Merchant Services

Polygon Payments is your trusted payment partner

So, you've been told you need a Merchant Number or you want to start accepting EFTPOS and Credit Cards in your business?

You've come to the right place!

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When it comes to Merchant Services, Polygon Payments makes it simple, easy to understand, and more cost-effective than the big banks. If you're looking for a reliable and efficient Merchant Services provider for your business, Polygon Payments is the way to go. We also collaborate with a number of trustworthy and specialised terminal providers to supply EFTPOS terminals, ensuring you have all the tools you need for seamless processing of Debit, Credit, payWave and EFTPOS.

What is Merchant Services?

Merchant Services encompasses a range of financial services tailored for businesses to facilitate EFTPOS and Credit Card payment transactions. These services include credit and debit card processing and online payment gateways. Merchant Services providers act as intermediaries between businesses, banks, and credit card networks, ensuring that transactions are securely processed, funds are transferred efficiently, and that businesses have access to the necessary tools to manage payments.

Why You Need Merchant Services

How are Merchant Services Priced?

When selecting a Merchant Services provider, understanding the different fee structures is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with your business needs. Here are the main types of fee structures: Fixed Rate, Interchange Plus, and Unblended.

Fixed Rate

Fixed Rate pricing, also known as flat-rate pricing, involves a single, consistent fee for all transactions, regardless of the card type or transaction volume. This structure simplifies billing and makes costs predictable.

Pros:
  • Simplicity: Easy to understand and predict.

  • Consistency: The same rate applies to all transactions.

Cons:
  • Higher Costs: Can be more expensive, especially for businesses with a high volume of transactions or those that typically involve lower interchange fees.

Interchange Plus

Interchange Plus pricing, also known as cost-plus pricing, separates the interchange fee (set by card networks) from the switch fee, scheme fee and acquirer fee. Merchants pay the actual interchange fee plus a a percentage rate to cover the other costs of providing the facility.

Pros:
  • Transparency: Clear breakdown of costs.

  • Potential Savings: Often lower overall costs, especially for businesses with a high volume of transactions.

Cons:
  • Complexity: Requires understanding of interchange fees, which can vary.

  • Variable Costs: Monthly fees can fluctuate based on the types of cards used and transaction methods.

Unblended

Unblended or Split Pricing provides a separate rate for each category of card transaction, such as debit cards, credit cards, international cards, payWave, etc. This structure can be similar to interchange plus but often includes more granular categories.

Pros:
  • Detailed Cost Control: Specific rates for different card types can lead to cost savings.

  • Transparency: Clear understanding of costs associated with each card type.

Cons:
  • Complexity: Requires tracking and understanding multiple rates.

  • Variable Costs: Monthly costs can vary based on the mix of card types used

Example: An unblended structure might charge 1.0% for debit payWave, 2.0% for NZ standard credit cards, and 3.5% for internationally issued cards.

How do we Determine your Rates?

Merchant fees are influenced by several factors. These factors collectively determine the cost of processing payments for a business. Here’s a detailed look at the primary elements that go into determining the merchant fee:

1. Card Mix

Card Mix refers to the types of cards used by customers for transactions, such as debit cards, credit cards, payWave and premium cards. Different cards have varying interchange fees, which are a major component of the total merchant fee.

2. Average Transaction Size

The Average Transaction Size impacts the effective rate of switch fees.

3. Merchant Category Code (MCC)

The Merchant Category Code (MCC) is a four-digit code assigned to a business by the credit card networks. It identifies the type of business and the nature of its products or services.

4. Monthly Volume

Monthly Volume refers to the total dollar amount of transactions processed by a merchant each month.

5. Transaction Method

The Transaction Method affects the risk and cost of processing payments. The way a transaction is initiated can influence the fees.

By understanding these factors, businesses can better anticipate their merchant fees and work with payment processors to negotiate terms that align with their specific needs and transaction patterns. Polygon Payments can help you navigate these complexities and find the optimal fee structure for your business.

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