Insider: Before You Swipe That Card: Do You Know What Fees You are Paying?

By Bob Carr, Chairman & CEO, Heartland Payment Systems

Mr. Bob Carr

When the hotel industry began accepting credit and debit cards as standard payment forms, it gave guests a new level of convenience, but added plenty of complexity for hoteliers like you. 

That’s because you pay a transaction-processing fee to a payments processor every time you accept a credit card. Many processors charge hidden fees, have confusing policies and include middlemen – all of which increase the cost of every transaction.  

In my article, "Before You Swipe That Card: Do You Know What Fees You are Paying?" in the Hotel Business Review, I highlight two of the 10 initiatives set forth by The Merchant Bill of Rights, a set of industry standards created to promote fair credit and debit card processing practices. 

These planks — the right to know all middlemen involved … and the right to know the fee for every card transaction and who’s charging it — focus on the need for transparent pricing and help ensure you don’t pay more than necessary. 

You have the right to demand full accounting for all card-processing fees. Understanding them allows you to track who is getting paid and how much – and empowers you to manage and control growing costs. 

The Merchant Bill of Rights helps educate hoteliers by leveling the playing field and making the payments processing clear, honest and fair. Knowing what fees are being charged and why helps ensure every hotel is treated fairly and honestly. 

Best regards, 

Bob Carr

Chairman & CEO

Heartland Payment Systems

Bob.Carr@e-hps.com