The Pros and Cons of Accepting Credit Cards - Credit Card Processing & Merchant Services - Allied Wallet (2024)

If your business is considering various forms of payment, like accepting credit cards, you’ll want to consider the pros and cons of these payments. Accepting card payments expands purchasing options for your customers, but can also add extra bookkeeping work and credit card processing rates to your overhead. Keep reading for a comprehensive list of pros and cons.

Pros

Cards, Cards, Everywhere a Card

Credit and debit cards are the most commonly used form of payment today. In fact only 27 percent of all POS purchases were made with cash, and that number is expected to get smaller and smaller. Simply stated, customers make more purchases with payment cards, and they expect to be able to use them wherever they go.

Easier Than Ever

It’s also easier than ever before to accept card payments. Online payment gateways have opened the door to easier options for taking credit cards. All kinds of vendors, from traditional brick and mortar shops to pop up and mobile markets, can accept and process credit card purchases.

Increase Your Sales

It’s a simple fact that people don’t carry large amounts of cash. If a customer walks into your business and can’t make a purchase because you don’t accept cards, you’ll most likely lose that sale. Offering card payment options increases impulse buys.

Cons

Fees

Accepting credit cards means that you’ll also take on extra expenses to operate your business. Most payment gateways require initial set up fees as well as additional credit card processing rates. While these fees are fairly small, over time they can add up and eat away at your profits

Extra Work

Adding card payment options also means extra bookkeeping. You’ll need to develop and implement a strategy to track and balance all of your card payments, credit card processing rates, and other fees associated with merchant accounts and payment gateways.

Fraud and Security

Finally, adding credit and debit card payment options increase the risk of fraud and other security issues. Credit cards are easily stolen and accepting them increases the chance of fraudulent card use. Card payment gateways facilitate the communication of sensitive personal and financial data. If this information isn’t safeguarded by solid security features, it can be compromised.

To Charge or Not to Charge

Ultimately, choosing whether or not to accept card payment options is an important decision. In the modern world, customers carry less cash than they used to and rely on credit and debit cards for everyday purchases both big and small. If you want your business to grow and thrive you simply need to add a card payment option.

We Can Help

Allied Wallet proudly offers a range of payment services designed to meet your business’ needs. Whether you’re an independent store or a large chain, we have credit and debit card processing options for you. We offer highly secure payment options with low credit card processing rates. Call today to begin accepting safe and secure credit card payments.

The Pros and Cons of Accepting Credit Cards - Credit Card Processing & Merchant Services - Allied Wallet (2024)

FAQs

The Pros and Cons of Accepting Credit Cards - Credit Card Processing & Merchant Services - Allied Wallet? ›

Credit cards offer several benefits – like reward programs, security features, and an opportunity to build a positive credit history. But unfortunately, they also come with several drawbacks, like high-interest rates and the risk of accumulating a high debt-to-income ratio.

What are the pros and cons of credit cards? ›

Credit cards offer several benefits – like reward programs, security features, and an opportunity to build a positive credit history. But unfortunately, they also come with several drawbacks, like high-interest rates and the risk of accumulating a high debt-to-income ratio.

What are the disadvantages of accepting credit card payment? ›

Disadvantages of credit cards
  • In order to accept card payments, you'll need to pay a credit card processing company. ...
  • Another issue to consider is payment failure. ...
  • Customer disputes are another credit card disadvantage. ...
  • As a push-based payment, it's up to the customer to complete a sale and trigger a payment.

What are the pros and cons of using a credit card as a method of payment? ›

Pros include: building credit, convenience, rewards and incentives, freedom to shop online, and cover for emergencies. Cons include: potentially harming credit, overspending and going into debt, high interest, and fees. The key things to consider are responsible use and spending within your budget.

What are the advantages of accepting credit card payments from customers? ›

Faster transactions + improved cash flow

Faster transactions mean quicker deposits into your bank account. Accepting credit cards, in general, leads to more consistent sales and deposits, smoothing out revenue waves and aiding with financial planning.

What is one of the biggest dangers in using a credit card? ›

Interest charges. Perhaps the most obvious drawback of using a credit card is paying interest. Credit cards tend to charge high interest rates, which can drag you deeper and deeper in debt if you're not careful. The good news: Interest isn't inevitable.

What is the biggest disadvantage of using a credit card? ›

Credit cards often come with several hidden costs that can add up quickly and cause you to go into debt even faster. These include late fees, annual fees, cash advance fees, or balance transfer fees (if applicable). There are also penalty fees for exceeding your credit limit (over-limit fees) and more.

Who should not take a credit card? ›

1. Individuals who revolve their credit. Credit card companies emphasize the importance of clearing the minimum amount due on time and paying off the entire balance before the due date to avoid interest, fees, and charges.

Why don't people accept credit cards? ›

Many merchants in the U.S. do accept credit cards. However, some of them do not want to incur the associated fees required to process the transactions. These are often called “swipe fees." These fees differ among credit card issuers and networks, but generally average between 2% and 3% of each transaction.

When you borrowed $50 from your rich cousin? ›

When you borrowed $50 from your rich cousin and then had to pay her back $60, the additional $10 is considered interest. Interest is the extra money that is paid on top of the principal amount borrowed. In this case, the $50 is the principal, and the $10 is the interest.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of credit? ›

iv)It increases purchasing power and standard of living. 2)Disadvantages: i)Charge a fee for late payments. ii)If it is not properly used negative effect on credit history will arise. iii)Interest rate will increase if it is not paid on time.

Is paying with cash better? ›

Consumers may save 2% to 4% on their purchase by using cash. They'll also often save with a debit card, experts said. Businesses charge more for credit card purchases due to fees they incur per transaction.

What is a disadvantage of accepting credit card payments? ›

Fraud. This is a concern not only for the customer but for the business too. Legitimate cash transactions are notoriously difficult to defraud but accepting credit cards and online payments leaves a business open to data breaches and other fraudulent behaviours.

Is it good to accept credit cards? ›

Allowing your customers to pay with credit cards can yield a number of advantages for your business that could lead to greater growth. Major reasons to accept credit cards include: Improving cash flow, since it can speed up payment times and reduce delays. Legitimizing your business in the eyes of customers.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a credit card to make purchases? ›

Key takeaways
  • With responsible use, credit cards can help you build your credit and earn valuable rewards. ...
  • Keep in mind that credit card interest rates are high, and if you don't pay on time and in full, you could accumulate debt and hurt your credit score.
Aug 27, 2024

What are the advantages of a credit card? ›

Credit cards offer the ultimate convenience and flexibility, allowing you to make purchases anytime, anywhere, without having to carry cash. They can be a lifesaver in case of emergency expenses, such as unexpected purchases or medical bills, when your account balance is low or cash payment is simply not an option.

What are the pros and cons of debit cards? ›

Debit cards come with both benefits and drawbacks. Debit card advantages include flexibility, security, and the ability to use them almost anywhere. Debit cards can help some consumers manage money. Debit card cons include a lack of features, such as cashback rewards and additional protections.

What are the risks of a credit card? ›

If you don't pay at least the minimum amount, you risk:
  • your interest rate increasing.
  • negatively affecting your credit score.
  • losing the benefit of any promotional rate offer you have.
  • your financial institution cancelling your credit card.
  • your card provider cancelling your credit card balance insurance.
Sep 29, 2023

Is it better to have a credit card or not? ›

Credit cards can help you improve your credit score, but only if you use them responsibly. Your payment history and borrowing amount are the two biggest factors in your credit score. Secured credit cards are an option for borrowers with a poor credit history.

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