For these and other reasons, our industry is prone to abuse. Unregistered agents abound. Quite common are independent sales people many times removed from the primary provider. If the organization with which you are dealing does not prominently identify the bank or banks with which it is affiliated, beware. Rates are just a part of the cost equation.
Smart merchants insist on full disclosure of all account terms.
They shun abusive equipment leases and root out all hidden fees. Beyond costs are questions of customer service. Smart merchants deal with knowledgeable, responsive organizations that disclose all fees and are the primary providers of bankcard processing services. Here is a list of possible account terms, many of which are not routinely or openly disclosed by banks and merchant services providers. Typically one-time charges.