National Processing review 2024: Cost, plans, features and more
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BLUEPRINT
Updated 3:30 p.m. UTC May 14, 2024
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Pros
- Competitive-price guarantee.
- Transparent pricing.
- High-risk-business friendly.
Cons
- High early termination fees.
- Expensive for low-transaction-volume merchants.
- Few add-on features.
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Featured credit card processing offers
Stax
Monthly fee
$99
Swiped transaction fee
7¢ to 10¢ + interchange rate
Merchant One
Monthly fee
$13.95
Swiped transaction fee
0.29% to 1.55% per transaction
Payment Depot
Free Trial
No
Offers
$0 Setup & No Cancellation Fees
Pricing
Customized Interchange+ Pricing – Rates as low as 0.2% – 1.95%
Clover
Monthly fee
$14.95
Swiped transaction fee
2.6% + 10¢
National Processing was founded in 2007 by Wayne Hamilton. Headquartered in Orem, Utah, the company aims to provide small, medium and large US-based businesses with simplified, transparent transactional processing, including the option to accept all major credit cards, ACH, online transactions and check payments.
In this National Processing review, we’ll walk through its cost, features, and how it stacks up to competitors so you can make the right decision for your business.
National Processing overview
National Processing offers low-cost monthly plans starting at $9.95 per month plus transaction fees. With different options for both small and large-volume credit card processing, businesses of all sizes can find savings. They must only present National Processing with a competitor offer to take advantage of the processor’s promise to meet or beat lower offers.
After 15 years in business, National Processing has earned 4.6 stars with Consumer Affairs and 394 reviews. Positive user reviews note National Processing’s responsive, friendly and knowledgeable customer service; straightforward and quick setup; fair pricing structures and fees and fast transaction processing. While most customer reviews are positive, customers complain that the company “ignores emails” and “ghosts” them when they reach out.
With mobile and virtual solutions for on-the-go payment processing, gateways for popular integrated solutions, smart terminals and POS systems for tracking inventory and sales, National Processing is a well-rounded credit card processing provider. Given its low transaction fees, however, it does not offer some features competitors do, such as the advanced payroll processing, cash flow management and accounting tool suites that Square and Intuit Payments offer.
National Processing pros and cons
National Processing has both advantages and disadvantages, depending on your business and its needs. For instance, you may latch on to National Processing as a high-risk business, but if you have a lower transaction volume there may be better options. Here’s some more info on the pros and cons of National Processing:
Pros
Firstly, National Processing offers a competitive-price guarantee. Essentially, if you have over $10,000 in monthly sales volume and it can’t beat your current rate? It’ll give you $500 as a bonus. This is a pretty sweet deal for thrifty business owners looking to switch providers.
More generally, National Processing also features transparent pricing, which is more than we can say for many other companies out there. Understanding exactly how much you’ll pay per transaction is crucial, especially considering that there are different rates based on volume and the type of transaction. Lastly, as mentioned before, it’s also friendly to businesses in high-risk industries, and who wouldn’t want to be better protected from bad actors?
Cons
As far as cons go, National Processing does have high early termination fees. This means that — while they may save you money upfront — if you decide to leave, you may be paying up. It’s also expensive for lower-volume merchants, so make sure you and your business are ready to support steady sales before considering National Processing.
The last drawback to National Processing is their relative lack of add-ons. With credit card processing companies in general, the idea is to get the core of the service for as low of a cost as possible, then augment that with add-ons or industry-specific services. This tactic reduces cost and lets you only enjoy the features you need.
National Processing pricing and value
| PRICING | |
|---|---|
Pricing structure
| Interchange-plus
|
Basic In-Person
| $9.95 per month
|
Basic E-commerce
| $9.95 per month
|
Advanced
| $19+ per month
|
Fees
| |
Online transaction fee
| 2.9% plus $0.30
|
Swiped transaction fee
| 2.41% to 2.5% plus $0.10
|
Keyed transaction fee
| 3.5% plus $0.15
|
Chargeback fee
| $15
|
PCI-compliance fee
| No
|
National Processing offers simplified plans options that are designed to “grow with you” and your business. They offer base level in-person and e-commerce plans as well as an advanced plan that can be customized to meet your needs.
With this simplified plan setup, it’s easy to see which plan is right for you. All plans offer 24/7 U.S.-based customer service by phone and no PCI-compliance fees, so — unless you need the highest level of support possible with the Advanced plan — opt for one of the Basic plans based on how you do business.
Processing fees vary slightly based on the plan you choose, but these, too, are simplified in an easy-to-understand way:
- In-person: 2.41% to 2.5% plus $0.10 per transaction
- Online: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
- Manually entered: 3.5% plus $0.15 per transaction
- Invoices: Custom pricing
Two low cost monthly plans are available for $9.95 plus transaction fees for either in person or e-commerce operations. A higher-tier plan is available for $19 and up plus transaction fees.
National Processing additional features
With a strict focus on credit card and payment processing solutions, National Processing lacks many add-ons that competitors such as Intuit Payments, Square and Clover offer, such as advanced payroll processing, employee engagement, customer relationship management, cash flow management and accounting tools. However, it has some beneficial extra features.
