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Card processing review

Paysafe

Paysafe's US merchant processing for small businesses, sold with Clover and SwipeSimple. It publishes a standard interchange-plus program (0.50% + 10¢ over interchange, $25 per chargeback) and a cash discount program; its posted terms set a three-year initial term, then month to month with 30 days' notice, and an early termination fee written in your application.

By PaysafeParent company: Paysafe Limited (NYSE: PSFE)
Not enough data to score

Our verdict

Paysafe publishes its standard interchange-plus markup, and its terms let you leave without the early termination fee if it raises its fees. Before signing, get the PCI, statement and batch fees and the early termination fee in writing, and note that its equipment only works with Paysafe.

What we like

  • Publishes its standard interchange-plus markup (0.50% + 10¢) and its chargeback fee ($25).
  • If Paysafe raises its fees, you can leave without the early termination fee within 90 days.
  • After the three-year term it runs month to month; you leave with 30 days' notice, with no renewal term.
  • Next-day deposits and a cash discount program.

What to watch

  • PCI, statement, batch and annual fees aren't published, and a $7.95 customer service fee is listed without saying how often it's charged, so the full cost can't be calculated.
  • The early termination fee is written in your application, not published.
  • Equipment Paysafe provides can only be used with Paysafe.
  • Phone support only on weekdays, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Central.

How the score breaks down

RTC ScoreNot enough data

Methodology v0.1.0

We could verify less than 60% of what we score, so we don't rank it.

Data completeness50%

We could verify 50% of the scoring data

Strongest points
Standard deposit speed, Published pricing, Price increases during the contract
Weakest point
24/7 support

Score by criterion

  • 12-month cost of the reference restaurantWeight 37%No data
  • Standard deposit speedWeight 11%Strongest8.0 out of 10
  • What leaving in month 12 costsWeight 9%No data
  • Price increases during the contractWeight 8%Strongest7.0 out of 10
  • Published pricingWeight 7%Strongest8.4 out of 10
  • 24/7 supportWeight 6%Weakest0.0 out of 10
  • Contract termWeight 4%2.5 out of 10
  • Support channelsWeight 4%6.0 out of 10
  • No equipment lease you can't cancelWeight 3%No data
  • Works with restaurant POS systemsWeight 3%3.3 out of 10
  • Automatic renewalWeight 2%10.0 out of 10
  • Equipment works with another processorWeight 2%0.0 out of 10
  • Offers dual pricing or a surcharge programWeight 2%10.0 out of 10
  • Works without the vendor's own POSWeight 1%10.0 out of 10

Before you pass the card fee to your customers

This vendor offers a program that passes the card cost to your customers. Card network rules cap credit card surcharges (Visa 3%, Mastercard 4%) and never allow them on debit, and some states ban or limit them.

This is general information, not legal advice. Card network rules and state laws change, and how they apply depends on your business: check with a lawyer and with your processor before adding a surcharge or a cash discount.

See the rules by state

All the data, with sources

Each value links to its source. "Not published" means the vendor doesn't disclose it; "Unconfirmed" means we looked and couldn't confirm it. Data points we have for fewer than four vendors are left out until we can compare them.

