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How To Read, Understand, & Successfully Negotiate A Merchant Agreement For Your Small Business

Reading your contract before you sign up for a merchant agreement is your last line of defense against being stuck in a bad deal. Here are our best tips for reading and understanding your merchant contract.

    Frank Kehl
  • Last updated onUpdated

  • Shannon Vissers
  • REVIEWED BY

    Shannon Vissers

    Lead Staff Writer

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Key Takeaways
  1. Merchant agreements include a Merchant Application, Terms and Conditions, and possibly Third-Party Agreements, with negotiable terms like termination clauses, contract length, processing rate plans, and some fees.
  2. Reading your contract protects you from dishonest sales agents, helps you understand all potential costs, and allows you to back out if terms are unacceptable.
  3. Be cautious of hidden fees, pressure to sign quickly, and lack of documentation; always get promises in writing.
Frank Kehl

Frank Kehl

Expert Contributor at Merchant Maverick
Frank has been writing about payment processing and business services since 2015. He is a retired Air Force officer and a former practicing attorney. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University and a Juris Doctorate degree from the Ventura College of Law, and currently resides in Paso Robles, California.
Frank Kehl
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Frank Kehl

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