Merchant services contract checklist: what to review before you sign
Before signing a merchant services agreement, business owners should understand more than the advertised rate. Use this checklist to review cancellation terms, equipment ownership, monthly fees, compliance items, and support expectations.
Serving businesses across Florida, with sales representatives in New York and additional expanding markets.
Confirm whether the agreement is month-to-month or has an early termination fee.
Clarify how Clover or other POS equipment is purchased, placed, rented, financed, or returned.
Look beyond the rate and review monthly, PCI-related, gateway, software, statement, and batch fees.
The checklist before signing
Use these questions when comparing SecureTrust of Florida, Clover providers, banks, independent processors, or flat-rate platforms. The goal is to understand the full program before the account is activated.
Ask whether you can cancel without a fee and get the answer in writing.
Ask whether hardware is purchased, rented, leased, placed, or financed and whether you own it.
Ask about monthly minimums, PCI-related fees, statement fees, software fees, gateway fees, and support fees.
Ask who helps with chargeback notices, response deadlines, documentation, and prevention steps.
Payment-program questions
The right questions change depending on whether you are considering Dual Pricing, cash discount, surcharge, Interchange Plus, flat-rate, virtual terminal, or gateway processing.
Ask how the customer-facing price is displayed, how receipts show pricing, and what fees remain for the merchant.
Ask about card-brand registration, disclosure requirements, receipt requirements, and debit-card restrictions.
Ask what markup is charged above interchange and card-brand assessments.
Ask whether simplicity is worth the higher blended rate at your monthly volume.
Final review before activation
Keep a copy of the signed agreement, equipment documents, pricing schedule, and support contacts. If anything is promised verbally, ask for it to be included in writing before you sign.
Questions business owners ask
What is the most important thing to review?
Cancellation language and equipment terms are usually the highest-risk items because they can create costs even if you stop processing.
Can SecureTrust of Florida review my current statement?
Yes. SecureTrust of Florida can help business owners compare their current processing setup against available program options.
Is this checklist legal advice?
No. It is general educational information. Business owners should confirm legal and compliance questions with qualified advisors and current processor documentation.
Need help reviewing your payment setup?
SecureTrust of Florida can help you compare program options, equipment needs, and support expectations before you choose a payment-processing setup.