Do You Need a Contract to Accept Credit Cards in 2026? No — Here's Why

Quick answer: No. In 2026, merchants do not need to sign a long-term contract to accept credit card payments. Modern payment processing infrastructure is standardized enough that month-to-month service, no application fees, and free loaner hardware are realistic options — not rare exceptions. If a processor is asking you to sign a multi-year agreement, that's a choice they're making to protect their revenue, not a requirement of the industry.

If a payment processor is asking you to sign a multi-year contract right now, that's your first red flag. Not your last — your first.

Long-term merchant services contracts made sense fifteen years ago, when processors had to justify the cost of installing hardware and building custom integrations. That excuse doesn't hold up anymore. The technology is standardized, the hardware is cheap to provision, and the competition for your business is fierce. A processor who still needs you locked into a 3-year agreement to make the math work isn't offering you a good deal — they're protecting themselves from you leaving once you realize you could've done better.

Key Takeaways

• You do not need to sign a contract to accept credit card payments as a small business in 2026.

• Early termination fees can range from a few hundred dollars to five figures, depending on how they're calculated.

• Equipment leases are often separate from your processing contract and carry their own cancellation penalties.

• You have the right to ask for your contract in your own language, not just English.

• Berry Payments offers no contract, no cancellation fee, no application fee, and free loaner Clover terminals.

What You're Actually Agreeing To in a Merchant Services Contract

Most merchant processing agreements bury a few costly terms that only become a problem the day you try to leave:

Early termination fees. These typically run anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to thousands, depending on how your contract calculates the penalty. Some processors charge a flat fee. Others prorate it based on time remaining. Some calculate it as "liquidated damages" tied to your average monthly processing volume multiplied by the months left on your term — which can turn into a five-figure bill if you're trying to leave a 36-month contract with a year and a half still on it.

Application fees. A fee just to apply, before you've even processed a single transaction with them.

Equipment leases. Many merchants don't realize they're leasing their terminal, not buying it. Leases can run for years, cost more than the terminal is worth, and often come with their own separate cancellation penalty completely apart from your processing contract.

PCI non-compliance fees, Application Fees — the list goes on. Each one is small enough on its own to slide past you on a statement, but they add up to real money leaving your account every single month for a relationship you didn't even choose to be locked into.

Why This Doesn't Have to Be Your Reality

Here's the part that gets lost in the sales pitch: none of this is required to accept credit cards. It never was, and today, less than ever.

Modern processing infrastructure means a business can be fully set up, running a terminal, and taking payments without signing away years of their business relationship to do it. If a provider is leading with a long contract term, an application fee, or hardware you have to lease, that's a choice they're making — not an industry requirement.

How Berry Payments Does It Differently

At Berry Payments, we built our merchant services around one simple idea: earn the business every month, not lock it in.

• No contract. You're free to leave whenever you want, for whatever reason.

• No cancellation fee. Because there's no contract to cancel.

• No application fee. We don't charge you to say yes to us.

• Free loaner Clover terminals. You get professional, reliable hardware without buying it outright or getting stuck in a lease you can't get out of. MOST new clients qualify for a free Clover Flex 4 Smart Terminal.

We've been doing this since 2009, and the way we see it, if we're not actively earning your business, we don't deserve to keep it. That's a completely different relationship than the one most processors are offering you.

Questions to Ask Before You Sign Anything

If you're currently shopping for a new processor, or you're just tired of a contract you're already in, ask a few direct questions before you commit to anyone:

1. Is there a contract term, and how long is it?

2. What's the early termination fee, exactly — flat, prorated, or liquidated damages?

3. Do I own the terminal, or am I leasing it?

4. Is there an application fee?

5. What happens if I want to leave in six months?

If any of those answers make you hesitate, that's worth paying attention to.

Can You Demand a Contract in Your Own Language?

Here's something too many merchants never think to ask for: you don't have to sign a contract in English just because your business operates in the United States.

If English isn't your first language, you deserve to fully understand every term you're agreeing to — not a summary, not a verbal explanation from a salesperson, but the actual terms and conditions in the language you're most comfortable reading. A merchant services company that respects you as a business owner will provide that. One that can't, or won't, is telling you something about how much they value your business versus how fast they want your signature.

Before you sign anything, ask directly: "Can you provide this contract in Spanish?" Or Mandarin, Vietnamese, Portuguese — whatever language you read best. A processor's willingness (or refusal) to do that is a fast, honest signal of how they'll treat you after you've signed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to sign a contract to accept credit cards? No. Many processors, including Berry Payments, offer month-to-month service with no long-term contract required.

What is a typical early termination fee for a merchant account? They range widely — anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a flat fee to a five-figure amount if calculated as liquidated damages tied to your remaining contract term and processing volume.

Do I own my credit card terminal, or am I leasing it? It depends on your provider. Many merchants unknowingly lease their terminal for years at a cost higher than the hardware is worth. Ask your processor directly, and confirm in writing.

