding a full breakdown of every potential charge before you sign anything. Don’t be afraid to press for clarity. A transparent partner will have no problem explaining their fee structure. If a provider is vague or evasive, that’s a major red flag. Let’s break down the most common hidden fees you need to watch out for.

Watch Out for Monthly and Annual Fees

Recurring fees are some of the easiest costs to overlook, but they add up month after month. Many processors charge a monthly “statement fee,” “service fee,” or an annual “membership fee” just for keeping your account active. While a small monthly fee might not seem like a dealbreaker, it can significantly increase your total processing cost over the course of a year. When you’re comparing providers, ask specifically about all recurring charges. Some of the cheapest online payment processors have eliminated these fees entirely, so you know it’s possible to find a partner who won’t nickel-and-dime you every month.

Don’t Forget About Chargeback and Dispute Costs

Chargebacks are an unfortunate reality for any business that accepts credit cards. They happen when a customer disputes a charge with their bank. Not only do you lose the sale, but many processors will also hit you with a separate chargeback fee, which can range from $15 to $50 or more per incident. Some even charge a fee to handle the dispute, regardless of the outcome. It’s crucial to understand a processor’s chargeback policy and any associated costs. A high volume of chargebacks combined with hefty fees can seriously damage your bottom line, so find a partner with a fair and transparent dispute process.

Uncover Equipment and Setup Charges

When you sign up with a new processor, you’ll likely need equipment like a credit card terminal or a full point-of-sale (POS) system. Many providers advertise “free” equipment to entice new customers, but this offer often comes with strings attached. You might be locked into a long-term, non-cancellable lease that costs far more than the hardware is worth. Others might charge one-time setup or installation fees. Always clarify what’s included with your account. Ask if you’re buying or leasing the equipment and what happens if you decide to switch providers. A good partner will offer affordable and flexible POS solutions without trapping you.

Avoid Early Termination Penalties

Be very wary of any provider that requires a long-term contract. These agreements often include an early termination fee (ETF), which can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars if you decide to leave before the contract is up. This practice essentially holds your business hostage, even if you’re unhappy with the service or the fees have increased. Your business needs can change quickly, and you need the flexibility to switch providers if your current one is no longer a good fit. Always look for a processor that offers month-to-month agreements with no cancellation penalties. This shows they’re confident enough in their service to earn your business every single month.

Find the Right Processor for Your Business Volume

The cheapest payment processor for a brand-new online store is rarely the cheapest for a business processing $50,000 a month. As your sales volume changes, so does the ideal pricing structure for your business. Finding the right fit means matching your transaction volume to a processor’s pricing model, whether you’re just starting out, hitting a growth spurt, or managing a high-volume operation. Let’s break down what to look for at each stage.

The Best Fit for Startups and New Businesses

If you’re just launching your business or have a low monthly sales volume, simplicity is key. Processors like Square and Stripe are popular for a reason: they offer straightforward flat-rate pricing, usually around 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. This model is perfect for new ventures because there are no monthly fees or complex statements to decipher. You pay a predictable percentage on every sale. Plus, many of these providers offer user-friendly tools, like Square’s free point-of-sale (POS) app, which makes getting set up and accepting payments incredibly easy.

What to Look for as Your Business Grows

Once your business starts consistently processing over $10,000 per month, it’s time to re-evaluate your payment processor. That simple flat rate that was so helpful at the start can begin to eat into your profits. This is where an interchange-plus pricing model often becomes more cost-effective. Processors like Helcim are designed for growing businesses, offering lower rates that pass the direct cost of the transaction on to you, plus a small, fixed markup. As your sales volume increases, the savings from this model really start to add up, making it a smart move for any scaling business.

Finding the Right Solution for High-Volume Sales

For established businesses processing significant volume—think $40,000 a month or more—minimizing transaction costs is a top priority. At this stage, flat-rate pricing is almost certainly too expensive. Instead, look for processors that offer either a competitive interchange-plus rate or a subscription-based model. Companies like Payment Depot use a membership structure where you pay a monthly fee for access to low, direct-cost processing. This approach can lead to substantial savings for high-volume merchants because you’re no longer paying a high percentage markup on every single transaction. It’s all about finding a partner whose pricing scales with your success.

What to Look for Besides a Low Rate

Chasing the lowest possible processing rate is tempting, but it’s a classic case of missing the forest for the trees. The advertised rate is just one piece of the puzzle, and it often doesn’t tell the whole story. A provider might offer a rock-bottom rate only to make up for it with junk fees, terrible customer service, or technology that doesn’t work with your existing setup. When that happens, the money you thought you were saving disappears into lost sales and hours of frustration.

