When you first start a business, it’s easy to default to the big-name payment processors. They’re familiar and seem simple, but that convenience often comes at a high price. As your business grows, you start to wonder if you could be getting a better deal elsewhere. This question sends many entrepreneurs down a research rabbit hole, looking for threads on the ‘cheapest credit card processing reddit’ users have found. What they often discover is that smaller, more transparent providers can offer significant savings. This article will help you look beyond the household names and understand the different pricing models so you can find a solution that fits your sales volume and helps you keep more of your hard-earned revenue.

Key Takeaways

• Match the pricing model to your sales volume: Don’t default to a simple flat rate. High-volume businesses often save more with transparent structures like Interchange-Plus or a subscription, so analyze your sales data to find the most cost-effective fit.
• Your quoted rate is just a starting point: Always be ready to negotiate with your processor, especially as your business grows. You can also directly offset costs by implementing a cash discount program or using a POS system that doesn’t lock you into a single provider.
• Read the contract to avoid costly surprises: The cheapest rate means nothing if it comes with hidden monthly minimums, long-term commitments, and steep early termination fees. A trustworthy partner will always offer flexible, month-to-month terms.

What Are Credit Card Processing Fees, Really?

Let’s be honest: trying to understand your credit card processing statement can feel like reading a different language. You see a bunch of fees, percentages, and charges, but it’s rarely clear what you’re actually paying for. The good news is, it’s not as complicated as it seems. At its core, every credit card processing fee is a combination of distinct costs that cover everyone involved in making a transaction happen securely and instantly. Once you know what those parts are, you can start to see which pricing models are actually saving you money and which are just hiding costs behind a simple rate.

How fee structures work

Every time a customer swipes, taps, or clicks to pay, the fee you’re charged gets split up. The largest portion is the interchange fee, which goes to the customer’s bank (like Chase or Bank of America). Next is a smaller assessment fee that goes to the card network (like Visa or Mastercard). The final piece is the processor’s markup—that’s what your payment provider charges for their service. As one Redditor noted, many business owners prefer an “Interchange-Plus” model because it’s transparent. You pay the true cost of interchange and assessments, plus a clear, fixed markup from your processor. This way, you know exactly where your money is going.

What are standard industry rates?

If you’ve ever looked into payment processing, you’ve probably seen a rate like “2.9% plus $0.20 or $0.30 per transaction.” This is a common benchmark, especially for flat-rate pricing models. For many small businesses, this is the standard starting point. This single rate bundles the interchange, assessment, and processor markup into one easy-to-understand number. While simple, it’s not always the most cost-effective. The actual cost to accept a card can vary wildly depending on the card type—a premium rewards card costs more to process than a basic debit card. A flat rate averages these costs out, which can be great for simplicity but might mean you’re overpaying on certain transactions.

What Reddit Says About Low-Fee Processors

When you’re looking for honest opinions, Reddit is often the place to go. It’s a massive forum where real business owners share their unfiltered experiences with different payment processors—the good, the bad, and the surprisingly expensive. I’ve spent hours sifting through threads in communities like r/smallbusiness and r/Entrepreneur to see which companies people genuinely recommend for low-cost credit card processing. It’s one thing to read a company’s marketing page, but it’s another to hear directly from someone who uses their service every day.

What I found is that while the big names are always in the conversation, many business owners are looking for alternatives that offer more transparency and better value. They’re tired of confusing statements, hidden fees, and feeling like just another number. The recommendations that pop up again and again are from companies that offer clear pricing models, whether it’s a straightforward interchange-plus structure, a flat monthly subscription, or a simple, predictable rate. These discussions aren’t just about finding the absolute lowest rate; they’re about finding a partner that feels trustworthy and makes the financial side of running a business easier. Below are some of the top contenders that Reddit users consistently bring up when discussing affordable and reliable payment processing.

MBNCard: Competitive, transparent pricing

In discussions about finding fair payment processing, MBNCard often gets mentioned for its transparent and competitive pricing. Business owners on Reddit appreciate that you can get a clear picture of your costs without wading through complicated fee structures. Many contrast this with their experiences using larger platforms like Square or Stripe, where fees can add up quickly, especially for online sales. Some users also share frustrations about those platforms unexpectedly holding funds, making a provider with straightforward terms and reliable deposits a much more attractive option for managing cash flow.

