Choosing the right credit card processor is one of the most important business decisions you can make when starting or running a retail company. Accepting card payments in a convenient yet secure way leads to more sales. But with so many credit card reader options out there nowadays, how do you pick the best one for your specific business?
As online and mobile payment adoption accelerates across the US, credit card usage continues to rise year over year. According to Statista, the total value of credit card purchase transactions is projected to approach $8.6 trillion dollars by 2025 in the US alone – more than double what it was in 2012:
<Insert data table with credit card transaction value growth statistics from 2012-2025>
With credit cards becoming the dominant payment method for consumers, retail businesses must be able to accept credit cards to remain competitive. Let‘s compare the most important criteria to evaluate when choosing a credit card processing provider for your retail business.
Based on these criteria, I recommend you consider the following top 8 contenders as the best credit card processor picks for retail businesses today:
<Summary overview of top 8 picks with 2-3 key highlights for each>
Now let’s dive deeper into what sets each of these top providers apart from the competition when it comes to addressing the payment processing needs of a retail business:
<In-depth profile for each provider:
- Overview
- Hardware options
- Standout features
- Security protocols
- Integrations
- Reporting abilities
- Customer support offerings
- Pricing details
- Pros/cons for retail businesses specifically>
How do the most popular providers compare when evaluated side-by-side? Here is a snapshot in table format:
Now that you‘ve seen an overview of the capabilities of the top credit card processors, which option is right for your retail business? Here are my recommendations based on business size and type:
<Recommendations by:
- Small / Medium / Large business
- Brick and mortar store vs. ecommerce site>
For small businesses just getting started, an affordable provider like Square or PayPal Here offers the easiest setup. For large retailers who already have robust point-of-sale solutions in place, advanced solutions like PayAnywhere and Helcim integrate seamlessly at low rates.
No matter which provider you select, prioritizing key criteria like security protocols, efficient reporting, and responsive customer service ensures your business can offer fast, convenient payments tailored to exceed your customers’ purchasing expectations in today’s cashless world. Reach out if you need any guidance finding the perfect payment systems for your retail operation.
