Frequently Asked Questions

SignaPay Direct offers a smarter, more transparent way to accept payments. We specialize in dual pricing solutions that help businesses eliminate up to 100% of their credit card processing fees—without sacrificing service or technology. With top-rated support, industry-low transaction costs, and free equipment options, we’re committed to helping you keep more of what you earn. Whether you run a retail shop, service business, or online store, SignaPay Direct delivers the tools and savings to help your business grow.

Credit card processing with SignaPay Direct is designed to be flexible, transparent, and cost-effective, catering to businesses of all sizes and industries. Here's how it works:​ 1. Customized Payment Solutions SignaPay Direct offers tailored payment processing solutions to meet the unique needs of your business. Whether you're operating a retail store, a restaurant, or a service-based business, they provide a variety of options to ensure seamless card payment acceptance. 2. Versatile Processing Options In-Store: Utilize advanced terminals and POS systems to securely accept all card types at your physical location. On-the-Go: Employ handheld terminals and mobile credit card readers to process payments anywhere, ideal for mobile businesses or events. Online: Leverage the robust PayHub+ Gateway for e-checkouts, online invoicing, or phone payments, ensuring flexibility in how you receive payments. 3. Dual Pricing with PayLo With the PayLo Dual Pricing program, you can offer customers the choice between paying with cash or credit. This model allows you to offset processing fees by providing a slight discount for cash payments, helping to increase your bottom line while remaining compliant with industry standards. 4. Enhanced Security Measures Security is a top priority. SignaPay Direct's solutions include EMV technology, encryption, and PCI compliance to protect against fraud. Their Level 1 PCI DDS certified monitoring partner conducts ongoing scans, risk assessments, and penetration testing to ensure your transactions are secure. 5. Support for High-Risk Businesses If your business falls into a high-risk category, SignaPay Direct works directly with bank vendors to help you get approved for card processing, providing the guidelines and support needed to navigate the complexities of high-risk merchant services. By choosing SignaPay Direct, you gain access to a comprehensive suite of payment processing solutions designed to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.

📞 Phone Support Main Support Line: (888) 909-0092 Email: support@signapaydirect.com Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST For more information, visit our Contact Us page.

You can accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay), ACH bank transfers, and mobile payments through SwipeSimple and iPOSgo!.

Most transactions are settled within 1–2 business days, though same-day and next-day funding options may be available based on your setup.

Dual Pricing is a compliant payment strategy where merchants display two prices: One price for cash payments Another, slightly higher price for credit or debit card payments How It Works: The cash price is the base price of the item or service. The card price includes a small, clearly disclosed adjustment to cover processing fees. At checkout, customers choose their payment method and are charged accordingly. Example: A sandwich is priced at $10.00 for cash. If paid with a card, the price is $10.40 (reflecting a 4% processing adjustment). Why Merchants Use Dual Pricing: Eliminates or offsets card processing costs Stays transparent and compliant with card brand rules when implemented correctly Gives customers a choice, helping preserve satisfaction Dual Pricing vs. Surcharging: Dual Pricing shows both prices upfront and is legal in more states. Surcharging adds a fee at checkout and is restricted or banned in some states. This model is increasingly popular with merchants who want to keep more of their revenue without raising prices across the board.

Interchange Fee + Processor's Markup Here’s how it breaks down: Interchange Fee – This is the non-negotiable rate set by credit card networks (like Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Discover) and paid directly to the card-issuing banks. These fees vary based on card type, transaction method, and industry. Plus – This is the fixed markup added by the payment processor. It could be a percentage (e.g., 0.25%) and/or a per-transaction fee (e.g., $0.10). Example: If the interchange fee is 1.80% + $0.10 and the processor’s markup is 0.30% + $0.05, your total cost for the transaction would be: 2.10% + $0.15 Why Merchants Like It: Transparency: You see exactly what you’re paying the processor versus what goes to the banks. Fair Pricing: Especially beneficial for larger volume merchants or those processing high-ticket transactions. Scalability: As your volume grows, this model can be more cost-effective than flat-rate pricing.

