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# Merchant Protection Against Overbilling Practices
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## Welcome to The Card Association
**The ** works with  to provide small  who are paying above industry standard the option to **process  at a cheaper rate.**
How did you get my information?
We acquire contact information through various channels including publicly available databases and referrals from our existing clients who may have had a positive experiences with our services. Our intention is to help businesses like yours optimize their  processing and potentially reduce costs. If you’re not comfortable with us having your information, please let us know, and we will remove your contact details from our database promptly. Our goal is to provide you with valuable information and services while respecting your preferences and privacy.
Are you with my current processor?
No, we are not your current merchant provider. We are a merchant services organization that specializes in helping businesses like yours find the best  solutions. We’ve reached out to you because we believe that we can potentially offer you better rates and services than your current provider. If you’re interested, we’d be happy to review your current processing rates and discuss how our services can benefit your business. However, if you’re satisfied with your current provider, there’s no obligation to you. Our goal is to provide you with information and options to make an informed decision that best suits your business needs.
How can I determine if I'm being overcharged for my current payment processing services?
* Collect recent statements to examine your payment history.
* Identify various fees, such as transaction fees, monthly charges, and interchange fees.
* Calculate your effective rate by dividing the total fees by your total sales during that period.
* Compare your effective rate to industry benchmarks and rates offered by other providers.
* Review the terms of your current contract, including any potential early termination fees.
* Reach out to us for a free rate analysis – we can help identify potential cost savings based on your current situation.”
## **The Card Association**
## Common Examples of Merchant Processing Issues
* High Fees
* Customer Service
* Inconsistent Rates
* Equipment Problems
* Fund Withholding
* Contract Obligations
* Lack of Transparency
## High Processing Fees –
* **Interchange Fees**: These are fees set by credit card associations (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) and are typically non-negotiable. They vary based on the type of card used and the transaction details.
* **Assessment Fees**: These are fees charged by the credit card associations to cover operational costs.
* **Processing Fees**: Merchant service providers charge processing fees for handling credit card transactions.
* **Additional Charges**: Businesses may incur fees for services like chargeback handling, , and monthly statement generation.
* Businesses can negotiate some fees with their providers, shop around for competitive rates, and consider flat-rate pricing models for simplicity.
## Poor Customer Service –
Inadequate customer support can manifest as:
* **Long Response Times**: Delays in addressing issues or answering inquiries can harm business operations.
* **Lack of Expertise**: Unhelpful or unknowledgeable support staff can hinder problem resolution.
* **Limited Support Hours**: Availability during only specific hours may not align with a business’s needs.
* Business owners should research a provider’s , inquire about support hours, and assess the provider’s responsiveness before committing.
## Inconsistent Billing –
Inconsistent rate changes can occur due to various reasons:
* **Introductory Rates**: Providers may offer attractive initial rates that increase after a set period.
* **Hidden Fees**: Additional charges that are not clearly disclosed upfront.
* **Tiered Pricing**: This model categorizes transactions into different tiers with varying rates, making it challenging to predict costs.
* To combat unpredictable rates, businesses should scrutinize contracts, seek rate guarantees, and opt for transparent pricing structures like interchange-plus pricing.
## Equipment Setup Issues –
Equipment problems can encompass:
* **Malfunctions**: Unexpected failures of  or processing equipment.
* **Compatibility**: Issues with equipment compatibility with specific payment methods or software.
* Businesses should invest in reliable equipment, consider warranties, and have access to technical support to minimize disruptions.
## Fund Withholding –
Funds withholding may occur if:
* **Suspicious Activity**: The provider suspects fraudulent transactions or unusual activity.
* **Unusual Volume**: Transactions deviate significantly from normal business patterns.
* To avoid fund holds, businesses should operate transparently, provide necessary documentation, and work closely with their provider.
## Contractual Issues –
Long-term contracts often include:
* **Early Termination Fees (ETFs)**: Penalties for canceling the contract before its term ends.
* **Auto-Renewals**: Contracts that automatically renew unless canceled in advance.
* Business owners should carefully read contracts, negotiate terms, and explore providers with more flexible contract options.
## Lack of Transparency –
Lack of transparency can include:
* **Hidden Fees**: Additional charges that are not adequately disclosed.
* **Complex Pricing Models**: Difficulty in understanding the true cost of services.
* **Unclear Terms**: Ambiguity in contract terms and conditions.
* Businesses should seek providers with clear, straightforward pricing models and contracts, and always read agreements carefully.
## What We Offer
* ## Lower Processing Rates
  We are only allowed to offer you solutions to lower your bill if overbilling is found therefore we collect a recent statement and have a professional auditor look into any billing that exceeds industry standard rates.
* ## Free Placement Equipment
  After the auditor has finished analyzing the statement (usually a few days) if potential savings are found your auditor will reach out to you and offer a solution to lower your bills monthly cost with a new machine free of cost (or machine credits vary's based on setup needed.
* ## Top Tier Customer Support
  Exceptional customer support is our promise. Whether you're a small startup or a thriving enterprise, you can count on us for top-tier support. Your success, no matter the size of your business, is our utmost priority."
* ## No Contractual Obligations
  After we've resolved any concerns with your Merchant Account and you're content with the results, know that you have the flexibility to cancel anytime, at no extra cost or obligation
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## Connect With Us
**Legal Disclaimer**
*Please be advised that TCA Commerce LLC, dba The Card Association (“Company”) and dba Merchants Support is an independent, for-profit entity; it is not a government agency nor affiliated with any governmental body in any capacity. The Company specializes in connecting small business owners with registered wholesale Independent Sales Organizations (ISOs) operating on various processing networks including but not limited to Fiserv and Global-TSYS. Our services are designed to facilitate and expedite the underwriting process, offering a bridge between small business owners and our network of registered wholesale ISOs. It is important for all clients and potential clients to understand that The Card Association does not represent any form of governmental authority, nor does it claim to operate under the auspices or endorsement of any government agency. Our role is strictly limited to that of a commercial intermediary. The Card Association takes pride in conducting its operations with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to the highest standards of professional conduct. By utilizing the services provided by The Card Association, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this disclaimer, and understand the nature of the relationship between The Card Association and its clients as described herein.*
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