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Before switching processors, compare official card-present, online, keyed, invoice, ACH, dispute, monthly software, hardware, payout, and international fees. Stripe publishes pay-as-you-go pricing for online card transactions (Stripe pricing), and Square says processing fees vary by payment type and plan (Square fee guide). Match those fees to your real transaction mix instead of shopping from one advertised rate.
The useful question is not "who has the lowest advertised rate?" It is whether your current statement matches your real mix of in-person, online, invoice, keyed, and ACH payments.
📲 Text PJ for a Free Statement ReviewNo pitch. No contract. Just the math. · 858-461-8054
Every pricing model has a volume sweet spot. Here's where each one wins and loses.
| Processor Type | Typical Rate | Best For | Monthly Fee | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat-rate Stripe, Square |
2.6–2.9% + $0.30 |
Low volume (<$10k/mo) |
$0 | None |
| Interchange-plus Most ISO/banks |
0.15–0.40% + interchange |
Medium volume ($10k–$100k) |
$15–25 | Month-to-month |
| Membership / flat fee Stax, Fattmerchant |
Interchange + $99/mo |
High volume (>$30k/mo) |
$99–199 | Annual |
| Cash discount program | 0% merchant fee | Retail / in-person | $25–35 | Varies |
| Crypto / stablecoin rails | ~0.025% | Tech-forward, B2B | Varies | None |
Rates are approximate. Your actual interchange depends on card type (rewards cards cost more), transaction method, and industry. Always ask for a full rate sheet in writing.
Enter your numbers and see how much interchange-plus could save you per month.
Any one of these is worth a closer look. More than two? Call today.
Real situations. Real math. No names used.
This guide covers everything a San Diego business owner needs to know about accepting card payments in 2026: choosing the right processor, understanding fee structures, setting up hardware, avoiding common pitfalls, and getting help when things break. The payment processing landscape in 2026 is more competitive and consumer-friendly than ever — you have more good options and lower fees than any previous year.
Saved $380/month · $4,560/yearThe short version for San Diego businesses: if you are just starting out, use Square (free card reader, no monthly fee, works for any business type). If you need an API or subscription billing, use Stripe. If you process over $20K/month and want to lower fees, get quotes from Helcim and Stax. If you run a restaurant, use Square for Restaurants or Toast. If you run a home service company, pair Jobber or Housecall Pro with either Stripe or Square. Text PJ at 858-461-8054 for a specific recommendation.
Eliminated in-person processing fees entirelyA Solana Beach contractor was using Stripe for large project invoices — $8,000–$15,000 at a time. At 2.9% + $0.30, a $10,000 invoice costs $290.30. After switching large invoices to ACH bank transfer (which Stripe charges 0.8%, capped at $5), that same invoice costs $5.00. The contractor sends 10–12 large invoices per year — the math was obvious.
Saved ~$1,200/year on invoices aloneStart here. Volume is the main driver — then layer in your transaction mix.
Dig deeper on any of these topics — each guide goes further on one piece of the puzzle.
Text PJ your most recent processing statement. He'll tell you in plain English if you're overpaying — and by how much. No sales pitch. No contract. Just the math.
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