While it does not offer a free trial, you can calculate what you’d pay using an interactive tool on its website. Enter your details to calculate rates and transaction costs based on your industry, current processing volume and number of transactions. There’s also a smart-referral service offering a cash bonus and an affiliate program that offers even more ways to save.
National Processing works with businesses across industries, including high-risk merchants — a unique feature when compared to many credit card processing companies, such as Square, which is not a high-risk merchant. With price transparency and a guaranteed best-rate match for companies processing over $10,000 per month, National Processing is a practical choice for small to mid-sized businesses with consistent sales volumes that would benefit from low transaction rates and reliable services.
National Processing customer support and experience
If you need to reach out for support, there are multiple ways to connect with National Processing, including by phone, email and online chat. National Processing offers 24/7 online and during business hours by phone or email. While there isn’t a dedicated support representative for each account, it offers technical support with automatic replies sent 365 days a year, and live agent interaction available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST.
We found the National Processing website to be user friendly with comprehensive information provided in a clear, straightforward manner. While there is no mobile app currently available, the site loads quickly and can be viewed clearly on a mobile device.
Overall, National Processing maintains a solid track record of positive user reviews. On the ConsumerAffairs website, its users praise the company for its knowledgeable and responsive customer support, fair transaction and monthly rates and fast and straightforward setup.
Nevertheless, among its negative user reviews, users cite the company’s lack of communication as the main issue.
National Processing vs. Stripe
| MONTHLY FEE | IN-PERSON TRANSACTION FEE | ONLINE TRANSACTION FEE | FREE EQUIPMENT | MOBILE APP | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 National Processing | $9.95 to $19+ | 2.41% to 2.5% plus $0.10 | 2.9% plus $0.30 | Yes | No | |||||||
| ||||||||||||
 Stripe | No | 2.6% plus $0.10 | 2.9% plus $0.30 | Yes | Yes | |||||||
|
Both Stripe and National Processing help merchants process ecommerce and brick-and-mortar business payments. However, Stripe’s primary focus is online transactions. While they both integrate with popular sales software and ecommerce platforms, National Processing offers only a few such integrations, while Stripe maintains over 300 integrations, including Constant Contact, QuickBooks and HubSpot. It also allows you to process currencies from around the globe, including cryptocurrency.
National Processing offers select monthly plans each with variable interchange-plus transaction fees. By contrast, Stripe has no monthly fee, but merchants pay more per transaction, with an interchange-plus fee of 2.9% plus $0.30 for online sales and 2.7% plus $0.05 for swiped transactions
For companies with low monthly sales volumes, a no-monthly-fee model makes sense. If they don’t transact during off-seasons, for example, they don’t have to keep paying monthly fees. Credit card processors with monthly plans (like National Processing) often offer lower per-transaction rates than no-monthly-fee pricing models. In businesses with consistently high transaction volumes, monthly fees are quickly offset by lower per-transaction fees, making it a more cost-effective solution over the long term.
Stripe’s flat rate, pay-as-you-go model may seem attractive to small, start-up businesses with uncertain sales volumes, but there are hidden fees. Stripe charges an additional 1% for international and currency conversion transactions, along with more for recurring billing and high-volume invoicing fees once you reach 25 payments per month. It also has a $15 chargeback, which is applied when customers dispute transactions.
Stripe offers features that are better suited for large merchants with in-house technical support and developers. This is due to its advanced integration and API capabilities that allow merchants to streamline their entire payment processing and operations process (even across the globe). However, these added features often require a high level of developer know-how to implement and may not be a good fit for startups with little tech knowledge.
National Processing, on the other hand, focuses strictly on payment processing solutions. Its offer of free equipment and low transaction rates may make it a better fit for small and mid-sized businesses. In addition, its monthly fee and price-match guarantee make it a good fit for established small businesses with a track record of consistent and mid-volume transaction volumes, such as restaurants and retail shops.
National Processing vs. Square
| MONTHLY FEE | IN-PERSON TRANSACTION FEE | ONLINE TRANSACTION FEE | FREE EQUIPMENT | MOBILE APP | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Processing | $9.95 to $19+ | 2.41% to 2.5% plus $0.10 | 2.9% plus $0.30 | Yes | No | |||||||
| ||||||||||||
 Square | $0 | 2.6% plus $0.10 | 2.9% plus $0.30 | Yes | Yes | |||||||
|
Both Square and National Processing offer businesses straightforward and reliable credit card processing. With a quick setup, no monthly fees and a pay-as-you-go flat rate, Square is an attractive option for low-volume merchants. With no monthly fees, seasonal small businesses, for example, can use Square during peak season and then pay nothing during the off-season. Its free software and no monthly fees make it a good fit for startups that cannot pay upfront costs to set up in-store credit card processing.
In contrast, National Processing charges a monthly fee (plans start at $9.95), but this fee may be offset by low interchange-plus rates (0.14% plus $0.07 for restaurants and 0.18% plus $0.10 for retail). With all the equipment needed to scale provided for free and a price-match guarantee for operations that transact over $10,000 per month, National Processing creates a serious value add that can work in favor of merchants with routinely high monthly transaction volumes.