Stax Payments: The subscription model

Stax Payments frequently comes up in conversations for its unique subscription-based model. Instead of charging a percentage markup on each transaction, Stax charges a flat monthly fee. This approach is a favorite among businesses with a high volume of sales, as it makes monthly processing costs much more predictable. For a business processing tens of thousands of dollars a month, a fixed fee can lead to significant savings compared to a traditional percentage-based plan. Redditors often recommend this model for established businesses looking to scale without seeing their processing costs scale at the same rate.

Flexpoint: A simple monthly fee

For business owners who value simplicity above all else, Flexpoint is another name that gets positive attention on Reddit. Their pricing is incredibly straightforward: a flat monthly fee plus a small, fixed percentage on credit card transactions. This clarity is a huge draw for merchants who are tired of trying to decipher complex tiered or interchange-plus statements. In one thread about processors that charge 0%, users pointed to models like Flexpoint’s as a refreshingly transparent alternative, even if it’s not technically “free.” It removes the guesswork and lets you know exactly what you’ll pay.

Key Bank & Authorize.net: A bank partnership

Some savvy business owners on Reddit have found a cost-effective solution by pairing their traditional business bank account with a payment gateway. One popular combination mentioned is using Key Bank alongside Authorize.net. According to users, this setup can result in a competitive processing rate of just under 3% per transaction, especially since Authorize.net sometimes offers a free account through the bank. This option is particularly appealing for those who already have a relationship with Key Bank and want to keep their financial services consolidated. It’s a great reminder to check what your own bank offers.

Costco: Processing for members

If you’re a Costco member, you might have access to one of the most frequently recommended low-cost processing options. Through their partnership with Elavon, Costco offers its business members a processing service with a very low monthly fee and competitive rates. One of the biggest perks that Redditors highlight is the option for same-day payment processing, which is a major benefit for managing daily cash flow. For small retail shops or service providers who are already Costco members, this can be an incredibly convenient and affordable way to accept credit cards without signing a complex, long-term contract.

Find the Right Pricing Model for Your Business

Choosing a payment processor isn’t just about finding the lowest rate—it’s about finding the right pricing structure for how you do business. The best model for a high-volume online store will be different from the one for a local coffee shop with a smaller average ticket. Processors typically use one of four main pricing models, and understanding the mechanics of each one is the key to avoiding overpayment and unpleasant surprises on your monthly statement.

Think of it this way: if you don’t know how you’re being charged, you can’t know if you’re getting a fair deal. Some models prioritize simplicity and predictability, while others offer more transparency and potential savings for businesses with higher sales volumes. Let’s walk through each one so you can identify the structure that aligns with your sales patterns, average transaction size, and overall business goals. Getting this right from the start will save you headaches and money down the road.

Interchange-plus

Often called “cost-plus,” this is one of the most transparent pricing models available. It breaks your fee into two parts: the “interchange” fee, which is the non-negotiable wholesale cost charged by the card-issuing bank (like Chase or Bank of America) and card networks (like Visa or Mastercard), and the “plus,” which is your processor’s markup. This markup is a fixed percentage or a small per-transaction fee. Because the processor’s profit is clearly stated, you know exactly what you’re paying for. This model is a favorite among established businesses because it often results in lower overall costs, especially as sales grow.

Flat-rate

If you value simplicity above all else, flat-rate pricing is for you. With this model, you pay a single, predictable percentage and a fixed fee for every transaction, regardless of the card type. For example, you might pay 2.9% + $0.30 for every sale. This makes it incredibly easy to forecast your expenses, which is a huge plus for new or small businesses. The trade-off for this simplicity is that you may end up overpaying. The flat rate is a blend designed to cover the processor’s costs for all card types, so you’ll pay the same high rate for a low-cost debit card transaction as you would for a premium rewards credit card.

Subscription-based

A subscription-based model, sometimes called a membership model, is another highly transparent option. Instead of marking up each transaction with a percentage, the processor charges you a flat monthly fee. In exchange for that fee, you get direct access to the wholesale interchange rates without any additional percentage markup from the processor. You still pay the interchange cost and a small, fixed per-transaction fee (e.g., $0.15). This model is ideal for businesses with high sales volumes or large average transaction sizes because your processing costs don’t scale with your revenue. Your monthly fee stays the same whether you make $10,000 or $100,000 in sales.

