Merchant resources
What to ask before signing a merchant services agreement
Review pricing, commitments, funding, equipment, security responsibilities and data access before accepting a merchant services program.
What is the complete cost?
Request processing markup, per-item fees, monthly charges, minimums, gateway, PCI-related, dispute and equipment costs. Ask how fees can change and how notice is provided. A hardware offer may require a separate commitment.
How can the agreement end?
Check initial term, renewal, cancellation notice, termination charges and separate leases. Determine whether equipment must be returned and whether software subscriptions remain active. Seek qualified advice if provisions are unclear.
When and how are funds available?
Ask about batch cutoff, gross/net funding, holds, reserves and risk review. Expedited funding may have additional requirements or costs. Approval and a published deposit schedule do not rule out account reviews.
Example: separate the equipment agreement
A merchant may have flexible processing terms but a separate hardware lease. Canceling processing does not automatically cancel the lease. Compare every agreement involved in the proposed setup.
Who handles support and data?
Confirm installation scope, support hours, incident escalation, replacement terms and merchant security obligations. Ask about exports, token portability, report access and refunds after cancellation. Liftoff can help organize these questions, but this guide is not legal advice.
Common merchant questions
Can I rely on a verbal promise?
Ask that material pricing, benefits, equipment and contract terms be confirmed in the written offer and agreements.
Are all providers month-to-month?
No. Processing, software, equipment and add-on commitments vary independently.