Card-Present Transactions: Visa CPS Retail Credit: 1.51% + $0.10 Visa Rewards Traditional: 1.65% + $0.10 Visa Rewards Signature: 2.10% + $0.10 Visa Rewards Signature Preferred: 2.50% + $0.10 Visa Corporate: 2.20% + $0.10 Visa Business: 2.50% + $0.10 Card-Not-Present (Keyed or Online) Transactions: Visa CPS Retail Credit: 1.89% + $0.10 Visa Rewards Traditional: 2.04% + $0.10 Visa Rewards Signature: 2.05% + $0.10 Visa Rewards Signature Preferred: 2.50% + $0.10 Visa Corporate: 2.70% + $0.10 Visa Business: 2.80% + $0.10 Debit Transactions: Visa Debit CPS: 0.80% + $0.15 Visa Debit CPS Regulated: 0.05% + $0.22​

As of 2025, American Express (Amex) employs the OptBlue program to facilitate credit card processing for small and medium-sized businesses. Under OptBlue, Amex provides wholesale discount rates to payment processors, who then set the final rates for merchants. This structure allows for more competitive and transparent pricing, akin to the interchange-plus models used by Visa and Mastercard. Sample OptBlue Wholesale Discount Rates Amex's wholesale discount rates vary based on industry and transaction size. Here are some examples:​ Retail: Transactions under $75: 1.45% + $0.10 Transactions over $1,000: 2.50% + $0.10​ Restaurants: Transactions under $25: 1.85% + $0.10 Transactions over $150: 2.85% + $0.10​ Mail Order & Internet: Transactions under $150: 1.70% + $0.10 Transactions over $3,000: 2.50% + $0.10​ Healthcare: Transactions under $150: 1.55% + $0.10 Transactions over $2,000: 2.30% + $0.10​ B2B/Wholesale: Transactions under $400: 1.65% + $0.10 Transactions over $7,500: 2.35% + $0.10​ Travel & Entertainment (T&E): Transactions under $100: 2.25% + $0.10 Transactions over $1,000: 3.00% + $0.10​ Prepaid Cards: Transactions under $75: 1.35% + $0.10 Transactions over $1,000: 2.15% + $0.10 Additional Fees Beyond the base rates, certain fees may apply:​ Network Assessment Fee: 0.165% applied to all transactions. International Cross-Border Fee: 1.00% for transactions involving foreign-issued cards. Keyed Entry Fee: 0.30% for manually entered (card-not-present) transactions.

Card-Present Transactions: MC Consumer: 1.65% + $0.10 MC Enhanced: 1.80% + $0.10 MC World: 1.90% + $0.10 MC World Elite: 2.30% + $0.10 MC Corporate: 2.70% + $0.10​ Card-Not-Present (Keyed or Online) Transactions: MC Consumer: 1.95% + $0.10 MC Enhanced: 2.10% + $0.10 MC World: 2.20% + $0.10 MC World Elite: 2.60% + $0.10 MC Corporate: 2.70% + $0.10​ Debit Transactions: MC Debit: 1.05% + $0.15 MC Debit Regulated: 0.05% + $0.22​

Card-Present Transactions Consumer Credit: 1.56% + $0.10 Rewards Credit: 1.71% + $0.10 Premium Credit: 1.71% + $0.10 Premium Plus Credit: 2.15% + $0.10 Commercial Credit: 2.30% + $0.10​ Card-Not-Present (Keyed) Transactions Consumer Credit: 1.87% + $0.10 Rewards Credit: 1.97% + $0.10 Premium Credit: 2.00% + $0.10 Premium Plus Credit: 2.40% + $0.10 Commercial Credit: 2.30% + $0.10​

Key Considerations: Regulated vs. Unregulated Debit: Regulated debit transactions (from banks with over $10 billion in assets) have lower interchange rates due to the Durbin Amendment.​ Transaction Method: Card-not-present transactions typically incur higher interchange fees due to increased fraud risk.​ Merchant Category: Certain industries may qualify for specialized interchange rates.​

PCI DDS (commonly referred to as PCI DSS) stands for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. It’s a set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment to protect against data breaches and fraud. What PCI DSS Includes: It covers best practices across 12 key requirements, including: Firewalls and antivirus software Secure card data storage Strong access controls Regular security testing Encryption of transmitted data SignaPay Direct and PCI SignaPay Direct works with a with a Level 1 PCI DSS-certified monitoring partner. This partner conducts: Continuous security scans Risk assessments Penetration testing This ensures that your business’s payment processing environment is protected and compliant, helping you avoid costly non-compliance fees and data breaches. For more information, visit the PCI Security Standards website.