Can I request my merchant services contract in a language other than English? You can and should ask. A reputable processor should be willing to provide contract terms in the language you're most comfortable reading, so you fully understand what you're agreeing to.

Does Berry Payments require a contract? No. Berry Payments offers no contract, no cancellation fee, no application fee, and free loaner Clover terminals to merchants in Oregon, Washington, and nationwide.

The Bottom Line

Don't throw away money on fees that exist purely to punish you for leaving. In today's market, a business relationship built on genuinely good service shouldn't need a contract to survive — and if a processor is asking you to sign one anyway, that tells you something about how confident they are in their own service.

Want to see what no-contract, no-hassle credit card processing actually looks like? Reach out to Berry Payments — we'll set you up with a free loaner Clover terminal and let our service speak for itself, month after month, with nothing forcing you to stay.

Berry Payments | Serving Oregon, Washington, and merchants nationwide since 2009 📞 888.560.9025 | 🌐 www.berrypayments.com

Deja de Firmar Contratos de Procesamiento de Tarjetas de Crédito — Por Qué No Es Necesario (Guía 2026)

Deja de Firmar Contratos de Procesamiento de Tarjetas de Crédito — Por Qué No Es Necesario

Si un procesador de pagos te está pidiendo que firmes un contrato de varios años en este momento, en 2026, esa es tu primera señal de alerta. No la última — la primera.

Los contratos de servicios de comerciante a largo plazo tenían sentido hace quince años, cuando los procesadores tenían que justificar el costo de instalar equipo y construir integraciones personalizadas. Esa excusa ya no se sostiene. La tecnología está estandarizada, el equipo es barato de proporcionar, y la competencia por tu negocio es feroz. Un procesador que todavía necesita un contrato de 3 años para que las cuentas les salgan bien no te está ofreciendo un buen trato — se está protegiendo a sí mismo de que te vayas el día que te des cuenta de que podías haber conseguido algo mejor.

Lo Que Realmente Estás Aceptando

La mayoría de los contratos de servicios de comerciante esconden algunos términos costosos que solo se convierten en un problema el día que intentas irte:

Tarifas de cancelación anticipada. Estas normalmente van desde unos cientos de dólares hasta miles, dependiendo de cómo tu contrato calcule la penalización. Algunos procesadores cobran una tarifa fija. Otros la prorratean según el tiempo restante. Algunos la calculan como "daños liquidados" ligados a tu volumen promedio de procesamiento mensual multiplicado por los meses restantes en tu contrato — lo cual puede convertirse en una factura de cinco cifras si estás tratando de salir de un contrato de 36 meses con un año y medio todavía pendiente.

Tarifas de solicitud. Una tarifa solo por aplicar, antes de que hayas procesado siquiera una sola transacción con ellos.

Arrendamiento de equipo. Muchos comerciantes no se dan cuenta de que están arrendando su terminal, no comprándola. Los arrendamientos pueden durar años, costar más de lo que vale la terminal, y a menudo vienen con su propia penalización de cancelación completamente separada de tu contrato de procesamiento.

Tarifas por incumplimiento de PCI, mínimos mensuales, tarifas de estado de cuenta — la lista sigue. Cada una es lo suficientemente pequeña por sí sola como para pasar desapercibida en un estado de cuenta, pero se suman a dinero real que sale de tu cuenta cada mes por una relación que ni siquiera elegiste tener.

Por Qué Esto No Tiene Que Ser Tu Realidad

Aquí está la parte que se pierde en el discurso de ventas: nada de esto es necesario para aceptar tarjetas de crédito. Nunca lo fue, y hoy en día, menos que nunca.

La infraestructura de procesamiento moderna significa que un negocio puede estar completamente configurado, con una terminal funcionando y aceptando pagos, sin tener que firmar años de compromiso con esa relación comercial para lograrlo. Si un proveedor empieza la conversación con un contrato de largo plazo, una tarifa de solicitud, o equipo que tienes que arrendar, esa es una decisión que están tomando ellos — no un requisito de la industria.

Cómo Lo Hace Berry Payments

En Berry Payments, construimos nuestros servicios de comerciante alrededor de una idea simple: ganarnos tu negocio cada mes, no atarte a él.

• Sin contrato. Eres libre de irte cuando quieras, por la razón que sea.

• Sin tarifa de cancelación. Porque no hay contrato que cancelar.

• Sin tarifa de solicitud. No te cobramos por decirnos que sí.

• Terminales Clover prestadas gratis. Obtienes equipo profesional y confiable sin comprarlo por completo ni quedar atrapado en un arrendamiento del que no puedas salir.

Hacemos esto desde 2009, y así es como lo vemos: si no nos estamos ganando activamente tu negocio, no merecemos conservarlo. Esa es una relación completamente diferente a la que te están ofreciendo la mayoría de los procesadores.

Exige un Contrato en Tu Propio Idioma

Aquí hay algo en lo que muy pocos comerciantes piensan pedir: no tienes que firmar un contrato en inglés solo porque tu negocio opera en Estados Unidos.