Square offers added features that make it ideal for startups looking for an infrastructure on which to build business operations. It offers marketing, loyalty programs, payroll processing, customer relationship management, staff management and invoicing tools. For startups needing no upfront costs but paid solutions they can grow into, Square is the best choice.
In the end, higher transaction volumes equal lower fees, making National Processing a great fit for larger, more established companies or those with consistent sales. If your business has unpredictable transaction volumes, Square is a solid choice with built-in POS software, no monthly fee and pricing based on only what you sell.
Is National Processing right for your business?
Finding the right credit card processing company for your business requires balancing cost, features and support. With full pricing transparency, competitive rates, a best-price guarantee and useful integrations, National Processing hits many marks for cost-effectiveness, useful features and convenience.
We like the fact that seasonal businesses and those with varying sales can still enjoy low transaction fees, which can more than make up for being locked into a monthly rate. And, the idea that larger businesses and those that transact heavily can have confidence in a competitive pricing guarantee is a bonus.
National Processing is best for companies that prefer no long-term contract or monthly transaction minimums. It is a low-risk solution for businesses with fluctuating sales, and even cost-conscious mid-size businesses looking to secure an affordable option. With risk-mitigation tools and a high approval rating for high-risk merchants, National Processing is a good fit for companies such as those in the firearm, dropshipping and high-risk payment services industries.
However, if you’re not interested in paying a monthly fee and want to avoid the hassles associated with early termination, Square may be a better provider for you.
Methodology
We extensively research the key competitors within an industry to determine the best products and services for your business. Our experts identify the factors that matter most to business owners, including pricing, features and customer support, to ensure that our recommendations offer well-rounded products that will meet the needs of various small businesses.
We collect extensive data to narrow our best list to reputable, easy-to-use products with stand-out features at a reasonable price point. And we look at user reviews to ensure that business owners like you are satisfied with our top picks’ services. We use the same rubric to assess companies within a particular space so you can confidently follow our blueprint to the Best credit card processing.
Featured credit card processing offers
Stax
Monthly fee
$99
Swiped transaction fee
7¢ to 10¢ + interchange rate
Merchant One
Monthly fee
$13.95
Swiped transaction fee
0.29% to 1.55% per transaction
Payment Depot
Free Trial
No
Offers
$0 Setup & No Cancellation Fees
Pricing
Customized Interchange+ Pricing – Rates as low as 0.2% – 1.95%
Clover
Monthly fee
$14.95
Swiped transaction fee
2.6% + 10¢
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Setting up an account with National Processing can be done online.
- Fill out an online application, providing relevant information and documents related to your business, such as a voided check, tax returns and a detailed description of your company’s activities.
- Agree to National Processing’s terms and conditions and to a hard credit pull.
- Provide verification of your identity.
Once your account is approved, usually within 24 hours, you will be contacted. However, processing may take a few days and you will likely need to provide more detailed information on your business and your banking through the underwriting process.
National Processing does not currently offer a free trial. However, you can secure the service on a monthly basis and use the online calculator to get real time, transparent details on how much you are required to pay per-transaction and monthly.
National Processing does not require businesses to sign contracts, although they do offer them. Customers can opt for a monthly contract or lock in a rate for the life of a two or three-year contract (early termination fees apply). Month-to-month Basic plans are available for both in-person and e-commerce businesses at $9.95 per month as well as an Advanced plan that costs $19+ per month.
National Processing offers terminals to fit all business needs, from tabletop units to full POS stations. For example, its Clover Flex is a handheld POS system. For countertop terminals, it offers the DejavooZ9, Dejavoo Z11 or Dejavoo Z8 — all with contactless touch screen (controllable via gestures), self-discovering wi-fi and 400 MHz high speed microprocessors. For on-the-go use, it also offers the SwipeSimple A920, and SwipeSimple A80, with high-resolution touchscreen, long-lasting battery, cloud-based functionality and more.
National Processing is Level 1 PCI compliant — the strictest level available for securing credit card transactions from fraud and theft. All stored customer data (financial and personal) is end-to-end encrypted. In addition to all POS and gateways maintaining PCI compliance, National Processing performs regular security scans to ensure every merchant account meets these standards.
National Processing does not have a mobile app at this time. However, its website is optimized for mobile, loads quickly and is user-friendly to navigate on a smartphone or tablet.
National Processing supports integrations with a variety of popular e-commerce platforms, bookkeeping software and even a leading CRM, including:
- Quickbooks
- WordPress
- Big Commerce
- Ecwid
- Zendesk
- Shopify
- Opencart
National Processing offers a variety of payment solutions available across industries, including:
- Customized POS systems for restaurants and retail shops that help with inventory management, accounting sales reporting and customer-experience management.
- Gateways for connecting to online shopping carts, and online store payment processing.
- Integrations requiring little advanced development knowledge with Shopify, Woocommerce, Zendesk and more.
- Virtual payments without hardware for processing online or phone orders.
- ACH processing, making it possible for businesses that already accept credit cards to accept recurring payments.
- A cash discount plan that allows you to accept cash as payment and reward your customers with a cash-payment discount.
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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