Instead of focusing only on the rate, it’s better to look for a true payment processing partner. This is a company that offers fair, transparent pricing while also delivering on the things that keep your business running smoothly day in and day out. A great partner provides robust security to protect you and your customers, seamless integrations that simplify your operations, and real human support when you need it most. Finding a provider that checks all these boxes is the real key to getting the best value.

Prioritize Security and PCI Compliance

In the world of payments, security isn’t just a feature—it’s the foundation of trust between you and your customers. A single data breach can be devastating for a small business, leading to lost trust and significant financial penalties. That’s why your payment processor must be serious about security. Look for providers that are fully PCI compliant, which is the industry standard for protecting sensitive cardholder data. A trustworthy processor will handle the heavy lifting on compliance, making it easier for you to keep your business and your customers safe from fraud.

Check for Easy Integrations

Your payment processor should make your life easier, not harder. If it doesn’t connect smoothly with the other tools you rely on, you’ll be stuck manually entering data, which wastes time and invites errors. Before you sign a contract, make a list of your essential systems, like your point-of-sale (POS) software, accounting platform, or e-commerce shopping cart. A great provider will offer tailored payment solutions that integrate seamlessly with the tools you already use. This ensures your sales, inventory, and financial data all sync up automatically, keeping your operations efficient.

Make Sure You Have Great Customer Support

Imagine it’s your busiest day of the year, and your credit card terminal suddenly stops working. This is the moment when you’ll truly understand the value of great customer support. When issues arise, you need to be able to reach a real, knowledgeable person who can help you solve the problem quickly. Before choosing a provider, read reviews and see what other business owners say about their support experience. Reliable merchant services include accessible and helpful customer support that keeps your business running, no matter what happens.

Find a Processor That Supports Online and Mobile Payments

The way customers shop and pay is always changing. Today, they expect to be able to pay online, in-person, or from their mobile device. Your payment processor should equip you to meet these expectations. Look for a provider that offers a complete suite of tools, including e-commerce gateways for your website, virtual terminals for taking payments over the phone, and mobile card readers for selling at markets or events. Choosing a processor that supports online and mobile payments ensures you never miss a sale and can grow your business across any channel.

How to Lower Your Transaction Fees

Finding a processor with a great rate is a fantastic start, but it’s not a one-and-done task. Think of your payment processing costs like any other operational expense—something you can actively manage and optimize. The most successful business owners I know don’t just accept the fees on their monthly statements as a fixed cost of doing business. Instead, they look for smart, strategic ways to reduce them. It’s about shifting from a passive mindset to a proactive one.

The good news is you have more control than you might think. By exploring different payment models, encouraging less expensive transaction methods, and simply having a conversation with your provider, you can directly impact your bottom line. Even a fraction of a percentage point in savings adds up to thousands of dollars over the year, freeing up cash that you can reinvest into marketing, inventory, or your team. The following strategies aren’t complicated, but they do require a little bit of attention. Let’s walk through a few of the most effective ways to keep more of your hard-earned money.

Use Cash Discount or Surcharging Programs

One of the most direct ways to lower your costs is to implement a cash discount or dual pricing program. These programs essentially give your customers a choice: pay a standard price with a credit card or receive a small discount for paying with cash. This legally and transparently offsets your processing fees by passing them to the customers who choose the convenience of paying by card. As MBNCard explains, our Duo Way program creates a cash price based on the discount you want to offer, ensuring you can save thousands on fees. It’s an innovative and compliant way to protect your profit margins without raising your base prices across the board.

Encourage Customers to Pay with ACH

For certain types of businesses, especially B2B or those with recurring subscriptions, encouraging customers to pay via ACH transfer is a game-changer. An ACH payment is a direct transfer from your customer’s bank account to yours. While credit card fees are typically a percentage of the sale (around 2.9% + $0.30), ACH fees are often a low, flat rate, sometimes less than a dollar per transaction. The trade-off is that ACH payments take a few days to clear, unlike instant credit card authorizations. However, for large invoices or recurring bills, the savings are substantial and well worth the slightly longer wait.

Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate Your Rate

Your payment processing rate isn’t always set in stone, especially as your business grows. If your sales volume has increased significantly since you first signed up, you have leverage. Don’t hesitate to contact your processor to ask for a rate review. For businesses with substantial volume, providers are often willing to offer custom, lower rates to keep your business. Before you call, gather your last six months of processing statements. Know your total volume, your average transaction size, and what you’re currently paying. This data gives you a strong foundation for a productive conversation about securing a better rate.

Review Your Contract and Rates Regularly

The best deal for your business today might not be the best deal a year from now. As your business evolves, your processing needs change. That’s why it’s so important to review your statements and contract on a regular basis. Set a reminder on your calendar every six to 12 months to do a quick audit. Look for any new or unexpected fees, check if your effective rate has crept up, and compare it to what other providers are offering. As Technology Advice points out, regularly checking your fees ensures you’re always getting the best deal for your current business situation, not the one you had last year.

