Use this checklist to organize a merchant-processing statement without assuming every unfamiliar charge is improper.
Written and reviewed by Raied Muheisen · Last reviewed June 21, 2026
Context
- ☐ Choose a representative statement period
- ☐ Record volume, transaction count and average ticket
- ☐ Separate card-present, online, keyed and other channels
Fee categories
- ☐ Identify interchange and card-network related lines
- ☐ Identify processor markup and transaction fees
- ☐ Record monthly, gateway, PCI-related, equipment and software charges
- ☐ Separate one-time, dispute and chargeback amounts
Agreement questions
- ☐ Review pricing model
- ☐ Check equipment ownership or lease
- ☐ Locate cancellation, renewal and replacement terms
- ☐ Identify funding, reserve and support conditions
Analysis
- ☐ Define which costs are included
- ☐ Calculate effective rate consistently
- ☐ Compare proposals line by line
- ☐ Record questions and what one statement cannot prove
Important boundaries
This resource is general information. Provider requirements, product capabilities, pricing, approval, legal obligations and implementation responsibilities vary. It does not guarantee savings, approval or results.