How much can I save by switching payment processors?
Most businesses save 30–50% by moving to a pricing model that actually fits their transaction profile. Savings depend on your current rate structure, transaction volume, and industry. Send us a recent processing statement and we’ll provide a free, no-obligation cost analysis so you can see the exact difference before you switch.
How long does it take to switch payment processors?
Switching takes under 48 hours with zero downtime. NorthStar handles the entire setup from start to finish, including terminal configuration, gateway integration, and account activation, so your business never misses a transaction during the transition.
How does the Dual Pricing program work?
With Dual Pricing, your clients see two prices: a cash/ACH price and a card price. The card price includes a 3.50% convenience fee that covers processing costs, so you keep 100% of your revenue instead of losing it to fees. Dual Pricing also covers debit card transactions, not just credit.
What are interchange costs, and how does Wholesale pricing work?
Interchange costs are the non-negotiable, baseline fees set directly by the card networks — Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Wholesale pricing is an unbundled, itemized structure where you pay the exact baseline interchange cost of each transaction plus a single, fixed, transparent margin. This gives you the clearest possible view of what you’re actually paying.
Which payment processing pricing model is right for my business?
It depends on your monthly volume, average transaction size, and industry. High-volume businesses typically save the most with Wholesale pricing. Businesses that want zero processing costs benefit from Dual Pricing. Low-volume or seasonal businesses often prefer Flat Rate pricing for its simplicity. We’ll analyze your current processing and recommend the best fit for your situation.
How secure is North Star Solutions’ payment processing?
NorthStar is PCI DSS Level 1 certified, the highest security standard in the payment industry. All card data is encrypted and stored in our secure vault, so your business never directly touches sensitive payment information, reducing your PCI compliance burden and risk exposure.
What forms of payment can my business accept?
You can accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and ACH/eCheck payments, both in-office and online, through the same merchant account.
Is there a maximum payment amount I can process?
There’s no hard limit on transaction size. We work with businesses processing everything from small retail sales to large B2B transactions exceeding $100,000. High-ticket transactions may require additional verification during onboarding for fraud protection, but we support businesses of all transaction sizes across every industry we serve.
How can my business accept payments through NorthStar?
You can accept payments online through your website or secure payment links, in person via POS systems and countertop terminals, on the go through a mobile app, or directly through your business management software when integration is available.
Does North Star Solutions support high-risk merchant accounts?
Yes. We work with high-risk industries and businesses that have been declined by traditional processors, including those with higher chargeback rates, subscription billing models, or regulated products and services. Contact us to discuss your specific situation and we’ll match you with the right processor for your risk profile.
How long until I receive my deposits?
Deposits arrive next business day, with funds deposited directly into your account within 24 hours of processing. Same-day funding is available for payments batched out before 12:00 PM EST.
