The rate is not the whole cost of payments
How to compare providers beyond the percentage charged per transaction.
Start with comparable data
Prepare a summary of monthly volume, transaction count, average basket value, currencies and customer countries. Two price lists are not comparable if they cover different markets or different service scopes.
Separate percentage-based and fixed costs
Your comparison should include the percentage fee, per-transaction charge, monthly fees and refund costs. A fixed transaction charge can affect small baskets differently from larger transactions.
Review FX and settlements
Record the payment currency, settlement currency, how exchange rates are set and transfer charges. Also assess settlement timelines and reserve requirements: cash flow matters alongside price.
Build your own scenario
A mathematical example: at a monthly volume of EUR 100,000, the difference between rates of 2.5% and 2.0% is EUR 500 per month, or EUR 6,000 per year. This is not a forecast: it excludes other fees, FX and changes in volume.
Document the terms of switching
Before deciding, check the contract term, notice period, any monthly minimum and migration costs. A good comparison shows the full scenario, not just the most attractive number.