Understanding merchant services involves more than choosing a payment processor. Pricing structures, payment technology, security requirements, and industry practices all play a role in how payments impact a business day to day.

This page brings together Beacon Payments’ educational content across these topics, with resources that explore how payment processing works, what affects cost and performance, and how different tools and options compare.

Merchant Services & Payment Processing

Explore educational resources that explain how merchant services work and how payment processing functions behind the scenes

• What Are the Different Types of Merchant Account Pricing?
• What Is Interchange and How Does It Work?
• What Is a Merchant Account and Why Do You Need One?

Pricing, Fees & Billing

Explore educational pages that explain pricing structures, common fee types, and how billing details typically appear for merchants:

• How to Read Your Merchant Statement (And Actually Understand It)
• How Credit Card Processing Fees Affect Small Business Profit Margins
• What Is Interchange Plus Pricing?

• What Is Dual Pricing?

   

Equipment, Technology & Payment Methods

Learn more about the tools and technology businesses use to accept payments, including hardware, software, and supported payment methods.

• Point of Sale Systems
• Credit Card Terminals
• Mobile Payments
• EMV Chip Card Technology
• Electronic Signature Capture

Security, Compliance & Risk

Understand the standards, safeguards, and practices involved in protecting payment data and reducing risk.

• What Is PCI Compliance?
• How to Avoid PCI Non-Compliance Fees (And Why It Matters)
• Understanding Chargebacks: Prevention Tips for Merchants