SignaPay Direct's modern payment terminals are equipped with robust security features designed to protect both the merchant and the customer during transactions. Here's a breakdown of the key features: 1. EMV Chip Card Support Encrypts transaction data within the chip Reduces fraud from counterfeit or cloned cards Requires physical card presence, adding security to in-person sales 2. End-to-End Encryption (E2EE) Encrypts cardholder data from the moment it's entered at the terminal until it reaches the payment processor Prevents sensitive data from being intercepted during transmission 3. Tokenization Replaces card data with a unique, meaningless token Keeps actual card details off your system and minimizes breach risk 5. Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE) Protects data even if a terminal or system is compromised Often required for merchants seeking the highest levels of security 6. Secure Software Updates Manufacturers push encrypted software and firmware updates to patch vulnerabilities and maintain compliance 7. Contactless/NFC Security Uses dynamic cryptograms for each transaction (Apple Pay, Google Pay, tap-to-pay cards) Reduces card skimming risk 8. Authentication & User Controls Many terminals support admin PINs or login credentials to restrict access to reporting, refunds, and setup screens These features work together to prevent fraud, secure sensitive data, and help merchants meet regulatory requirements.

A CVV number (Card Verification Value) is a 3- or 4-digit security code printed on your credit or debit card that helps protect against fraud in card-not-present transactions, such as online or phone purchases. Where to Find It: Visa, Mastercard, Discover: The CVV is a 3-digit number on the back of the card, near the signature strip. American Express: The CVV is a 4-digit number on the front, above the card number. Why It’s Important: Verifies the cardholder has the physical card Helps prevent unauthorized use if your card number is stolen Required by most merchants for online transactions to reduce fraud The CVV is not stored by merchants after the transaction, in compliance with PCI DSS regulations, adding an extra layer of security. Is a CVV the same as the PIN? A CVV is a code printed on the card used to verify online or phone transactions, while a PIN is a personal number you enter to authorize in-person debit transactions or ATM withdrawals. The CVV helps prevent online fraud; the PIN confirms your identity in person.

We offer a wide range of terminals including smart devices like the Dejavoo QD2, Pax A920, SwipeSimple B250, Valor RCKT, Clover Flex, and iPOSgo! with dual pricing support. See our terminals page for more information.

In many cases, yes. If your existing terminal is compatible with our processors and supports secure, EMV-compliant transactions, you may be able to keep it. Our team will evaluate your setup for free.

A payment gateway is a secure technology that connects your website, app, or point-of-sale system to the payment processor, allowing you to accept credit card, debit card, and digital wallet payments from customers. How It Works: Customer enters payment details Gateway encrypts and securely transmits data Processor and card network approve or decline the transaction Funds are routed to the merchant’s account Key Features: Encryption and fraud protection Integration with shopping carts, POS systems, and mobile apps Support for recurring billing and invoicing Real-time transaction reporting In short: A payment gateway acts like a digital point-of-sale system that handles the secure transfer of payment information between your business and the customer’s bank.

A payment gateway acts as the digital bridge between a merchant’s system and the payment networks (like Visa, Mastercard, or banks), securely authorizing and processing transactions in real time. How a Payment Gateway Works — Step-by-Step: Customer Initiates Payment The customer enters their credit card, debit card, or digital wallet info (online, in-app, or in person). Data Encryption & Transmission The payment gateway encrypts the card data and sends it to the payment processor. Authorization Request The processor forwards the transaction to the card network (e.g., Visa), which then requests approval from the customer’s issuing bank. Bank Approves or Declines The bank checks for available funds, fraud indicators, and card validity, then returns an approval or decline. Response Sent Back The gateway relays the response to the merchant and customer, completing the transaction if approved. Funds Settlement If approved, the funds are transferred (usually within 1–2 business days) from the customer’s bank to the merchant’s account. 🛡Key Functions of a Payment Gateway: Encrypts sensitive card data Facilitates secure communication between systems Detects and prevents fraud Handles recurring billing or one-time purchases Supports compliance with PCI DSS standards In short, a payment gateway is what makes online and digital transactions fast, secure, and seamless—without it, card payments wouldn’t happen.

