Accepting credit cards can feel like a big leap, especially if you’re running a lean operation or just starting out. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, getting set up can be fast, secure, and a smart way to support your growth. Here's what you need to know.
A credit card payment is when a customer pays you using funds from their card issuer, which they repay later. It can be processed in person or online, and allows you to collect payment instantly.
The University of Chicago reports that credit card usage by small US businesses nearly doubled between 2021 and 2023. While Expensify found that 83% of US businesses use at least one business card, and average monthly spend had grown to USD $24,000 by 2022. They're not just using them to pay though, they're expecting to accept them too.
Accepting cards isn't just about convenience, although your customers will certainly appreciate that. It also builds trust in your business, helping you appear more established and reliable. Faster settlement times mean less time waiting for your money, and that can make a real difference to your day-to-day cash flow.
According to CardRates credit cards are now the second most preferred payment method among US small businesses, just behind cheques.
If you sell face-to-face, you’ve got a few flexible options. Terminals that support chip, tap or swipe are standard, but newer QR-based methods are gaining traction too.
If you sell online, you’ll need a payment gateway that can handle credit card transactions securely and reliably. Small businesses can choose between two setup options:
Both approaches support a wide range of card types and allow for additional features like recurring billing or digital wallets if needed.
For businesses that invoice or take payments over the phone, there are straightforward methods too.
At a glance, processing a credit card might seem instantaneous—but several systems are working in the background to make it happen.
Understanding each step helps clarify where transaction fees come from, why delays happen, and how different solutions affect speed and reliability.
Every business has different needs. If you're selling in person, you'll want something that's quick at the counter. If you're online, you'll want something that integrates well with your website or app.
Think about how and where you sell:
Look for:
Card processing comes at a cost, but the key is knowing what you're paying for and how to keep that manageable.
Most businesses pay 1.5% to 3.5% per transaction. Fees may include:
Beyond these, some providers add layers of extra charges that can quietly inflate your costs. For example, monthly minimums may apply, meaning you could be charged a fee if your sales volume falls below a set threshold. There may also be PCI compliance fees if your provider requires you to complete security scans or paperwork to remain certified.
Then there are refund and chargeback fees, which you’ll incur if a customer disputes a payment or requests a return. These can add up quickly, especially if you're in an industry with higher return rates or if your dispute process isn't airtight.
To keep costs in check, it's worth using an EMV reader rather than manually entering card details. Manual entry is often treated as higher risk, and tends to come with higher fees. Choosing a provider that offers local acquiring can also help you avoid cross-border charges if you sell internationally. And once you start processing at higher volumes, don’t be afraid to negotiate your rates. It’s often possible to bring fees down once your business proves its transaction history.
If you're selling online, here’s a typical setup:
Your online store could be built with an e-commerce platform like Shopify, WooCommerce or Wix, or it might be a custom-built site. Either way, you’ll need to choose a gateway that’s compatible with your setup. Some platforms have native integrations with payment providers, so setup can be as simple as toggling a setting and pasting in your API keys.
For hosted checkouts, the payment process is handled entirely by the gateway on their own secure page. This reduces your security obligations and helps ensure PCI compliance. It’s also easier to troubleshoot if issues arise.
Embedded checkouts, on the other hand, keep the user on your site through the full payment process. This gives you more design control and a smoother experience for returning customers, especially if you enable one-click payments or store customer details securely.
Once integrated, you'll need to test your setup. Most providers offer sandbox environments where you can simulate transactions and confirm everything is working as expected. When you're ready to go live, you’ll activate real payments, configure your accepted card types, and connect your settlement account.
From there, you can monitor sales through your dashboard, view payment statuses, and manage refunds or chargebacks as needed. You can also explore features like saved cards for repeat customers, or subscription tools if your business uses recurring billing.
Antom’s Online Checkout supports all of this through a single integration, letting you scale easily as your needs evolve.
You don’t need to be a security expert to take payments safely. But you do need to meet PCI DSS requirements—which is much easier when your provider handles most of it for you.
Antom Shield helps you manage this without the complexity:
Taking cards does more than add a payment option. It signals trust, unlocks more sales, and can help you get paid faster.
Nearly 60% of small businesses use credit cards for financing, and customers expect the same flexibility when paying you.
With Antom, you get:
Whether you're just starting or scaling fast, Antom helps you accept credit card payments with less stress and more control.