Tiered

Tiered pricing is generally the most confusing and least transparent model. Processors bundle hundreds of different interchange rates into three or four “tiers”—typically labeled qualified, mid-qualified, and non-qualified. Each tier has a different rate, with the “qualified” tier being the cheapest. The problem? The processor has complete control over which transactions fall into which tier. A seemingly low qualified rate can be misleading if most of your sales (like online orders or rewards cards) are downgraded to more expensive tiers. This makes your costs unpredictable and difficult to manage, so it’s a model to approach with caution.

How to Lower Your Credit Card Processing Fees

Feeling stuck with high processing fees is a common frustration for business owners, but you have more power to change your situation than you might think. Getting a better deal doesn’t always mean switching providers. Sometimes, it’s about using the right strategies to reduce your costs. From simple negotiations to smart program implementations, a few key adjustments can make a significant difference to your bottom line. Let’s walk through four practical ways you can start cutting down on those credit card processing expenses.

Negotiate rates based on your sales volume

As your business grows, so does your negotiating power. Payment processors want to keep high-volume merchants, and they’re often willing to adjust their rates to do so. If your sales have been steadily increasing, it’s time to have a conversation with your provider. As one Redditor pointed out, “If you have a lot of sales, you might be able to negotiate better rates with your current processor.” Before you pick up the phone, review your last six months of processing statements to get a clear picture of your average monthly volume and total fees paid. This data is your leverage. Call your provider, explain your growth, and ask for a rate review. You might be surprised at what they’re willing to offer to keep your business.

Offer a cash discount program

One of the most direct ways to eliminate credit card fees is to implement a cash discount program. This model is simple: you offer a small discount to customers who choose to pay with cash, while the listed price for all items includes the cost of card processing. This way, customers who pay with a card cover the fee associated with their payment method. It’s a transparent approach that rewards cash payers without penalizing card users. MBNCard’s cash discount program is designed to handle this automatically, adjusting the price at the point of sale so you don’t have to. It’s a compliant and effective way to protect your profit margins on every single sale.

Use ACH payments to save money

For certain types of transactions, you can sidestep credit card networks entirely. Accepting ACH payments allows you to pull funds directly from a customer’s bank account. Because these transfers don’t involve the major card brands, the fees are typically much lower—often a small flat fee instead of a percentage of the total sale. This method is perfect for B2B companies, businesses that handle large-ticket invoices, or those with recurring billing models like subscriptions or memberships. While it may not be the right fit for a quick retail checkout, offering ACH as an option for bigger payments can lead to substantial savings over time.

Choose a flexible POS system

The point-of-sale (POS) system you use can either give you freedom or lock you into a single processor. Some all-in-one systems, like Square, come with their own built-in processing, which means you can’t shop around for better rates without also switching your entire setup. To maintain control over your costs, look for a POS system that is “processor agnostic.” This gives you the flexibility to choose any merchant services provider you want. If you find a company offering better rates or service down the road, you can make the switch without having to retrain your staff or migrate your sales data to a new POS system.

Is Subscription-Based Processing Right for You?

Subscription-based processing sounds simple: you pay a set monthly fee plus a small, fixed cost for each transaction. Instead of a percentage that changes with every sale, you get a more predictable bill. But is this flat-fee structure really the most cost-effective choice for your business? It all comes down to your sales volume and how you process payments. Let’s break down who this model works for—and who might be better off with a different plan.

The pros: Predictable monthly costs

The biggest draw of a subscription model is predictability. Knowing you have a fixed monthly fee makes budgeting and managing your cash flow much simpler. Instead of trying to forecast fluctuating percentage-based fees, you have a consistent expense. Some processors take this fee at the end of the month, giving you a little more breathing room with your finances. For businesses that want to smooth out their monthly expenses and avoid surprises on their processing statements, this consistency is a major advantage. It removes the guesswork and helps you plan with confidence.

The cons: When it might cost you more

While predictability is great, a subscription model isn’t always the cheapest option. Some business owners warn about hidden processing fees that can creep into what seems like a straightforward plan. The real catch, however, is sales volume. If your business has slow months or processes a lower number of transactions, that fixed monthly fee can feel steep. You could easily end up paying more than you would with a traditional percentage-based model, where your costs are directly tied to your sales. It’s a structure that can penalize businesses during slower periods.

