Unearthing Savings and Efficiencies:
In July, the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) introduced 
regulations that have now become statutory. These regulation mandates all major payment providers, (Adyen, AIBMS, Barclays, Chase, Clover, Elavon, EVO Payments, Global Payments, Lloyds Bank, PayPal, Square, Stripe, SumUp & Worldpay) that adhere to the code of conduct, to offer greater transparency on their customers’ monthly statements. As the UK’s largest independent payments broker, we’ve long championed this level of transparency, which is now finally becoming a reality.
Under this regulation, customers can now access a wealth of data on their monthly statements, offering a comprehensive overview of the types of cards accepted, associated charges, and card transaction histories spanning a 12-month period. While this development is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, it’s essential to delve deeper into what this means for businesses that accept card payments.
Transparency is Key
Transparency in financial transactions is crucial for both businesses and consumers. It builds trust, aids in decision-making, and ensures that everyone involved in the payment process is fully informed. The PSR’s regulatory intervention is a significant stride toward achieving this transparency, and it empowers businesses to gain greater insights into their payment operations.
Rethinking What “Good” Looks Like
One might assume that such transparency would naturally lead businesses to review their payment processing methods to ensure they are getting the best possible deal. However, we’ve observed an unexpected trend: many businesses are not taking full advantage of this newfound transparency. Why? Because determining what constitutes a “good deal” in the complex world of payment processing is not always straightforward.
Going Beyond the Headline Rates
The data on monthly statements typically highlights headline rates, but payment processing is far more intricate than these rates suggest. There are numerous factors to consider, such as the types of cards used, authorisation fees, transaction volumes, size, and chargeback rates. All these elements can significantly impact a payment solution’s overall cost and efficiency.
Unearthing Hidden Opportunities
This is where the expertise of a payments broker like acceptcards® comes into play. We have the tools and knowledge to interrogate each and every transaction, identifying opportunities for savings and efficiencies that might otherwise go unnoticed and we do all this hard work for free, as we get paid
when our recommendations are taken by the customer.
Optimising Acquirers: By analysing transaction data, we can pinpoint the best acquirer for a business to switch to, potentially reducing processing fees and improving overall efficiency.
Alternative Payment Methods: We can evaluate whether it’s advantageous to introduce alternative payment methods, like Pay by Bank, which may offer cost savings and enhance the customer experience.
Merchant Performance Program: Activation of programs like the Merchant Performance Program can help businesses fine-tune their payment processing to achieve better results.
Conclusion;
The PSR’s new regulations mark a significant step forward in enhancing transparency in payment processing. However, the true value of this transparency lies in how businesses leverage it to their benefit. It’s not enough to settle for what seems like a “Good deal” based solely on headline rates. To truly unlock the potential for savings and efficiencies, businesses should consider partnering with experts like acceptcards® who delve into the intricacies of payment data and reveal opportunities for improvement.
In this era of rapid technological change, staying ahead in the payments landscape requires more than just accepting cards; it demands a proactive approach to understanding and optimising your full payments set up. By embracing the new regulations and seeking professional guidance, businesses can ensure that they save money and operate at the peak of efficiency.