Si el inglés no es tu primer idioma, mereces entender completamente cada término que estás aceptando — no un resumen, no una explicación verbal de un vendedor, sino los términos y condiciones reales en el idioma en el que te sientas más cómodo leyendo. Una empresa de servicios de comerciante que te respeta como dueño de negocio te lo va a proporcionar. Una que no puede, o no quiere, te está diciendo algo sobre cuánto valora tu negocio frente a qué tan rápido quiere tu firma.

Antes de firmar cualquier cosa, pregunta directamente: "¿Puede proporcionarme este contrato en español?" O en mandarín, vietnamita, portugués — cualquier idioma en el que leas mejor. La disposición de un procesador (o su negativa) a hacerlo es una señal rápida y honesta de cómo te van a tratar después de que hayas firmado.

Antes de Firmar Cualquier Cosa

Si actualmente estás buscando un nuevo procesador, o simplemente estás cansado de un contrato en el que ya estás, hazte algunas preguntas directas antes de comprometerte con alguien:

1. ¿Hay un plazo de contrato, y de cuánto tiempo es?

2. ¿Cuál es la tarifa de cancelación anticipada, exactamente — fija, prorrateada, o daños liquidados?

3. ¿Soy dueño de la terminal, o la estoy arrendando?

4. ¿Hay una tarifa de solicitud?

5. ¿Qué pasa si quiero irme en seis meses?

Si alguna de esas respuestas te hace dudar, vale la pena prestarle atención.

En Resumen

No tires tu dinero en tarifas que existen solo para castigarte por irte. En el mercado de hoy, una relación comercial construida sobre un buen servicio genuino no debería necesitar un contrato para sobrevivir — y si un procesador te está pidiendo que firmes uno de todos modos, eso te dice algo sobre qué tan seguros están de su propio servicio.

¿Quieres ver cómo es realmente el procesamiento de tarjetas de crédito sin contrato y sin complicaciones? Comunícate con Berry Payments — te configuraremos con una terminal Clover prestada gratis y dejaremos que nuestro servicio hable por sí mismo, mes tras mes, sin nada que te obligue a quedarte.

Berry Payments | Sirviendo a Oregon, Washington, y comerciantes a nivel nacional desde 2009 📞 888.560.9025 | 🌐 www.berrypayments.com

Stop Paying for Clover Terminals: How Qualifying Merchants Get Free Loaner Clover Flex, Station, KDS, and Kiosks

If you're shopping for a Clover point-of-sale system, here's something most sales reps won't tell you: qualifying merchants shouldn't be paying for Clover hardware at all.

Some businesses are paying over $100 per month to lease a single Clover Flex 4. Others are shelling out thousands upfront for a Clover Station, kitchen display system, or self-service kiosk. At Berry Payments, qualifying merchants get brand-new loaner Clover equipment for free — no purchase, no lease payment.

Why is Clover equipment so expensive everywhere else?

Most payment processors sell through outside sales reps who earn commissions on every deal. That commission has to come from somewhere — usually your hardware lease, your equipment purchase, or inflated processing rates.

Berry Payments doesn't pay commissions to outside reps. That's not a gimmick; it's math. The money other processors spend on commissions is money we can put toward loaning you fresh Clover technology instead.

What free Clover equipment can you get?

Qualifying merchants can receive brand-new loaner units of:

• Clover Flex — the handheld POS for countertop, tableside, curbside, and line-busting

• Clover Station — the full-featured countertop POS for restaurants and retail

• Kitchen display systems (KDS) — order displays that keep your back-of-house running smoothly

• Self-service kiosks — let customers order and pay themselves, cut lines, and grow ticket sizes

How do you qualify for free Clover equipment?

Qualification is based on your monthly card processing volume, per unit:

EquipmentMonthly processing volume (per unit)Clover Flex$10,000Clover Station$25,000Self-service kiosk$50,000

If your business processes at these levels, why pay thousands for high-tech Clover equipment — or $100+ a month to lease it?

What about processing rates?

Free hardware doesn't mean much if a processor claws it back with hidden fees. Berry Payments' rates are competitive with Costco — one of the most aggressive benchmarks in merchant services. You get the free loaner equipment and low-cost processing.

Frequently asked questions

Is the loaner Clover equipment new or refurbished? Brand new. Qualifying merchants receive fresh, current-generation Clover hardware.

Do I have to buy the equipment eventually? No. It's a loaner program for qualifying merchants — you don't purchase or lease the hardware.

I'm currently paying a monthly lease on my Clover Flex. Can I switch? That's exactly who this program is for. If you're paying $100+ per month for a Clover Flex 4 and you process $10k+ monthly, you may qualify for a free loaner unit instead.

Can I get multiple devices? Yes — qualification is per unit. For example, $20k/month in processing volume could qualify you for two Clover Flex units.

