National Processing Review

National Processing offers lower processing rates than other flat-rate processors like Square. But what's the catch? Read on.

National Processing used to be an interchange-plus processor offering some of the best rates.

But unless you opt for custom pricing, you'll now be offered flat-rates, which can be a lot more pricey with larger sales volumes.

That said, you can still get a good deal if your business has a physical location. It beats in-person transaction rates of Square and Stripe— some of the best payment processors on the market.

Keep reading to know if the new rates and features offered make it the right processor for you.

What is National Processing

Established in 2008, National Processing is a merchant account provider based in Orem, Utah. It provides credit card and ACH payment processing for all types of businesses.

With over 15 years of experience, it offers reliable payment solutions, including POS systems, mobile processing, virtual terminal, and payment gateways.

It offers no long-term contracts, no monthly minimum fees, and no early termination fees (with conditions, but more on that later).

However, it doesn't have the best customer ratings. It has received 3.8 out of 5 stars from about 400 reviews in ConsumerAffairs.^[1] There's also a lot of complaints from BBB, in spite of having an A+ rating for accreditation.^[2]

Who National Processing is Best For

National Processing is best for:

• Large and established businesses: you can get significant savings for your processing fees if you go for the Advanced plan or custom pricing.

  National Processing can be a cheaper option than Stax or Payment Depot due to a cheaper monthly fee.

• Businesses with physical locations: National Processing offers low in-person transaction rates compared to other leading credit card processors.

  It beats the rates of Stripe, Square, and Chase.

National Processing also supports many industries, including high-risk businesses.

You may choose this processor if you're in a retail, eCommerce, food and beverage, health and wellness, or service business.

National Processing Pros & Cons

Although National Processing is an established processor, there's a reason why some clients aren't so stoked about it.

Here are its upsides and downsides:

Pros:

• No long-term contracts
  
• No monthly minimums
  
• 4 flexible pricing plans to choose from
  
• Free equipment available
  
• Can reprogram existing equipment

Cons:

• Underwriting process
  
• Monthly fees with flat-rate pricing
  
• Can get pricey for larger sales volume
  
• Conditions to waive the termination fee
  
• Additional fees with the Clover software

Are the pros worth its drawbacks? Here's how much the processor costs to help you find out.

Pricing & Fees

National Processing offers 4 pricing plans:^[3]

• Basic in-person package: $9.95/mo; you can get a free mobile reader or terminal, and a free gateway setup

• Basic eCommerce package: $9.95/mo; aside from free equipment and gateway setup, you can also integrate with eCommerce platforms

• Advanced package: $19+/mo; you can choose from various POS systems and reprogram existing equipment

• Premium package: $9.95+/mo; custom rates; for businesses with over $30,000 in monthly sales

Here are the processing rates per transaction:

• In-person transactions: 2.5% + $0.10 per transaction (Basic In-person Package), 2.41% + $0.10 per transaction (Advanced Package)

• Online transactions: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction

• Keyed-in transactions: 3.5% + $0.15 per transaction

If you cancel your plan, National Processing can waive the termination fee if your business is sold or closed. Or if National Processing can't beat the rates of a competitor you plan on switching to.

Unfortunately, you may be charged a cancellation fee depending on your equipment unless it's free equipment.

And if you opt for the Clover POS, you may also be charged additional software fees.

Contract

National Processing doesn't offer long-term contracts, unless maybe if you're a high-risk business.

That said, there will be an underwriting process since you'll be applying for a merchant account. This is unlike other flat-rate payment processors offering month-to-month contracts like Stripe and Square.

Also, there will be a termination fee if you choose to switch processors without giving National Processing the chance to beat the competitor's rates.^[4] This is also unlike other providers (Dharma or Payment Depot), which let you cancel at any time with no strings attached.

Products and Services

Although not as robust as Square and Stripe, National Processing offers a lot of payment processing solutions:

• Point-of-sale (POS) systems
  You can choose from Pax, Clover, and SwipeSimple POS systems. You'll get features on invoicing, recurring payments, reporting, etc.

• Mobile payment processing
  Smart terminals are also available from Clover and Pax. You can choose from a handheld POS for on-the-floor payments or a countertop terminal you can keep by your register.

• Virtual terminal
  You can use the virtual terminal to input the card details of your customers manually. This may be most suitable if you mostly take over-the-phone payments.

• ACH payment processing
  ACH or eCheck payment processing can offer more affordable rates. Your customers may also find it easier to pay your business with this option.

• Payment gateways
  National Processing offers 2 gateway options: National Processing Gateway and Authorize.net.

  Both can work great for accepting online payments, even international currencies.

• Integrations
  If your business already works with multiple software, you may be able to integrate it with your merchant account.

  National Processing works with multiple accounting tools, eCommerce tools, and CRMs.

Equipment

You can get a free mobile reader or terminal with National Processing. But you can also purchase terminals if you need more. Free equipment is available for the Basic plans.