Type of processor and pricing
Data pointValue
Type of processorProcessor or its sales partners (acquirer, ISO)Source: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe (NYSE: PSFE) is a payments company whose US merchant arm processes for small businesses through its own sales team, agents and ISOs; for them it publishes a standard interchange-plus program.
Pricing modelInterchange-plusSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe's published standard interchange-plus program; discounts may apply by business type, volume and risk.
Published pricing (points out of 100)84Source: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Same rubric for every vendor: in-person rate published (markup 0.50% + 10¢) 25; online or keyed rate published (the same markup for every transaction) 15; markup published 20; early termination fee 0 (set in the application); other fees 4 of 20 (chargeback $25 published; PCI, statement, annual and batch fees aren't).
Card rates
Data pointValue
In-person rate0.5%Source: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe's markup on top of interchange and card network fees, which are passed through. Paysafe's published standard interchange-plus program; discounts may apply by business type, volume and risk.
In-person fee per transaction10¢Source: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe's markup on top of interchange and card network fees, which are passed through. Paysafe's published standard interchange-plus program; discounts may apply by business type, volume and risk.
Online rate0.5%Source: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)The published program lists one markup for every transaction, in person, online or keyed.
Online fee per transaction10¢Source: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)The published program lists one markup for every transaction, in person, online or keyed.
Keyed-in rate0.5%Source: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)The published program lists one markup for every transaction, in person, online or keyed.
Keyed-in fee per transaction10¢Source: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)The published program lists one markup for every transaction, in person, online or keyed.
American Express pricingAmerican Express's cost plus a markupSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)American Express's own cost is passed through, plus the same markup.
American Express rateN/ASource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Amex pays its own cost plus the same markup.
Rates by monthly volumeNot publishedSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe says its standard rates may be discounted by business category, volume and risk, but it doesn't publish the tiers.
Monthly and other fees
Data pointValue
Monthly account or plan feeNot publishedSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)The standard program lists a $7.95 customer service fee but doesn't say how often it is charged, so we can't count it as a monthly fee. The page has listed it since at least May 2024 (archived copies), never with a frequency.
Annual fee per accountNot publishedSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe doesn't publish this fee; it is set in your Merchant Application.
Annual fees per device or locationNot publishedSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe doesn't publish this fee; it is set in your Merchant Application.
PCI compliance fee (yearly)Not publishedSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe doesn't publish this fee; it is set in your Merchant Application. Until November 2024 the same interchange-plus page also listed a $9.95 PCI monthly fee; Paysafe removed it from the page in December 2024 and no longer publishes it, so we don't show it as current.
PCI non-compliance fee (monthly)Not publishedSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe doesn't publish this fee; it is set in your Merchant Application. Until November 2024 the same interchange-plus page also listed a $19.95 PCI non-validation fee; Paysafe removed it from the page in December 2024 and no longer publishes it, so we don't show it as current.
Statement feeNot publishedSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe doesn't publish this fee; it is set in your Merchant Application.
Monthly minimumNot publishedSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe doesn't publish this fee; it is set in your Merchant Application. Until November 2024 the same interchange-plus page also listed a $25 monthly minimum; Paysafe removed it from the page in December 2024 and no longer publishes it, so we don't show it as current.
Fee per batchNot publishedSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe doesn't publish this fee; it is set in your Merchant Application. Until November 2024 the same interchange-plus page also listed a $0.10 batch fee; Paysafe removed it from the page in December 2024 and no longer publishes it, so we don't show it as current.
Chargeback fee$25Source: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe's published standard interchange-plus program; discounts may apply by business type, volume and risk.
Other feesA $7.95 customer service fee in Paysafe's standard interchange-plus program (frequency not stated). Per its posted terms, fees can be adjusted without notice if your volume, ticket or business differs from your application, and card network changes are passed on with or without notice.Source: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)From the merchant terms Paysafe posts for its PNC Bank program (version 09/2023, revised March 2024); Paysafe also posts versions for other sponsor banks, and your agreement may differ.
Equipment
Data pointValue
How you get the equipmentYou buy it, LeaseSource: Paysafe Payment Processing Solutions, LLC and PNC Bank (opens in a new tab)You can buy or lease equipment (including Clover) from Paysafe under a separate equipment agreement whose terms aren't posted.
Price of a countertop terminalNot publishedSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe publishes no terminal or Clover prices.
Equipment lease you can't cancelUnconfirmedSource: Paysafe Payment Processing Solutions, LLC and PNC Bank (opens in a new tab)Paysafe offers leases under a separate agreement it doesn't publish, so we can't tell whether they can be canceled.
Equipment lease termNot publishedSource: Paysafe Payment Processing Solutions, LLC and PNC Bank (opens in a new tab)Lease terms aren't published.
Equipment at $0 upfront: what it commits you toNot publishedSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe publishes no equipment at $0 upfront.
Equipment only works with this processorYesSource: Paysafe Payment Processing Solutions, LLC and PNC Bank (opens in a new tab)Equipment Paysafe provides may only be used with Paysafe's services. From the merchant terms Paysafe posts for its PNC Bank program (version 09/2023, revised March 2024); Paysafe also posts versions for other sponsor banks, and your agreement may differ.
Getting your money
Data pointValue
Standard deposit speedNext business daySource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)
Instant payout feeUnconfirmedSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe doesn't mention an instant payout option for US small businesses.