What if I don't quite hit the volume threshold? Reach out anyway. We'll look at your business and find the most cost-effective setup for you. We also offer our wholesale cost to all merchants.

The bottom line

If your business processes $10,000+ per month, you have options most reps won't mention. Stop paying for Clover terminals. Get brand-new loaner Clover Flex, Clover Station, kitchen displays, and self-service kiosks from a processor with rates competitive with Costco.

Berry Payments — A More Fetching Option. Contact us today to see if you qualify.

Fraudsters Are Opening Fake Merchant Accounts in Real Businesses' Names — Here's Why It Won't Happen at Berry Payments

By Jason, Owner — Berry Payments (EPOS LLC), North Plains, Oregon

There's a type of fraud sweeping through the credit card processing industry right now, and most small business owners have never heard of it — until it happens to them.

Criminal organizations are opening fraudulent merchant accounts using the names, addresses, and Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) of real, legitimate businesses. They find EINs online — they're often publicly available through state filings, nonprofit records, and business registries — and use them to apply for credit card processing accounts with providers all over the country.

How the Scam Works

Here's the playbook. A fraudster applies for a merchant account using a legitimate business's legal name and EIN, but routes the deposits to a bank account they control. Once the account is approved, they run stolen card numbers or fake transactions through it and divert the money out before anyone catches on.

The fraudster walks away with the cash and none of the liability. The legitimate business — the one whose name and EIN were hijacked — is left holding the bag:

• Tax liability. Processing volume gets reported to the IRS on Form 1099-K under the legitimate business's EIN. Suddenly a small business is on the hook to explain revenue it never received.

• Chargebacks and losses. Disputed transactions and processor losses get tied to the real business's identity.

• Damaged credit and reputation. The business's name ends up flagged in industry fraud databases like the MATCH list, which can make it difficult or impossible to get legitimate processing in the future.

It's business identity theft, plain and simple. And it harms exactly the kind of hardworking small businesses I've spent my career serving.

Yes, They've Tried It Here MANY TIMES. No, They Haven't Succeeded.

I want to be transparent with my clients and with any merchant considering Berry Payments: fraudulent organizations have repeatedly attempted to open credit card processing accounts through my company, EPOS LLC, doing business as Berry Payments.

Every single one of them has been caught and turned away. Not one fraudulent account has ever made it through my due diligence. Not one.

I've been in the payments industry since 1998 and have run my own shop since 2009. After more than 25 years in this business, I know what a legitimate merchant application looks like — and I know what a fake one looks like. When something doesn't add up, I dig until it does or the application goes in the trash.

What Due Diligence Looks Like at Berry Payments

When you apply for credit card processing with me, I personally verify who you are and that your business is what it says it is. That means:

• Confirming the business is real, registered, and operating

• Verifying that the person applying actually has authority over the business

• Matching the EIN, legal name, and banking information to the actual business owner

• Asking questions when details don't line up — and walking away when the answers don't hold

Some providers approve merchant accounts in minutes with barely a glance at the application. That speed is exactly what fraudsters exploit. I'd rather take a little more care up front and protect every legitimate business — my clients, and the businesses whose stolen EINs fraudsters try to use.

What This Means for You as a Merchant

If you're a legitimate small business in Oregon, Washington, or anywhere in the country looking for credit card terminals or a full point of sale system, my due diligence works in your favor:

• Your identity is protected. The same verification process that stops fraudsters ensures nobody opens an account in your business's name through Berry Payments.

• Your processing is stable. Accounts that are properly vetted up front don't get frozen, flagged, or shut down later.

• You work with a real person. I place Clover credit card terminals and point of sale systems with merchants who qualify, and I stand behind every account I board.

A Word to the Fraudsters

If you're thinking about using a stolen business name or someone else's EIN to open a merchant account through Berry Payments: don't waste your time. Every application gets verified. Every inconsistency gets investigated. Attempted fraud gets documented and reported. You won't be successful here — and you'll leave a paper trail on your way out. Additionally I report every fraudulent attempt to the Department of Justice.

Protect Your Business

A few things every small business owner should do:

• Watch for unexpected 1099-K forms. If you receive one from a processor you've never used, someone may have opened an account in your name.

• Monitor your business credit and state registrations for filings you didn't make.

• Work with a processor who actually vets applications. If an account can be opened in minutes with no verification, it can be opened in your name in minutes, too.

Credit Card Processing Done Right

Berry Payments offers credit card terminals and point of sale systems to merchants who qualify, backed by honest interchange-plus pricing and more than 25 years of payments industry experience. Based in North Plains, Oregon, serving small businesses throughout Oregon and Washington, with clients nationwide.

If you want a payment processing partner who takes security as seriously as you take your business, let's talk.

Berry Payments — a fetching alternative.

Call or visit berrypayments.com to get started.

Big News: ēPOS Merchant Services Is Becoming Berry Payments!

Same local LLC, same owner! Same honest pricing. Same Jason answering the phone. We're simply naming the company after Berry — our beloved office mascot — and bringing him out front.