Who benefits most from a subscription model?

So, who is the subscription model built for? Businesses with high and consistent sales volumes. When you’re processing a lot of transactions, the small, fixed per-transaction fee combined with a monthly subscription can lead to significant savings compared to a percentage-based rate. As some merchants have found, a high sales volume can even give you the leverage to negotiate a custom price. The key is to analyze your sales data carefully. Before you commit, look at your transaction count and total volume over several months to see if the math works in your favor.

Watch Out for These Hidden Fees

The processing rate you’re quoted is just the tip of the iceberg. Unfortunately, the payment processing industry has a reputation for complicated statements and surprise charges that can catch even savvy business owners off guard. Some providers tuck extra costs into the fine print of their agreements, turning a great-sounding deal into an expensive, long-term headache. These hidden fees can slowly eat away at your profits if you don’t know what to look for.

That’s why finding a processor who values transparency is so important. A trustworthy partner will provide a clear, easy-to-read merchant agreement and be willing to walk you through every potential line item on your statement—not just the flashy low rate. Before you sign anything, it’s essential to ask direct questions about all potential charges. Think of it as a checklist for protecting your business. Let’s break down some of the most common hidden fees so you can spot them from a mile away and keep more of your hard-earned money.

Monthly minimums and setup costs

Some processors require you to meet a “monthly minimum” in processing fees. If your sales for the month don’t generate enough fees to hit that target, they’ll charge you the difference. This can be a tough pill to swallow for seasonal businesses or those just starting out. Also, watch out for one-time setup or application fees. While some providers offer free setup, others charge for it. Be especially careful with subscription-based models that promise simplicity. As some business owners on Reddit point out, they can still come with hidden costs that aren’t covered by the monthly fee. Always ask if there are minimum processing requirements before you commit.

Chargeback and dispute fees

When a customer disputes a charge, it creates a chargeback. Your processor will charge you a fee—often between $15 and $25—just for managing the dispute, and you’ll pay it whether you win or lose. These fees can add up quickly and unexpectedly. Some of the biggest names in payment processing have a reputation for being expensive and sometimes holding your funds during a dispute, which can disrupt your cash flow. It’s crucial to understand a processor’s chargeback management process and associated fees. A good partner will offer tools and support to help you prevent disputes in the first place.

Equipment leases and gateway fees

If you need a physical terminal or a full POS system, avoid getting locked into a long-term equipment lease. These contracts are often non-cancellable and can end up costing you far more than the hardware is worth. For online sales, you’ll likely need a payment gateway, which can come with its own set of fees. Reddit users report these can add an extra $5 to $20 per month, plus a small per-transaction fee. Before signing up, ask if you can use your own equipment or if you’re required to use theirs. A flexible e-commerce integration shouldn’t tie you to an expensive, long-term lease.

Early termination penalties

An early termination fee (ETF) is one of the biggest red flags on a merchant agreement. If you want to switch processors before your contract is up, you could be hit with a penalty of hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Processors use these long-term contracts and hefty fees to lock you in, making it difficult to leave even if you’re unhappy with the service. There’s no reason to sign a multi-year agreement with steep cancellation penalties. Always look for a provider that offers month-to-month terms. This gives you the freedom to make the best choice for your business without being penalized for it.

Common Myths About Processing Fees, Debunked

Let’s clear the air. The world of credit card processing is filled with confusing terms and promises that sound too good to be true. It’s easy to get tripped up by common misconceptions that can end up costing your business a lot of money. We’re here to walk through some of the biggest myths out there so you can make smarter, more confident decisions for your company. Think of this as your personal myth-busting guide to payment processing.

Myth #1: “0% processing” is actually free

You’ve probably seen the ads promising “0% processing.” It sounds like a dream, right? But here’s the reality: payment processing is never truly free. Processors have to cover interchange fees and make a profit, so that cost has to go somewhere. Often, these programs work by passing the fee to the customer through a surcharge or by offering a discount for cash payments. These cash discount programs can be a fantastic way to save money, but it’s important to understand that the fee doesn’t just vanish. It’s simply shifted. Other times, “free” processing is bundled with a high monthly fee or expensive equipment leases, so always read the fine print.