Red Flags to Avoid When Choosing a Processor

Choosing a payment processor is a big commitment, and the wrong partner can cost you time, money, and a lot of headaches. While it’s smart to look for a good deal, some offers are designed to trap you. Knowing the warning signs can help you find a processor who will be a true partner for your business, not just another bill to pay.

Think of it like this: you’re hiring someone to handle your money. You want a partner who is transparent, reliable, and has your back when things go wrong. Let’s walk through some of the biggest red flags to watch out for so you can confidently choose a provider who will help your business thrive.

Steer Clear of “Too Good to Be True” Rates

If you see a processor advertising an unbelievably low rate, like 0.5%, your skepticism is justified. These teaser rates are often a bait-and-switch tactic. The rock-bottom price might only apply to a tiny fraction of your transactions, like in-person, swiped debit cards. Everything else—like keyed-in cards or online payments—gets hit with much higher “non-qualified” rates. These offers often come with hidden costs that quickly erase any initial savings. Always ask for a complete breakdown of all possible rates and fees before signing anything. A trustworthy processor will be upfront about what you’ll actually pay.

Avoid Processors That Hide Their Pricing

Transparency is non-negotiable. A payment processor’s website should make it easy to understand their pricing structure. If you have to dig through pages of fine print or sit through a high-pressure sales call just to get a straight answer on fees, that’s a major red flag. A great partner offers clear prices without hidden fees and is happy to explain every line item on your statement. Look for providers who offer straightforward pricing models like interchange-plus or flat-rate, as these are typically easier to understand and predict. Your monthly statement shouldn’t feel like you’re trying to solve a puzzle.

Check Reviews for Customer Service Complaints

When your payment system goes down, every minute of downtime costs you money. This is when you’ll see the true value of your processor’s customer support. Before you commit, do some research. Check third-party review sites and see what current and former customers are saying about their support experience. Are they complaining about long hold times, unhelpful bots, or unresolved issues? Quick and helpful support is essential. You want a provider with a reputation for being responsive and effective, with real humans available to help you when you need it most.

Make Sure They Can Grow With You

The processor that’s right for you today should also be right for you in two, five, or ten years. Your business will evolve, and your payment needs will change with it. Maybe you’ll expand from online-only to a brick-and-mortar location, or your sales volume will increase significantly. A good processor should be able to grow with your business, offering scalable solutions like different POS hardware, robust e-commerce integrations, and pricing that remains competitive as your volume increases. Don’t get locked into a contract with a provider who can’t support your long-term vision.

Related Articles

• 10 Cheap Online Payment Processors for Small Business
• Top 10 Payment Processing Companies for Your Business
• 5 Cheapest Ways to Accept Credit Card Payments Online
• The Ultimate List of Credit Card Processing Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I switch from a simple flat-rate processor to something like interchange-plus? The best time to start looking is when your business consistently processes over $10,000 in sales each month. While flat-rate pricing is perfect for its predictability when you’re starting out, it can become expensive as you grow. Once you have a steady sales volume, the transparency of an interchange-plus model almost always leads to significant savings because you get to take advantage of the lower wholesale costs on many types of cards. Think of it as graduating to a pricing structure that rewards your success.

Are cash discount programs legal, and will they annoy my customers? Yes, cash discount and dual pricing programs are fully legal and compliant when they are set up correctly. The key is transparency. As long as you clearly post signage explaining the pricing difference to your customers before they check out, you are giving them a clear choice. Most customers understand that accepting credit cards is a cost for businesses, and they appreciate having the option to save money by paying with cash. When presented as a discount for cash rather than a penalty for cards, it’s received much more positively.

My business sells both online and in-person. Do I need two different processors? You shouldn’t have to. The best approach is to find a single payment partner that offers an integrated solution for both e-commerce and retail sales. This is often called an “omnichannel” solution. Using one provider ensures that all your sales data, inventory, and customer information are synced in one place. This saves you from the headache of manually reconciling reports and makes managing your business operations much more efficient.

Besides the rate, what’s the one thing business owners most often forget to ask about? Hands down, it’s the quality and accessibility of customer support. It’s easy to overlook this until you’re in a crisis, like when your terminal goes down during a holiday rush. Before you sign up, you should always ask what their support looks like. Can you call and speak to a real person, or are you stuck with a chatbot? A low rate won’t matter much if you can’t get immediate help when you lose the ability to accept payments.

I think I’m stuck in a contract with high fees. What can I do? The first step is to pull out your contract and find the section on early termination fees (ETF). This will tell you exactly what it would cost to leave. Once you have that number, you can shop around and get quotes from other providers. Do the math to see if the money you would save over the next year with a new, more affordable processor would be greater than the one-time cost of the ETF. Sometimes, paying the fee to escape a bad contract is the most profitable move you can make.