Something new is coming to Pacific Northwest merchant services

For over 15 years, business owners across the Pacific Northwest — from our home base in North Plains and the greater Portland metro, throughout Oregon and Washington — have known us as ēPOS Merchant Services. We're the people you call when you're tired of junk fees, mystery rate hikes, and a 1-800 number that never calls back.

We're keeping every bit of that. We're just giving it a name you'll actually remember: Berry Payments.

Coming soon to BerryPayments.com.

Wait — is this the same company?

Yes. 100%. Let's be clear about that up front, because if you're one of our merchants, the last thing we want is a surprise.

• Same owner. Jason's still here, still answering the phone, still showing up in person when you need a hand.

• Same legal company. We're still the same EPOS LLC we've always been — same ownership, same history. Berry Payments is simply our new business name. Your account, your rates, your funding — nothing changes.

• Same no-contract promise. No cancellation fees. No early termination fees. No application fees. Ever.

• Same next-day funding and the same free, local support that got us here.

The only things changing are the name on the door, the look of the truck, and the face out front — and about that face...

Meet Berry, our office mascot

Every business people remember has a face. Ours has had one all along — we just decided to put him out front. And the real Berry met many of you as he accompanied Jason on many support and consultation calls over his 13+ years (September 2011 - May 2025). 💛

Meet Berry, our beloved office mascot: a bulldog with a card terminal locked firmly in his jaws, because that's how we treat your processing rates. Loyal, stubborn, and absolutely not letting go of a good deal for the people he looks after. He's got a clover on the screen (a nod to the Clover® POS systems we set up for free) and a "B" on his collar.

Berry will be riding around the Pacific Northwest on our newly wrapped truck soon. You might see Jason behind the wheel, or Robert, who hops on service calls and lends a hand when things get busy — because when you need help, there's more than one person here to pick up. If you see the truck, honk.

Why the new name? (And why it's the same company.)

Let's be direct, because this matters: this is not a rebrand to walk away from anything. We're not changing owners, we're not dodging a history, and we're not a new outfit that bought your account. We are the exact same LLC we have always been, run by the same person, serving the same merchants we always have.

The honest reason for the new name is simpler than that: "ēPOS Merchant Services" told you what we did, but it didn't stick. Customers loved the service and then couldn't remember our name to refer their friends. A name you can't remember is a referral you never get.

So we're naming the company after the one team member everybody already loves — Berry. "Berry Payments" is short, it's friendly, and paired with a bulldog you won't forget, it's built to be passed along over the counter. That's exactly how small businesses find a processor they can trust.

What Berry Payments does (and does well)

If you're new here and just found us on Google, welcome. Here's the short version of what we do for local businesses:

• Credit card processing with transparent, interchange-plus pricing — no padded rates, no surprise statements.

• Free Clover® terminals for qualified merchants. Processing $10,000+ a month? You qualify for a free Clover Flex. Over $30,000? Ask about a full Clover Station.

• Next-day (and instant) funding so your money lands in your account fast.

• PCI compliance handled for you — we fill out the tedious annual questionnaire so you don't have to.

• Real local support from a real person right here in the Pacific Northwest, not a call center three time zones away.

We work with restaurants, convenience stores, salons, retail shops, service businesses, and just about any small business across Oregon, Washington, and the wider Pacific Northwest that takes a card.

When does the change happen?

Over the next few weeks. You'll see the new name roll out across our website, your statements, and around town on the truck. You don't need to do anything. If you're a current customer, your service continues exactly as it is today.

Got questions? That's what we're here for. Reach out anytime through our contact page — same friendly Jason, soon under a new name.

Be one of the first to see it

Berry Payments goes live soon at BerryPayments.com. Bookmark it, and keep an eye out for the bulldog.

Thinking about switching from another processor, or just want someone local to take an honest look at your current rates? Now's a great time to start the conversation. Get started here.

ēPOS Merchant Services is becoming Berry Payments — the same locally owned LLC we've always been, now named for our office mascot. Local credit card processing and free Clover POS terminals for small businesses across the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon, Washington, and the greater Portland metro.

Credit Card Terminal Leases: Do the Math Before You Sign

If you’re shopping for credit card processing or a Clover point-of-sale system, there’s something you should understand before signing anything.

Across the merchant services industry—whether the hardware is Ingenico, Verifone, or Clover—it’s very common for terminals to be offered as monthly leases instead of being purchased outright.

A typical example is a Clover Flex leased for about fifty dollars per month over a forty-eight-month term.

That monthly number sounds reasonable until you do the math.

At that rate, the total cost over the lease term is roughly twenty-four hundred dollars. The same Clover Flex terminal can be purchased outright from many online vendors for about five hundred ninety-five dollars.

That price difference exists for a reason.

Why Equipment Leases Get Pushed

Equipment leases are one of the most profitable parts of credit card processing sales.

