We receive advertising fees from brands we review that affect ranking & scoring.

CardX is a merchant services provider specializing in credit card surcharging, enabling businesses to pass credit card processing fees directly to customers. This approach allows merchants to retain the full transaction amount, potentially reducing operational costs. This review examines CardX’s offerings, pricing, advantages, and limitations to assess its suitability for various business types.

Service Overview

CardX offers a comprehensive suite of payment processing solutions tailored to businesses aiming to minimize credit card processing expenses. By implementing a customer-paid surcharge model, CardX ensures merchants receive the total sale amount for credit card transactions. The company provides the necessary technology and compliance support to facilitate this model, ensuring adherence to state and card network regulations.

At a glance

  • Editorial Score: 9.2/10
  • Rates: CardX’s surcharge model effectively eliminates credit card processing fees for merchants.
  • Fees: Transparent fee structure, though costs may arise from hardware and additional services.
  • Services: Comprehensive payment processing solutions, including in-person, online, and mobile payments.
  • Additional Benefits: Automated compliance tools, EMV-enabled terminals, and integration capabilities.
  • Customer Support: 24/7 support available, with resources to assist businesses in implementing the surcharge model.

Pros and Cons

check mark icon

Pros

  • Eliminates credit card processing fees for merchants through a customer-paid surcharge model.
  • Provides automated compliance tools to navigate complex surcharging regulations.
  • Offers a range of payment processing solutions suitable for various business types.
x icon

Cons

  • Not all states permit credit card surcharging, limiting CardX's applicability in certain regions.

CardX’s innovative approach to credit card processing can significantly reduce costs for merchants. However, businesses should consider customer perceptions of surcharges and ensure compliance with state regulations.

Detailed Features and Offerings

CardX provides a range of features designed to facilitate seamless payment processing while adhering to surcharging regulations:

  • Automated Compliance: CardX’s technology automatically applies surcharges where permitted and ensures compliance with state laws and card network rules.

  • EMV-Enabled Terminals: The company offers EMV Quick Chip terminals for secure in-person transactions, reducing fraud risk.

  • Virtual Terminal: For businesses processing payments remotely, CardX provides a virtual terminal to accept payments over the phone or via mail order.

  • Online Payment Solutions: CardX supports online payments through hosted payment pages and integrations with e-commerce platforms.

  • Integration Capabilities: The platform integrates with various accounting and business management systems, streamlining operations.

 

Customer Experience

CardX emphasizes a user-friendly experience, offering straightforward onboarding and setup processes. The company’s automated compliance tools simplify the implementation of surcharging, reducing the administrative burden on businesses. Customer support is available 24/7, providing assistance with technical issues and compliance inquiries. However, some users have reported challenges in reaching support during peak times.

Unique Selling Propositions

What sets Clover apart in the payment solutions domain are several unique features:

  • Cost Savings: By passing credit card processing fees to customers, merchants can significantly reduce expenses.
  • Compliance Assurance: CardX’s automated tools ensure adherence to complex surcharging regulations, minimizing legal risks.
  • Comprehensive Solutions: The company offers a full suite of payment processing options, catering to various business models.
 

Customer Support and Services

CardX provides multiple support channels, including phone, email, and live chat, to assist businesses with their payment processing needs. The company offers resources such as training materials and compliance guides to help merchants implement surcharging effectively. While support is generally responsive, some users have noted delays during high-demand periods.

 

Pricing and Fees

Monthly Fees
CardX offers subscription plans starting at $29 per month for virtual terminal access, with additional costs for hardware rentals.
Transaction Fees
For credit card transactions, customers pay a 3.5% surcharge, while merchants pay no processing fees. For debit card transactions, merchants pay 1% plus $0.25 per transaction, as surcharging debit cards is prohibited.
Hardware Costs
EMV-enabled terminals are available for a monthly rental fee, with pricing varying based on the selected device.

Final Assessment

CardX offers an innovative solution for businesses looking to reduce credit card processing costs through a customer-paid surcharge model. The company’s automated compliance tools and comprehensive payment processing solutions make it a viable option for various business types. However, businesses should consider customer perceptions of surcharges and ensure compliance with state regulations before implementing this model.

Overall Rating:

9.1/10
Pricing
9.2/10
Features
9.4/10
Ease of use
8.8/10
Help and Support
9.0/10

Conclusion

CardX provides a compelling option for businesses seeking to eliminate credit card processing fees through surcharging. The company’s focus on compliance and comprehensive service offerings make it a strong contender in the merchant services market. However, businesses should carefully evaluate the potential impact on customer satisfaction and ensure adherence to applicable regulations before adopting this model.