Holds and reservesPaysafe and its bank may set up or increase a reserve fund at any time, including at termination, in their sole discretion, funded by withholding your settlements; with excessive chargebacks they can also suspend service or terminate without notice.Source: Paysafe Payment Processing Solutions, LLC and PNC Bank (opens in a new tab)From the merchant terms Paysafe posts for its PNC Bank program (version 09/2023, revised March 2024); Paysafe also posts versions for other sponsor banks, and your agreement may differ.
Contract and exit
Data pointValue
Contract term36 monthsSource: Paysafe Payment Processing Solutions, LLC and PNC Bank (opens in a new tab)From the merchant terms Paysafe posts for its PNC Bank program (version 09/2023, revised March 2024); Paysafe also posts versions for other sponsor banks, and your agreement may differ.
Automatic renewalMonth to monthSource: Paysafe Payment Processing Solutions, LLC and PNC Bank (opens in a new tab)No renewal term: after three years it continues until you end it with 30 days' written notice.
Notice to avoid renewalN/ASource: Paysafe Payment Processing Solutions, LLC and PNC Bank (opens in a new tab)No renewal term to avoid; ending it takes 30 days' written notice.
Notice to cancel30 daysSource: Paysafe Payment Processing Solutions, LLC and PNC Bank (opens in a new tab)After the three-year initial term, you can end the agreement with 30 days' written notice.
Early termination feeQuote onlySource: Paysafe Payment Processing Solutions, LLC and PNC Bank (opens in a new tab)If you end the agreement before the three-year initial term is over, or Paysafe ends it for your default, you pay liquidated damages in the amount written in your Merchant Application, on top of other amounts owed. No fee if you leave within 90 days of a Paysafe fee change (not card network changes) or after Paysafe fails to cure a material breach. From the merchant terms Paysafe posts for its PNC Bank program (version 09/2023, revised March 2024); Paysafe also posts versions for other sponsor banks, and your agreement may differ.
How the early termination fee is calculatedSet in your application or quoteSource: Paysafe Payment Processing Solutions, LLC and PNC Bank (opens in a new tab)Liquidated damages in the amount written in your Merchant Application; no fee if you leave within 90 days of a Paysafe fee change (not card network changes). From the merchant terms Paysafe posts for its PNC Bank program (version 09/2023, revised March 2024); Paysafe also posts versions for other sponsor banks, and your agreement may differ. During the term, the same terms make Paysafe and its bank your exclusive card processor (§4).
Liquidated damages clauseYesSource: Paysafe Payment Processing Solutions, LLC and PNC Bank (opens in a new tab)
Price increases during the contractWith notice, and you can leave without a feeSource: Paysafe Payment Processing Solutions, LLC and PNC Bank (opens in a new tab)Paysafe may change its fees with 30 days' written notice, and you can end the agreement without the early termination fee by giving notice within 90 days; card network changes and changes because your volume or ticket differ from your application can be made without notice.
Right to raise pricesPaysafe may change its fees with 30 days' written notice, and you may then leave without the early termination fee within 90 days; it can adjust fees without notice if your volume, average ticket or way of doing business differ from your application, and pass on card network changes with or without notice (§14.2-14.4).Source: Paysafe Payment Processing Solutions, LLC and PNC Bank (opens in a new tab)From the merchant terms Paysafe posts for its PNC Bank program (version 09/2023, revised March 2024); Paysafe also posts versions for other sponsor banks, and your agreement may differ.
Personal guarantee by the signerYesSource: Paysafe Payment Processing Solutions, LLC and PNC Bank (opens in a new tab)Each person who signs as guarantor is bound by the whole agreement, even if it is later modified or extended. From the merchant terms Paysafe posts for its PNC Bank program (version 09/2023, revised March 2024); Paysafe also posts versions for other sponsor banks, and your agreement may differ.
Dual pricing and surcharges
Data pointValue
Dual pricing or surcharge programYesSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe's Cash Discount Program adds a service fee to card payments and gives cash customers a discount of the same percentage; Paysafe doesn't publish the percentage. With it, card processing costs your restaurant $0 in our estimate and your customers pay the difference. Card network rules and state laws apply.
Cards the program coversEvery card, debit and credit (dual pricing or cash discount)Source: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)A cash discount covers every card, debit included.
Monthly fee for the programNot publishedSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe says the program has no hidden fees but doesn't publish what it costs.
Your POS and your business
Data pointValue
Works with these restaurant POSClover, OthersSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe sells and supports Clover and SwipeSimple, and says its terminals integrate with most POS systems.
Requires the vendor's own POSNoSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe has no POS of its own; it sells Clover and works with other systems.
Monthly volume it's built forUnconfirmedSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe states no minimum volume for its standard program.
Accepts high-risk businessesUnconfirmedSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe serves high-risk industries such as iGaming at enterprise level, but doesn't say whether its small-business program accepts high-risk merchants.
Routes debit to the lowest-cost networkUnconfirmedSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe doesn't publish how it routes debit.
Support
Data pointValue
24/7 support for merchantsNoSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)US merchant phone support runs 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Central, Monday to Friday; Paysafe publishes no weekend hours.
Support channelsPhone, Email or formSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Phone and email (general and technical), plus a help center and messages to your account manager in the merchant portal.
Language
Data pointValue
Support in SpanishUnconfirmedSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe's US support page doesn't say whether support is available in Spanish.
Merchant dashboard in SpanishUnconfirmedSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)Paysafe doesn't say whether its merchant portal is available in Spanish.
Contract or terms in SpanishNoSource: Paysafe Payment Processing Solutions, LLC and PNC Bank (opens in a new tab)The US merchant terms Paysafe posts are in English; we found no Spanish version. Same rule for every vendor: we mark it "No" when we searched and found the terms only in other languages.
US website in SpanishNoSource: Paysafe (opens in a new tab)The only US option in Paysafe's region selector is English; its Spanish site is for Mexico.

More about Paysafe

How we score