In many cases, the lease is handled by a third-party leasing company that’s separate from your processing agreement. The sales rep earns a commission on that lease—often upfront—which creates a strong incentive to push leasing even when it’s not the most cost-effective option for the merchant.

The merchant pays more.
The sales rep earns more.

That structure is common throughout the industry, even as alternatives like Square, Stripe, PayPal, and Toast have become widely available.

Why I Choose Not to Lease Equipment

I could lease equipment.

It would make me more money in the short term. That’s just the reality of how the industry works.

I choose not to.

At EPOS Merchant Services, for qualifying merchants processing more than ten thousand dollars per month, I provide Clover terminals as free loaners, including Clover Flex. There’s no equipment lease, no separate contract, and no long-term obligation tied to the hardware.

Some merchants also qualify for full restaurant point-of-sale systems at little or no charge, depending on volume and setup. That can include table service, kitchen printers, online ordering, and tip handling—without forcing a multi-year equipment lease.

If you process less than ten thousand dollars per month, you still have access to advanced point-of-sale equipment through EPOS Merchant Services at my wholesale cost, rather than inflated lease pricing.

Why This Works Better for Everyone

I’m not interested in quick commissions. I’m interested in long-term relationships.

When business owners aren’t overpaying for equipment or locked into contracts they don’t need, they tend to stay. That’s been my experience over and over again.

My clients stick with me for years because they know they’re getting straightforward pricing, honest advice, and flexibility when things change. That benefits them long-term, and it benefits me long-term.

Everybody wins when there isn’t a sales rep chasing a fast payout.

Small Business to Small Business

I’m a small business owner too. I understand margins, cash flow, and how frustrating it is to discover you’re paying for something that doesn’t actually improve your operation.

My goal isn’t to lock anyone into an agreement. It’s to set things up correctly from the beginning.

That means:

• No long-term processing contract

• No early termination fee

• No application fee

If Clover is the right fit, I’ll recommend it. If Square, Toast, or another platform makes more sense, I’ll say that too.

Already Processing Cards?

If you’re currently using Clover, Ingenico, Verifone, or another terminal—and especially if you’re paying a monthly equipment lease—I’m happy to review your statement and explain exactly what you’re paying and why.

No pressure. No obligation.

If you want to avoid equipment leases, reduce unnecessary costs, and work directly with a local provider who’s in this for the long haul, you can learn more at eposcc.com or reach out directly.

Long-term relationships work better than short-term commissions.

Simplifying Payments for Local Businesses: How EPOS Merchant Services Helps You Focus on What You Do Best

Hey everyone, Jason Hanson here, owner of EPOS Merchant Services. If you’re running a local business—be it a veterinary clinic, a dental office, a retail store, or a cozy full-service restaurant—you know that handling payments shouldn’t be a headache. That’s where we come in.

Taking the Complexity Out of Payments

At EPOS Merchant Services, we specialize in setting up your point-of-sale systems so you can just swipe and smile. We primarily use Clover terminals because they’re versatile and user-friendly, but we also have options like Ingenico and Verifone if that’s a better fit for you.

We don’t just set you up and leave you hanging. We make sure you’re PCI compliant and not overpaying on fees. In other words, we help you keep more of your hard-earned money and free up your time.

Direct Tech Support for Your Team

One of the things our clients love is that their employees can reach out to us directly for any tech issues. No need to funnel everything through the business owner. If a card reader blinks out or a terminal acts up, we handle it, and you keep focusing on running your business.

Finding the Right Fit, Even If It’s Not Us

We know that not every business is the same. If we’re not the best match for your needs, I’ll be the first to tell you and suggest another solution like Square. It’s all about making sure you get what truly works best for your business.

SEO and AIO: Why We’re Talking About This

This blog post isn’t just a friendly hello; it’s also a way to help folks like you find us online. We’re making sure that if you’re searching for local, reliable POS solutions in the Portland area (hello, SEO!), or anywhere in Washington or Oregon, you can easily find EPOS Merchant Services. So welcome aboard—if you need a hand with credit card processing, let’s chat!

So Long to My Favorite Friend and Our "Office Manager"

At 13½ years old, our mascot, friend, and honorary office manager made his final exit. He passed peacefully on May 5th, doing what he enjoyed most in life: sampling some peanut butter, resting, and looking at his friend.

He knew many of our clients and often joined me on service calls, since riding in my truck while I worked was another favorite activity of the bulldog with the strongest case of FOMO I’ve ever seen. Huckleberry followed me everywhere he could.

I miss you every day, Berry. Your portrait will be on my desk, and your image in my heart, as long as I live. Goodbye, friend.

Avoid $1,400 PCI Fees—Here’s How

If you’re searching for a new credit card processor or shopping around for better merchant services, here’s something most companies won’t tell you: Every year, business owners are required to complete a PCI DSS Compliancequestionnaire—short for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards. It’s meant to protect cardholder data, but the actual process is anything but user-friendly.

