Processing 101

What makes up your total cost of processing?

In this section, you’ll find articles that break down the key factors influencing your total cost of credit card processing. Unfortunately, too many business owners are left in the dark when it comes to understanding these costs. Some processors, and even a few rogue agents, withhold or misrepresent important details just to win an account, leaving business owners with what we call the “taillight warranty” - once they’re gone, so is your support.

At Kelley & Co Strategies, our goal is to change that. Here, we’ll clear up common misconceptions, share the insider knowledge every business owner deserves to know, and give you the tools to make informed decisions. Whether you’re new to accepting cards or have been processing for years, our mission is to make sure you never end up on the wrong side of a bad processing experience again.

Insights and strategies
Expert advice for business owners

  • A close-up shot of a modern payment terminal with a sleek design, placed on a clean wooden table. The background is softly blurred to emphasize the terminal, with warm lighting that enhances the device's features. The focus is sharp on the terminal, showcasing its touchscreen and card insertion slot.
    Understanding Merchant Processing Fees

    What Is Interchange? Understanding the Foundation of Credit Card Processing Costs

    Read more
  • A high-resolution close-up shot of a modern convenience store checkout area, featuring a sleek POS terminal with a digital screen displaying payment options. The background should show neatly arranged shelves stocked with snacks and beverages, emphasizing a clean and inviting environment. The lighting should be bright and warm, creating a welcoming atmosphere, and the image should focus solely on the checkout area without any people present.
    Do I Need a POS System?

    Learn when a point of sale (POS) system makes sense, how to choose the right one, and why it shouldn’t cost a fortune every month.

    Read more
  • A close-up shot of a business owner analyzing financial statements with a calculator, surrounded by paperwork and a laptop, in a modern office setting.
    Stuck in a Processing Contract?

    Discover your options if you’re trapped in a costly processing agreement. Learn how Kelley & Co can help you find a way out, often without penalties.

    Read more
  • document-agreement-documents-sign-48148-1761861339691.jpeg
    What to Look for in a Payment Processor

    Learn what separates a reliable processor from a risky one — transparency, technology, and trust.

    Read more
  • A high-resolution close-up shot of a modern vape shop interior, showcasing a sleek display of various vape products and CBD oils on a well-lit shelf. The focus should be on a vibrant, stylish vape device in the foreground, with blurred background elements like colorful packaging and decorative plants. The image should convey a welcoming and contemporary atmosphere, reflecting the essence of a trendy retail space. Use RGB(0, 117, 98) as a theme color in the design elements.
    Understanding High-Risk Industries and How Kelley & Co Strategies Can Help
    In the world of payment processing, not every business fits neatly into the “low-risk” category. Some industries are considered high risk — not because they’re doing anything wrong, but because of how banks and processors evaluate factors like chargeback p...
    Read more