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PayWavez Blog: payment processing insights
Timely, practical posts on processing cost, compliance, and hardware — updated regularly. Looking for evergreen reference material instead? Check out our Guides.
Sep 5, 2026 · Processing Costs
Level 2 and Level 3 Processing: What B2B Merchants Should Know
B2B and B2G merchants can qualify for lower interchange rates by submitting extra transaction data.
Sep 5, 2026 · Processing Costs
How Payment Processing Rates Are Actually Calculated
Your effective rate is built from several layers, not one number — here's how they stack.
Sep 5, 2026 · Pricing Programs
Surcharge Programs vs. Cash Discount Programs: What's the Real Difference?
Both shift card cost to the customer, but the mechanics and signage rules genuinely differ.
Aug 16, 2026 · Compliance
PCI Compliance for Small Business: What You Actually Have to Do This Year
Four concrete, actionable things a small merchant actually has to do to stay PCI compliant this year.
Aug 16, 2026 · Product Education
What Is a Smart Terminal, and Do You Need One?
Smart terminals combine card acceptance with built-in checkout software — here's who actually needs one.
Aug 16, 2026 · Cost Check
5 Signs Your Business Is Overpaying for Card Processing
Tiered pricing, stacked fees, and vague statements are common signs a business is paying more than it should.
Aug 16, 2026 · Getting Started
How Long Does Merchant Account Approval Actually Take?
A realistic look at underwriting timelines, and how instant boarding compresses the process.
Aug 16, 2026 · Compliance
Dual Pricing vs. Surcharging: Which Is Legal in Your State
Both programs offset card cost, but they aren't the same program — and state law decides which one you can run.
Aug 16, 2026 · Pricing
Interchange Fees Explained: What Actually Drives Your Processing Cost
A plain-English breakdown of interchange, assessments, and processor markup — the three real costs behind every statement.
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