The questionnaire includes about 20 technical questions that often sound like they were written for cybersecurity experts, not everyday business owners. If it's not filled out correctly, many payment processors will automatically charge you “PCI non-compliance” fees—sometimes as much as $1,400 a year.

And guess what? Those fees are nearly all profit for the processor and their sales agents. That’s why so many big-name credit card processing companies don’t help you complete the form—they make more money if you don’t.

Here’s how ePOS is different:

At ePOS Merchant Services, I personally handle PCI compliance for every one of my clients. Each year, I contact every merchant who trusts us with their payment processing, walk through their business practices to ensure they meet PCI standards, complete the online form for them, and get their signature.

No confusing jargon.
No guessing.
No hidden charges.
And no PCI non-compliance fees—ever.

This is just one of the ways we make credit card processing simple and secure for local businesses.

Looking for a new credit card terminal?

We offer every new ePOS client processing more than $10,000/month a free Clover Flex 3 terminal with advanced encryption and contactless payment support. Whether you're switching from Square, Toast, or another point-of-sale system, we’ll help you upgrade to a better solution with:

• No contracts

• No junk fees

• Local support

• Free terminal loaner programs

If you’re tired of PCI hassles, hidden charges, and fine print, now is the perfect time to switch to a processor that puts your business first.

Ready for better merchant service?
Let’s talk.

Jason Hanson
Owner, ePOS LLC
www.eposcc.com

Free Clover Terminal Paper – No Catch, No Cost, No Kidding

If you’re running a busy retail store, restaurant, or veterinary practice, you’ve got better things to worry about than running out of paper for your credit card terminal.

That’s why we’re now offering 100% FREE terminal paper to all of our ePOS clients.

Here’s how it works:

Just visit our [order page/cart link], add the terminal paper to your cart, and complete checkout.

• ✅ No charge

• 🚚 Free shipping

• 🧾 No subscription, no hidden fees—ever

This isn’t a limited-time promotion or a gimmick. If you're one of our valued clients, your Clover terminal paper is on us. Always.

Phone Number Update

Hello all! We are streamlining our phone system. To reach us now, just call or text our main line (971) 266-3287. Thanks!

PCI Compliance Made Easy

Every year business owners (called merchants herein) are required to fill out the PCISS Compliance (Payment Card Industry Security Standards) questionnaire. It’s basically a list of about 20 questions that are presented in such complex industry specific terms that it’s difficult to complete for someone who doesn’t work in the credit card processing business.

Also, if not filled out completely and correctly, many processors charge the merchant as much as $1400 per year in “PCI Non-Compliance” fees. These fees are mostly profit for the credit card processors and their sales agents. This incentivizes processors, agents, and sales offices to keep their merchant clients in a non-compliant status. They are effectively saying, “Why help your merchants be PCI safe when I can make extra money from PCI fees?”

But here is my solution: Every year I go through my book of business (every single merchant who has trusted my company with their credit card processing) and I complete the PCI Compliance online questionnaire on their behalf. I call the merchant and make certain their business practices are in line with PCI standards, I answer all the difficult questions, and get the merchant’s signature on the PCI quiz.

This takes a tedious process and makes it simple and free for my clients.

If you are struggling with the PCI hassle every year, paying PCI non-compliance fees, or just want to upgrade to a safer credit card processor, consider ePOS Merchant Services for your credit card processing needs. Plus we even offer a free loaner Clover Flex 3 terminal with advanced encryption, to new clients processing more than $10k per month. And EVERY ePOS merchant enjoys no contracts and no hidden fees.

Happy holiday season everyone!

Jason Hanson, owner

EPOS LLC

Watch out for this scam. We will never call asking for your information.

If you are a client of ePOS, please note that we will never reach out to you asking for your statements or other information.

Today a sales rep called one of the businesses who entrust us with their credit card processing (merchant services) right here in North Plains Oregon. The sales person suggested strongly that the business owner was already a client with them and then asked for credit and debit card processing statements to see if they could “adjust the rates.”

The sales rep also informed the client that its “secure” to email and text sensitive information to them like federal tax IDs, bank account information, and more. Never email or text sensitive information like this to anyone.

We don’t discourage our clients from shopping around. But in the case of sales reps who ask for sensitive info to be sent unencrypted, and pretend to represent us? That’s dangerous and unacceptable.

At ePOS your information will be safeguarded. We will never ask you to text or email sensitive information. Also, ePOS also offers free Clover loaner POS systems and credit card processing devices. Like the Clover Flex 3 and the Clover Station. We also offer Ingenico, Verifone, and online products like Authorize.net Clover.com Virtual Terminal and many others.

Cheers!

Jason Hanson

EPOS LLC

Oregon and Washington

Covid-19 Support

On-site support is available to all ePOS’ valued clients. Your support technician is vaccinated and adhering to the CDC guidelines. If you want your support technician to wear a mask, feel free to ask.