Myth #2: Big processors are always cheaper

It’s easy to assume that the biggest names in the game—like Square or PayPal—must offer the best rates. They’re huge, after all. While their flat-rate pricing is simple, it’s often not the cheapest, especially as your sales grow. For many businesses, particularly those with a high average transaction size, a flat rate can be significantly more expensive than an interchange-plus model. Some business owners also report issues with these large processors unexpectedly holding funds. It pays to compare payment processors beyond the household names to find a solution that truly fits your business model and budget.

Myth #3: The quoted rate is non-negotiable

Many business owners accept the first rate they’re quoted, assuming it’s set in stone. This is one of the costliest mistakes you can make. Your processing rate is almost always negotiable, especially if you have a consistent sales history. As your business grows and your transaction volume increases, you gain leverage. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and ask your processor for a rate review. If you can show them your monthly volume, they are often willing to offer a custom price to keep your business. The worst they can say is no, but a simple conversation could save you thousands.

Why Every Transaction Doesn’t Cost the Same

Ever look at your processing statement and wonder why one $50 sale cost you more in fees than another? You’re not going crazy. The cost of a transaction depends heavily on how you accept the payment. It all comes down to risk. The more secure the transaction method, the less you’ll pay in fees. Let’s break down the key differences so you can better understand your statement and find ways to save.

In-person vs. online rates

The simplest way to think about this is “card-present” versus “card-not-present.” When a customer physically hands you their card and you swipe, dip, or tap it, that’s a card-present transaction. It’s considered highly secure because the physical card is there, and modern chip technology adds another layer of protection. On the other hand, online orders or payments taken over the phone are “card-not-present.” Since you can’t physically verify the card, the risk of fraud is higher, and so are the processing rates. This is the most fundamental reason for rate variations on your statement.

Why keyed-in transactions cost more

Any time you manually type in a customer’s credit card number, whether into a terminal or an online portal, it’s called a keyed-in transaction. This method carries the highest risk of all. Why? Because there’s no way for the payment system to verify that the card is physically present or that the person providing the number is the legitimate cardholder. This increased risk of fraud means processors charge a higher rate to cover their potential losses. If you take a lot of orders over the phone, you’ll notice these transactions consistently cost you more than your in-store sales.

Card-present vs. card-not-present fees

So, what’s the actual difference in cost? While exact rates depend on your processor and plan, it’s common for card-not-present transactions to hover around 2.9% + $0.30. In contrast, card-present rates can be significantly lower. Understanding this distinction is the first step to managing your processing costs effectively. By encouraging in-person payments or using secure e-commerce integrations that add layers of security online, you can actively lower your overall fees. Take a look at your own sales—what percentage is card-present versus card-not-present? The answer could reveal some serious savings opportunities.

How to Choose the Right Processor for Your Business

Picking a payment processor is a huge decision. The right partner can save you thousands, while the wrong one can eat into your profits with confusing fees and long contracts. The “cheapest” option isn’t always the best, and what works for a coffee shop might not work for an online boutique. To find the perfect fit, you need to look at your own business first. It comes down to understanding your sales, comparing the true costs, and reading every line of the agreement.

Analyze your sales volume and transaction types

The best processor for you depends entirely on how your business operates. Start by looking at your numbers. How much do you sell each month? What’s your average transaction size? A business with high sales volume but small average tickets has different needs than one with fewer, larger sales. Also, consider how you take payments. Do you primarily swipe cards in person, or are most of your sales online? Card-not-present transactions typically have higher rates due to increased fraud risk. Knowing these details will help you find a pricing model that aligns with your revenue stream instead of working against it.

Compare the total cost, not just the rate

A low advertised rate can be misleading. The number that truly matters is your effective rate—the total fees you pay divided by your total sales volume. Ask potential processors for a detailed cost analysis based on your actual sales data. Don’t be afraid to negotiate, especially if you have a high sales volume; many processors will create custom pricing to win your business. Also, consider how fees are collected. Some deduct them daily, while others bill you at the end of the month, which can be easier on your cash flow management. Focus on the total cost of ownership, not just a single percentage point.

Read the fine print: Contract terms matter

The contract is where you’ll find the details that can make or break your experience. Be wary of long-term agreements with hefty early termination fees that lock you in, even if the service is poor. Look for hidden costs like monthly minimums, statement fees, or PCI compliance fees. As some Reddit users point out, even subscription models can have extra costs not included in the monthly fee. Before you sign, make sure you understand every line item. A transparent processor will be happy to walk you through their merchant agreement and explain every charge clearly.

