Have you ever looked at your merchant processing statement and wondered about those non-EMV assessment fees? If you’re one of the many U.S. merchants still accepting magstripe cards, you’re not alone. Here’s a snapshot of non-EMV costs and how you can avoid them.

It’s easy to get lost when navigating the world of credit card processing. Credit card processing is a complex system with a panoply of terms that are important to understand. Why? Because payment processing represents a lot of profits and, equally, a big expense for small- and medium-sized business owners.

Hidden fees. Exorbitant equipment-leasing fees. Payment gateway fees. High processing rates. Lackluster customer service. Sound familiar? Many business owners have likely considered switching payment providers at some point, but most don’t because they fear the process will be difficult and expensive. Likewise, many merchants think that switching providers means switching banks. Thankfully, this is not the case. As you’ll see, moving to a new payment provider is surprisingly simple.

Changing paper in a credit card machine can be stressful if you’re in the middle of a transaction or busy helping customers. But learning how to put paper in a credit card machine can be done easily and quickly, as long as you know what to do.

The right technology can streamline your business. If you’re using a decades-old hand-held terminal that's only good for ringing up purchases and printing out receipts, it might be time for an upgrade.