FAQ — MaxGroup Merchant Services

Question 1

What does "zero markup" actually mean?

Accepted Answer

It means we pass interchange — the base rate set by Visa, Mastercard, and Discover — directly to you without adding a percentage on top. We charge a small flat per-transaction fee instead. You'll see exactly what the card network charges and exactly what we charge, every time.

Question 2

What is interchange-plus pricing?

Accepted Answer

Interchange-plus (also called cost-plus) pricing separates the card network's base cost (interchange) from the processor's fee. Your statement shows both line items clearly. This is the most transparent pricing model available — used by large retailers for decades, now available to small businesses through MaxGroup.

Question 3

Are there monthly fees or hidden charges?

Accepted Answer

We charge a low flat monthly account fee that covers your statement, reporting, and support. There are no PCI non-compliance fees, no batch fees, no statement fees stacked on top. Everything is disclosed upfront before you sign.

Question 4

How does MaxGroup compare to Square or Stripe?

Accepted Answer

Square and Stripe use flat-rate pricing (e.g. 2.6% + 10¢) which is simple but expensive at volume. At $20,000/month in sales, interchange-plus pricing typically saves $200–$500 compared to flat-rate. The higher your volume, the more you save with MaxGroup.

Question 5

How long does approval take?

Accepted Answer

Most merchants are approved within 24 hours of submitting a complete application. High-risk industries or higher-volume accounts may take 48–72 hours. We'll keep you updated throughout the process.

Question 6

Will applying affect my credit score?

Accepted Answer

The pre-application on our site does not trigger a hard credit pull. A soft inquiry may be part of underwriting for certain account types, but this does not impact your credit score.

Question 7

What documents do I need to apply?

Accepted Answer

For most businesses you'll need: a voided check or bank letter for deposit setup, a government-issued ID, and 3 months of recent processing statements (if you currently accept cards). New businesses without processing history are welcome — we'll work with what you have.

Question 8

Can a new business with no processing history apply?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with startups and new businesses regularly. Without processing history, underwriting relies on your business type, projected volume, and bank statements. Approval rates for new businesses are high — we want to grow with you.

Question 9

When do I receive my funds?

Accepted Answer

Standard funding is next business day. Transactions batched before 8 PM ET are deposited the following business day. Weekend batches fund on Monday or Tuesday depending on your bank.

Question 10

Are there holds on my funds?

Accepted Answer

We do not place arbitrary holds on established accounts. New accounts may have a brief review period during the first 30 days. If a hold is ever placed, we contact you immediately with a clear explanation and resolution timeline.

Question 11

What bank accounts are supported for deposits?

Accepted Answer

Any U.S. business checking account at a federally insured bank or credit union. We do not deposit to personal accounts or prepaid cards.

Question 12

Do I need new equipment to switch?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Many terminals and POS systems can be reprogrammed to work with MaxGroup at no cost. If you need new hardware, we offer terminals, wireless devices, and POS integrations — often at cost or free with qualifying accounts.

Question 13

Do you support online payments and e-commerce?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide payment gateway integrations for major e-commerce platforms including Shopify, WooCommerce, and custom-built sites. Virtual terminals for phone orders and invoicing are also available.

Question 14

What about mobile payments and tap-to-pay?

Accepted Answer

We support NFC contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, tap cards) on all compatible terminals. Mobile card readers for on-the-go businesses are also available.

Question 15

Is there a long-term contract?

Accepted Answer

No. MaxGroup operates on a month-to-month basis. There are no multi-year commitments and no early termination fees. We earn your business every month.

Question 16

How do I switch from my current processor?

Accepted Answer

We handle the transition. Once approved, we'll help you reprogram or replace equipment, set up your new account, and coordinate timing so there's no gap in your ability to accept payments. Most merchants switch with zero downtime.

Question 17

What if I'm locked into a contract with my current processor?

Accepted Answer

We'll review your current agreement and help you understand your options. In some cases, the savings with MaxGroup offset any early termination fee within the first few months. We'll be upfront about whether switching makes financial sense for you right now.

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