Choosing a credit card processor can be a tricky task without the right knowledge of what to look for in a reputable and upstanding service. Any small business looking to protect their information security when dealing with a processor should keep in mind that each detail of the selection process is important and your final choice of should reflect your particular needs. Trusting a processor with information security between your business, the banks you work with, and your credit card issuer is crucial, so it pays to do some homework before you make any decisions.

5 Criteria of a Worthy Credit Card Processor

1. Customer Service

Juggling a relationship with your bank, credit card issuer, and credit card processor can be overwhelming at times, so it’s important to find a company that will offer 24/7 support. While many services lean on emails and chat forums to communicate with their customers, a good credit card processor should always give you access to an account representative who can work on a problem with you in real time.

2. Seamless Integration

Since balancing finances between different portals can be difficult, you’ll want to seek out a credit card processor that can connect directly to your point of sale system. This is also a good time to make sure that any potential processor you work with can provide on-time invoices, accurate reporting, and critical bookkeeping.

3. Security

Information security is the top priority for anyone working with a credit card processor, so it’s vital to ensure that the company you choose to work with adheres to all industry standards and incorporates their own security measures into the process as well. Now that EMV chips have been fully integrated into the marketplace, many cardholders assume that forgery is impossible. However, as a good credit card processor will tell you, fraud is still a risk and requires strong encryption to battle.

4. Cost

When running a small business, every penny counts. When it comes to choosing a credit card processor, work with one that does not have a monthly service fee but takes a small percentage of every transaction that they process. That way, when the time comes to pay the processor, there are no additional fees. Upfront costs relieve some of the financial burdens that can come with credit card processing.

5. Payment Method Flexibility

In today’s marketplace, there is a wide range of payment methods, from the traditional credit card to digital and contactless options that are quickly gaining momentum. A processor’s ability to accept contactless payments means offering clients with an added level of security that operates the same way as an EMV transaction.

If you’re a business owner in Dayton, OH, and looking for information security professionals who can help you with choosing a credit card processor, look no further than HSI Security. With years of experience in home security and corporate security, you’ll find the best solution possible to satisfy your needs. Visit them online, or give them a call at (937) 479-6628.