The restaurant credit card processing industry is a highly specialized field that caters to a wide range of merchant needs, from food trucks with a single register to national chains. The difference in restaurant merchant accounts and processing means there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for all restaurants.
Some locations may require a single iPad POS system, while others may need many traditional terminals. With such a wide range of possibilities, it can be challenging for business owners to find the right provider for their needs.
To assist with the search, we have compiled a guide for the best restaurant card processors that offer a combination of restaurant fair and transparent pricing, POS software and hardware, and positive customer service.
These providers cater to small pop and mom locations’ unique needs and growth and large food service enterprises. It’s important to review each company’s service and product offerings before ensuring they are the best fit for your business.
Best Restaurant Merchant Accounts
- PaymentCloud
- Host Merchant Services
- National Processing
- CDG Commerce
- Square
PaymentCloud
PaymentCloud, a merchant account provider located in Woodland Hills, California, is committed to providing unparalleled service to the restaurant industry, including those classified as high-risk such as new and pioneering establishments. The company offers a comprehensive range of solutions, including point-of-sale technology, mobile card swipers, an online payment gateway, a virtual terminal, EMV-compliant terminals, and merchant cash advances.
Another standout feature of PaymentCloud is the provision of a personal account representative for every new merchant, ensuring a dedicated point of contact for the duration of the account. Furthermore, PaymentCloud has an unblemished record with zero negative feedback on consumer forums and offers bespoke pricing options tailored to the specific needs of each merchant’s business type and processing history.
Host Merchant Services
This merchant account provider is designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of businesses, including restaurants. Their comprehensive offerings include online marketing tools, point-of-sale solutions, gift and loyalty programs, mobile credit card processing, and merchant cash advance. Additionally, the company provides various e-commerce solutions that cater to the unique needs of restaurants that host special events.
With a reputation for excellence, Host Merchant Services has gotten so many mobile credit card processing and glowing reviews on public forums, with customers praising their exceptional customer service. The company’s pricing model is also a standout feature, with interchange-plus pricing and no early termination fees, allowing merchants to cancel service without incurring any penalties.
National Processing
National Processing is a merchant account provider that offers a variety of credit card processing solutions for restaurants and is dedicated to helping restaurant owners find suitable POS systems to meet their specific needs. They provide two pricing options for their clients, an interchange-plus program and a “zero-fee” program, both of which offer competitive rates.
One of the standout features of National Processing is its reputation for honesty and integrity. They have a clean record, with only one complaint filed in the last three years, which is not concerning. The company is dedicated to ensuring that its clients have a positive experience and that their business runs smoothly. They have a team of experienced professionals available to assist with any questions or concerns that may arise during the process. They also offer 24/7 customer support to ensure clients can access assistance whenever needed.
Additionally, National Processing provides its clients with a wide range of services, including mobile card processing, online payment gateway, EMV-compatible terminals, virtual terminal, and merchant cash advances. They also offer a dedicated account representative for each new merchant, who will be available for the duration of the account. Furthermore, the company has a transparent pricing model with no early termination fees, allowing merchants to cancel service without penalties.
CDG Commerce
CDG Commerce, based in Port Orange, Florida, has been a top-ranked provider for a decade. The business offers simple, transparent, and straightforward Interchange pricing, making it a great option for restaurants that value transparent rates and affordable rates.
They provide a comprehensive variety of payment products like their virtual terminal and payment gateway, Quantum, and e-commerce and wireless processing solutions.
One of the unique features of CDG Commerce is the wide range of software options available for integration. This allows restaurants to customize their system to meet their specific needs.
Additionally, unlike larger card processors where customer service interactions can be impersonal, with CDG Commerce, clients have access to the same dedicated customer service representative for all their customer service needs.
This ensures that clients receive personalized and prompt attention to their concerns. The company’s commitment to providing exceptional service and cost-effective solutions makes it an excellent choice for restaurants.
Square
Square, a leader in the processing industry, operates differently than the traditional providers listed above. Instead of providing a merchant account after a vetting process, Square, similar to Stripe and PayPal, is a processor and offers access to a prominent merchant account shared by all service users.
This results in an easier and quicker approval process, but it also carries a risk of having funds held or account termination. To safeguard your business, you must familiarize yourself with ways to avoid having your account terminated or your funds frozen.
The advantage of Square is its vast array of merchant services. The services include a payment gateway, payment processing, affordable card readers, a free POS system, developer tools, invoicing, inventory management, and many more. You can make the Square app settings accept these tips on a printed receipt or electronically. Moreover, you also have the choice to integrate with some POS systems.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Merchant Account for Your Restaurant
Fees and rates
Consider comparing the fees and rates of different merchant account providers to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Some providers may charge a flat rate per transaction, while others may charge a percentage of the sale. Consider any additional fees, such as setup or monthly fees.
Payment processing options
Different merchant account providers offer additional payment processing options. Some providers may only offer credit and debit card processing, while others may also provide e-checks, ACH payments, and other electronic payments. Consider which types of payments you want to accept and ensure that the provider you choose offers them.
Security and fraud protection
With increasing data breaches and cyber-attacks, choosing a merchant account provider with robust security and fraud protection is important. Be sure to look for providers that use encryption, tokenization, and other security measures to protect your customers’ sensitive information.
Customer service and support
When choosing a merchant account provider, you need to consider the customer service and support they offer. Look for providers with a dedicated customer support team available to assist you with any questions or issues that may arise.
Conclusion
Obtaining a merchant account for your restaurant business is crucial for the growth of your business. It allows you to accept electronic payments, increases sales, and improves customer satisfaction. Carefully research and compare different merchant account providers to find the best fit for your restaurant’s needs.