While we are looking at the science being shared by the medical community and support government policy stating masks are no longer required for fully vaccinated people, we are aware of the feelings of those who may be anxious about returning to normalcy and those who may have lost loved ones in the pandemic.

Please stay safe and get vaccinated!

Jason Hanson, ePOS LLC

COVID 19 Support

We too are a small business. We know how this feels. To help our clients, we are offering reduced/waived monthly fees if you are closed or not accepting payments due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Please call 888-560-9025 if you need any assistance. Let’s get through this together.

Much love,

Jason & Melissa @ ePOS Merchant Services

New Clover Advanced POS Hardware!

I am so pleased to announce that ePOS now offers Clover POS hardware. If you don’t know what they’re about, have a look-see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEGrN1Q8CAQ

And that was just their Flex. They have amazing retail and mobile merchant solutions too! Explore their many videos on that channel.

So they have lots of great stuff to help you run your business, but you can get Clover from many merchant services ISOs. Why go with ePOS? Because we have a free loaner terminal program that you can use toward the high-end point-of-sale-product, Clover.

For example, the Clover Flex costs $400 wholesale. Many companies mark this up to $500 or more. But we give you cash credit for the monthly volume you process.

$30k Monthly = 50% off wholesale, a cost of just $200.

$60k Monthly = Free!

Maybe you’re a restaurant in search of multiple stations. For every $30k you process monthly, we will provide a $200 credit toward hardware.

If you would like to try a Clover terminal or POS station, let us know. You can play with a demo unit, or try an account and we’ll hand deliver your own Clover hardware ready to use. As usual, we have no early termination fee and local support. So if you change your mind, you can return it in like-new condition for a refund if you even paid anything.

Here are some videos!

Full Restaurant Systems: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATVFFNkB-2I

Salons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RTK_z_TOj0

Retail with Gift Cards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGrbekYDC9o

Coffee Shop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEZH1j4Uggc

Try Clover the best way, with ePOS.

Cheers,

Jason Hanson, Owner

ePOS

EPOS LLC and Global Payments Direct

It has come to my attention that I had some misinformation on eposcc.com. I have been informed that ePOS LLC is not, and has never been a registered independent sales office or ISO for Global Direct. For the last three years, ePOS LLC has been a registered referral partner, but on my website it stated “ePOS LLC is a registered ISO of Global Direct.” I didn’t know this distinction existed. I thought “registered referral partner” and “independent sales office” were synonymous.

I have been informed by Spencer Robinson, Division General Counsel of Global Payments, of the distinction of the two terms, and advised to change the statement ePOS LLC’s relationship with Global Payments on my website. I have made that change to my website this morning.

I know. Let’s all get a cool lemonade and try to recover from this shock.

To be super direct, the distinction may have some legal implications for Global Payments, but this seems like splitting hairs to me. We offered processing services in good faith and took care of our clients. That’s never changed.

Jason Hanson, Owner

ePOS, LLC

Half Priced Credit Card Terminal Paper

Here you can order a 50 roll case of terminal paper for half the cost of Staples. Even Office Depot charges over $2 per roll plus shipping. We charge less than a dollar per roll including shipping! 

Plus the paper arrives in 2-3 businesses days. Fast free shipping and the right size for your machine every time. 

Also, if you're completely out of paper and can't wait, give us a call! We can deliver the same day in some circumstances. 

No contracts on merchant services. Saving business owners money on terminal supplies. Thats our deal. 

ePOS Merchant Services

We moved and improved

ePOS Merchant Services has relocated, expanding from our small Beaverton location to lovely North Plains, Oregon. Located just a few exits west of Beaverton off HWY 26.  

My wife and I have remodeled a new four bedroom home. With just the two of us, we have plenty of extra room for office space. Many people are hesitant to admit that they office out of their home. But by saving $2500 to $4000 per month by not leasing or purchasing office space, we can be more profitable, charge our clients less, and have more money free for the charities we care about.

Of course usually we come to your location, but we welcome visitors here by appointment. Coffee is at 7:30 am (and 5 more subsequent times throughout the day), and (if we've earned it) cocktails are promptly at 6 pm. 

Jason Hanson, Owner

ePOS Merchant Services

10750 NW 289th Ave

North Plains, OR 97133

 (888) 560-9025

Please hold for a 17-minute survey…

Don't you just hate being hounded to give reviews? For the most part, I feel that surveys waste our time on this planet. And plenty of other people are usually willing to review a small business on Yelp or Google+. 

But merchant service companies are often reviewed only when something went wrong. Why? Because the credit card terminal is like an air-conditioner-- you only notice it when it breaks. 

If your merchant service company works hard to give you good, honest service please give them (or us) a review. Rate us on Google+ through the Google Map app, or by searching ePOS Portland Google+ and click on the pencil icon.  

Honest companies like mine, or for example Signature Business Solutions in Arizona, need your recommendation to succeed. Plus, by recommending people like us, you're reinforcing honest business practices in a wildly unregulated industry. 

Thank you! 

Jason Hanson, ePOS