Authorize.net Authorize.net is a trusted and widely used payment gateway, known for its ease of use and solid security features. It supports both eCommerce and in-person transactions, making it a flexible option for many business types. Key Features: Secure customer data storage and tokenization Fraud detection suite for added protection Recurring billing and subscription support Easy-to-use virtual terminal and invoice tools Simple checkout buttons and API integrations Compatible with shopping carts and POS systems Authorize.net is a great fit for retail, service-based, and online businesses that need a dependable and PCI-compliant payment gateway. NMI (Network Merchants Gateway) NMI is a powerful and flexible gateway designed for businesses with more advanced payment needs, including high-risk merchants, B2B operations, and those requiring Level 2 and Level 3 data support. Key Features: Virtual terminal for secure, browser-based payments Recurring billing and subscription management Multi-merchant and multi-location support Third-party integrations and advanced API access Batch processing and detailed reporting tools Transaction routing for multiple MID setups NMI is ideal for businesses that need customizable gateway functionality, industry-specific compliance tools, or want to consolidate complex payment operations. SwipeSimple SwipeSimple is an easy-to-use, cloud-based payment gateway and mobile POS system ideal for small businesses and on-the-go merchants. Integrated with SignaPay’s processing, it gives you the flexibility to accept payments anywhere. Key Features: Accept payments via mobile app, browser-based virtual terminal, or Bluetooth EMV reader Create and send invoices via email or text Manage items, inventory, and customer data Built-in reporting tools with transaction history and sales summaries Compatible with Android, iOS, and many countertop terminals SwipeSimple is perfect for service professionals, field sales teams, and small retailers looking for mobility and simplicity without sacrificing functionality. iPOSgo! iPOSgo! is a modern, all-in-one gateway and mobile payment solution that blends the power of an in-person POS with full online capabilities. Designed for flexibility, iPOSgo! supports dual pricing, inventory, and invoicing through a sleek mobile experience. Key Features: Fully integrated with Dual Pricing models Accept in-person, online, or remote payments Send digital invoices and collect payments securely View reports and manage items from a unified dashboard Works with tap-to-pay on mobile or paired with POS hardware iPOSgo! is ideal for businesses needing a streamlined way to take payments in-store, online, or in the field—all from a single platform. By offering these gateways, SignaPay Direct ensures that businesses of various sizes and industries have access to secure and efficient payment processing solutions tailored to their specific needs. Learn more on our Gateways page.

Yes. Our gateways support recurring billing, subscriptions, and automated invoicing.

Absolutely. You can take payments through a hosted checkout page, send invoices with payment links, or use a virtual terminal for phone orders. Learn more on our Gateways page.

As a merchant, you need a payment gateway if you plan to accept credit or debit card payments in any way outside of a traditional countertop terminal. Here’s a quick guide to help you determine if a payment gateway is right for your business: You Need a Payment Gateway If You: Sell online (via a website, eCommerce store, or app) Send invoices with payment links Take payments over the phone or by mail (keyed-in transactions) Offer subscription or recurring billing Use a mobile payment app or wireless terminal Want to store customer card data securely for future charges Operate in multiple channels (e.g., retail + online + mobile) You Likely Don't Need a Separate Gateway If You: Only accept in-person payments using a basic terminal (e.g., in a retail store) Your terminal includes built-in gateway functionality (common with modern smart terminals) Why It Matters: A payment gateway gives you flexibility and security when taking payments beyond the counter. It also helps with PCI compliance, fraud prevention, and smooth integration with business tools like QuickBooks or inventory systems.

We provide 24/7 U.S.-based support by phone and email in English or Spanish. Whether it’s a technical issue or account question, our experienced team is ready to help.

Yes. We make switching easy with free setup, data transfer assistance, and personalized onboarding so your business doesn’t miss a beat.

Most merchants are approved within 24–48 hours after submitting a completed application and documentation.

Yes. We work with many industries that traditional processors avoid, and we’ll help guide you through the setup process if you fall into a higher-risk category.

Yes, our staff will personally install equipment and train you and your employees on location.