Is the Cheapest Processor Always the Best Choice?

When you’re hunting for a credit card processor, it’s tempting to let the lowest rate guide your decision. After all, every percentage point saved on fees is more money in your pocket. But focusing only on the sticker price can be a costly mistake. The processor with the rock-bottom rate might end up costing you more in the long run through unreliable service, frustrating support, and a lack of features that actually help your business grow. The smartest approach is to look at the complete picture—price, service, and long-term value—to find a partner that truly fits your needs.

Why service quality matters as much as price

The right payment processor for a high-volume coffee shop is different from the one for a boutique furniture store that makes a few large sales each month. As one business owner on Reddit put it, “The best payment processor for pricing isn’t the same for everyone. It depends on how much you sell and what kind of products or services you offer.” This is where service quality comes in. Beyond just processing a transaction, a great partner provides services that make your life easier. This includes fast and reliable funding times so your cash flow stays healthy, easy-to-read statements that don’t require a decoder ring, and integrations with the point-of-sale (POS) system you already use and love. A cheap rate means nothing if the service behind it creates daily headaches for you and your team.

Don’t underestimate reliable customer support

Imagine it’s your busiest day of the year, and your credit card terminal goes down. Or worse, you notice a large payment has been unexpectedly held. Who do you call? With some of the big-name, low-cost processors, you might be stuck with a chatbot or a generic support ticket system. Many business owners worry that large processors “can be expensive for online sales and sometimes hold your money.” When an issue directly impacts your revenue, you need to talk to a real person who can solve your problem quickly. Excellent customer support isn’t a luxury; it’s a critical part of your payment processing solution. Don’t wait until you’re in a crisis to find out your “cheap” processor skimped on their support team.

Think about long-term value, not just short-term savings

Your business is going to grow, and you need a payment processor that can grow with you. A processor that offers the lowest rate today might lock you into a rigid contract that doesn’t make sense six months from now. A true partner, on the other hand, offers value beyond a simple transaction fee. For example, if your sales volume increases significantly, you should be able to negotiate a better rate. As one entrepreneur noted, “If your business handles a lot of sales, you might be able to talk to payment processors and get a better, custom price.” Choosing a processor is a long-term decision. Look for a provider that offers flexible terms, transparent pricing, and a commitment to supporting your business as it scales. That long-term value will always outweigh a few pennies saved on the initial rate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I’m just starting out. Which pricing model is best for a new business? For most new businesses, a flat-rate pricing model is often the easiest place to start. Its main advantage is simplicity—you pay one predictable rate for every transaction, which makes forecasting your expenses much easier when you’re still figuring things out. While it may not be the cheapest option in the long run, it removes the complexity of variable interchange fees so you can focus on getting your business off the ground.

How can I calculate my ‘effective rate’ to see what I’m really paying? Calculating your effective rate is the best way to cut through the noise and see your true cost. Simply take the total amount you paid in processing fees from your last monthly statement and divide it by your total sales volume for that same month. Then, multiply that number by 100 to get your percentage. This single number gives you a clear benchmark to compare against quotes from other processors.

Is a cash discount program legal and will it annoy my customers? Yes, cash discount programs are legal in all 50 states, as long as they are implemented correctly with proper signage at the entrance and point of sale. When presented clearly, most customers understand. The key is to frame it as a discount for cash payers, not a penalty for card users. This approach allows customers who prefer the convenience of a card to cover the cost associated with their choice, while you protect your margins.

My sales volume is pretty low. Can I still negotiate my rates? While high sales volume gives you the most leverage, it’s not the only factor. If you’ve been in business for a year or more and have a consistent processing history with very few chargebacks, you can still have a conversation with your provider. You can also strengthen your position by getting quotes from other processors. Presenting a competitive offer can sometimes motivate your current provider to adjust your rate to keep you as a customer.

What’s the biggest red flag I should look for in a merchant agreement? The single biggest red flag is an early termination fee (ETF). This is a penalty, often hundreds of dollars, for closing your account before the contract term is up. It’s a tactic used to lock you into a multi-year agreement, making it difficult to leave even if you’re unhappy with the service or rates. Always look for a provider that offers month-to-month terms, which shows they’re confident they can earn your business every day.