Am I overpaying for credit card processing?

Upload your merchant statement to MerchantExam for free analysis. We'll compare your rates against industry benchmarks and identify if you're overpaying. Many merchants save 20-40% by switching processors after our analysis.

How does merchant statement analysis work?

Upload your monthly merchant processing statement as a PDF. We analyze your effective rate, identify hidden fees, and compare your costs to Square, Stripe, PayPal, Clover and other major processors. Results in 60 seconds.

What is a good credit card processing rate?

Good processing rates typically range from 2.6% to 3.5% for most businesses. Rates depend on your industry, transaction volume, and average ticket size. If you're paying above 3.5%, you're likely overpaying and should compare alternatives.

Is MerchantExam really free and independent?

Yes! Our merchant statement analysis is completely free and independent. Unlike processor-owned comparison tools, we provide unbiased analysis. Your statement is deleted after 24 hours for privacy.

Which payment processors does MerchantExam compare?

We compare rates against Square, Stripe, PayPal, Clover, First Data, Helcim, and dozens of other major processors. Our analysis shows which processors offer better rates for your specific business type and volume.

What hidden fees should I look for in my merchant statement?

Common hidden fees include PCI non-compliance charges, statement fees, batch fees, gateway fees, monthly minimums, interchange downgrades, and markup on assessments. These can add hundreds per month to your costs.

Terms of Service

Last updated: March 9, 2026

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the MerchantExam website at www.merchantexam.com and our credit card processing fee analysis service ("Service"). By using the Service, you agree to these Terms.

1. Service Description

MerchantExam provides a free analysis of merchant credit card processing statements. You upload a PDF of your processing statement, and we provide a report identifying your effective rate, potential hidden fees, and estimated savings opportunities.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old and authorized to act on behalf of the business whose statement you upload. By uploading a statement, you represent that you have the authority to share that document.

3. Acceptable Use

You agree not to:

Upload fraudulent, forged, or unauthorized documents
Use the Service for any unlawful purpose
Attempt to reverse-engineer, disassemble, or interfere with the Service
Upload files containing malware or malicious code
Exceed reasonable usage limits or abuse the Service

4. Analysis Results

Our analysis is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, results are estimates based on the information in your statement and may not reflect your exact costs or savings potential.

You should consult with a qualified payment processing professional before making any changes to your merchant account or processor.

5. Your Data

Your use of the Service is also governed by our Privacy Policy. Key points:

Uploaded statements are automatically deleted within 24 hours
We do not sell or share your data with third parties for marketing
You retain all rights to your uploaded documents and data

6. Intellectual Property

The MerchantExam name, logo, website design, and analysis methodology are our property or the property of our licensors. You may not copy, modify, or distribute any part of the Service without our written permission.

7. Third-Party Recommendations

Our Service may recommend payment processors or other service providers. These recommendations are based on our analysis of your statement. We may receive referral compensation from recommended providers. Any such relationship will be disclosed, and recommendations will always be based on potential benefit to you.

8. Disclaimer of Warranties

The Service is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.

We do not guarantee that the Service will be uninterrupted, error-free, or that our analysis will be 100% accurate.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, MerchantExam shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Service, including but not limited to lost profits, lost savings, or business interruption.

Our total liability for any claim arising from the Service shall not exceed the amount you paid us (if any) in the 12 months preceding the claim.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless MerchantExam and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, losses, or damages arising from your use of the Service or violation of these Terms.

11. Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to the Service at any time, for any reason, without notice. You may stop using the Service at any time.

12. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of competent jurisdiction.

13. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. We will post the revised Terms on this page with an updated "Last updated" date.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms, contact us at: legal@merchantexam.com