Advanced and Premium plans let you choose from a variety of POS systems. Here's how much POS systems cost:^[6]

• Pax E700: $1,000
  
• Clover Mini: $900
  
• Clover Solo: $1,900
  
• Clover Duo: $2,000
  
• SwipeSimple: $550

For smart terminals, here's what you can expect to pay:

• Clover Flex: $700
  
• Pax A920: $445
  
• Pax A80: $345

The two payment gateways available, National Processing Gateway and Authorize.net, cost $29.95.

National Processing can also reprogram your existing equipment if you opt for the Advanced plan.

Customer Service and Reviews

National Processing prides itself on being a people-first payment processing company. Unfortunately, it's not reflected in the company's user reviews.

That said, the credit card processing company is BBB accredited with an A+ rating.

If you encounter any issues, you can contact support online through a chatbot, through the online knowledge base, or call 1-800-720-3323. Live agents are available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm MDT.

How It Compares

Not sure if National Processing is right for you? Here's how it compares against other popular processing providers.

National Processing vs. Square
Square lets you process credit cards without going through underwriting for a merchant account. It's quick and easy to get started. You don't need to be an established business.

That said, Square is ideal for new and micro-businesses, indie sellers, and freelance service providers.

Square charges a flat rate of 2.6% + $0.10 for each in-person transaction and 2.9% + $0.30 for online transactions.

Although in-person transactions are pricier, Square offers a free plan, unlike National Processing. This can mean more savings if your sales fluctuate in certain months.

	National ProcessingStripeQuickBooksPayment Depot
	Learn More	Visit Site
	National Processing	Square
		SPECIAL OFFER Square Reader: Free Mobile Credit Card Reader - Learn More
	Benefits and Features
Monthly Fee	Starts at $9.95/mo; custom pricing starts at $9.95+/mo	Starts at $0/mo
Good For	Large and established businesses	Mobile & small businesses with average transaction over $100
Equipment	Card readers, terminals, and POS systems from Clover, SwipeSimple, Dejavoo, and Verifone; Mobile processing; Online gateway; ACH payments	Card reader: $0 to $59; Stand, Terminal, and Register available for purchase
Customer Service	Phone, email, live chat	Phone, Email, Live Chat Support, Seller Community
Pricing Model	Flat-rate pricing	Flat rate
Swipe Rate	2.5% + $0.10 per transaction (Basic In-person Package), 2.41% + $0.10 per transaction (Advanced Package)	2.6% + $0.10
Online Rate	2.9% + $0.30 per transaction	2.9% + $0.30
Keyed-in Transaction Fee	3.5% + $0.15 per transaction	3.5% + $0.15
Deposit Time	2-3 business days	Payments before 5PM PT / 8 PM ET is available the next business day
Chargeback Fee	$15	None
	Learn More	Visit Site
		Square Reader: Free Mobile Credit Card Reader Square Contactless and Chip Card Reader Square Terminal

National Processing vs. Payment Depot
Payment Depot is also a merchant account provider like National Processing. It offers subscription pricing, so you'll be charged monthly fees as well.

National Processing's monthly fees are significantly cheaper, starting at $9.95/mo. Payment Depot, on the other hand, starts at $79/mo.

However, the option that will provide more savings depends on your sales volume. Payment Depot offers interchange-plus pricing per transaction. This can be significantly cheaper than National Processing's flat rate.

	National ProcessingSquareStripe
	Learn More	Visit Site
	National Processing	Payment Depot
		SPECIAL OFFER Save Over $400 Per Month on Average - Learn More
	Benefits and Features
Monthly Fee	Starts at $9.95/mo; custom pricing starts at $9.95+/mo	Start at $79/month (Process up to $250,000/yr) Custom quote (Process more than $250,000/yr)
Good For	Large and established businesses	Businesses processing $20,000 or more per month
Equipment	Card readers, terminals, and POS systems from Clover, SwipeSimple, Dejavoo, and Verifone; Mobile processing; Online gateway; ACH payments	POS (EMV, Magstripe, NFC, Contactless, Smart Terminals), Mobile Payment Processing, Online Payment Processing
Customer Service	Phone, email, live chat	Phone, Email, Ticket Center, Social Media Platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)
Pricing Model	Flat-rate pricing	Subscription
Swipe Rate	2.5% + $0.10 per transaction (Basic In-person Package), 2.41% + $0.10 per transaction (Advanced Package)	Interchange rate + $0.08
Online Rate	2.9% + $0.30 per transaction	Interchange rate + $0.18
Keyed-in Transaction Fee	3.5% + $0.15 per transaction	Interchange + 18¢
Deposit Time	2-3 business days	Next day deposits
	Learn More	Visit Site
		Save Over $400 Per Month on Average First Month Free Save 40% or More

Bottom Line

National Processing's affordable monthly fees and low in-person processing rates can be enticing. Placed side-by-side with the likes of Square and Payment Depot, it presents its edge.

However, it won't be the cheapest option, given that it offers flat-rate pricing. Compared to other credit card processors on the market, it doesn't have the most robust features either.

When considering this option, make sure the pros outweigh the cons based on the priority and needs of your business. Because there are no long-term contracts and 4 flexible plans to choose from, it may be worth the try.

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