What To Expect From Your Payment Partner
Build A Solid Relationship With Your Payment Partner And Optimize Your Payment Processing Capabilities
Payments are powered by intricate systems made of many essential layers, each equally important yet complex. That’s why choosing a payment provider shouldn’t just be about ticking off a service checklist, but about forming a partnership. A true payment partner is one that delivers what you need, at a fair price, and treats you like a valued collaborator, not just another account.
With so many options out there, ranging from well-known giants to smaller, highly specialized companies, it’s worth investing time in researching the right fit. Your payment partner should meet your needs today and evolve with your business tomorrow. Whether you’re a new business exploring payment solutions for the first time, or an established one seeking a partner who truly supports your growth, this guide will help you identify exactly what to expect from a payment partner.
Qualities To Look For In A Payment Partner
Partnership-Focused Approach
Choosing a payment partner means entering a “grow together” partnership. The right partner should be equipped to handle your business’ volume without sacrificing the quality of your customer experience. An intrinsic part of this is transparency. Look for a company that is upfront and honest, even if that means occasionally saying no for the sake of your best interests. A partner focused on your success will prioritize your long-term well-being over short-term profits, protecting you from potential pitfalls and ensuring a solid foundation for growth.
Reliability
Customers today are increasingly unforgiving of negative payment experiences, choosing to remain loyal to the companies offering the most streamlined process. That’s why it’s crucial to invest in a system built to handle heavy traffic and supported by a team of real people ready to assist when needed. Be sure your payment partner can consistently deliver reliable and efficient experiences for both you and your customers. For example, Apriva guarantees 99.99% uptime and can process hundreds of millions of transactions a day.
Security
Security remains a top priority when it comes to payments. Protecting your data, your customers data, and shielding your business from the liability of fraud in the event of a data breach is critical. Look for a partner with robust security measures, such as PCI Level 1 compliance and Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE) certification. These certifications ensure that your payment systems meet the highest industry standards for data protection and fraud prevention. As these certifications are the highest, it is important to be aware of companies certified through self-assessments. A secure payment partner safeguards your business’s reputation and ensures you remain compliant with evolving security requirements. Psst…Apriva is one of the only true P2PE certified gateways in the industry, and we’re a PCI Level 1 service provider independently validated by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and PCE-SSC!
It’s a grow together partnership.
Flexibility
Your partner should enable you to accept payment in the ways your customers prefer. Whether it’s behind the counter, at the curb, on the go, or through self-service options. A flexible payment partner supports a wide range of payment methods, including:
- Traditional credit and debit cards
- NFC payments like mobile wallets
- Closed-loop systems such as campus ID cards
- Virtual terminal capabilities, allowing you to manually accept card payments through mobile apps or online platforms
- Digital invoicing via SMS or email
- Card not present (CNP) tokenization for payments like biometrics, QR codes, and stored subscription details.
Be sure to also assess which devices they have EMV certified. This can change from partner to partner, with some having a limited selection and others being device agnostic (like us!) and can work to certify any device you want to use. Did you see that long list? Yeah – Apriva can help you do all of that.
Experience
Industry experience matters when choosing a payment partner. Be cautious of companies that are relatively new to the industry. They may have flashy technology and modern websites, but they often lack the market-tested expertise needed to deliver the best rates, the highest security, and reliable service. Established partners with years of proven experience bring invaluable knowledge and insights to help your business navigate the complexities of payments. Know you are getting into business with those whose track record you can trust, and robust infrastructure capable of supporting businesses of all sizes.
Simplicity
Fast, secure payment processing is a pillar for doing business today. With customer expectations higher than ever, especially regarding technology, having top-tier payment solutions is non-negotiable. Your payment partner should accommodate all the ways customers want to pay without compromising security standards. Protecting your business, customers data, and shielding against fraud are critical priorities in this industry. Partners with PCI-SSC compliance offer certifiable security, reducing your risk of data breaches. While managing security can feel overwhelming, especially for new businesses, the right payment partner will take that burden off your shoulders. You focus on running your business; we’ll handle the payments securely and seamlessly.
Service
Too often, businesses select a partner based on their well-known brand or visually appealing marketing, only to encounter unexpected challenges once the relationship is underway. While sleek, sophisticated websites can leave a strong first impression, it doesn’t guarantee quality service. Customers deserve clarity, especially in critical areas like pricing and support. Unfortunately, these aspects are often presented in an overly optimistic light, masking potential shortcomings. The right partner should inspire confidence in their ability to meet your needs without requiring you to pay a premium for that peace of mind. For example, at Apriva we treat you like a human being, giving you 24/7 access to live US-based sales and customer support professionals. No AI chat bots here. That’s the way we believe business should operate.
Value
Choosing a payment partner should feel like entering a true “grow together” partnership. The ideal partner is prepared to handle any volume while consistently delivering exceptional customer experience. Honesty and transparency are essential. Seek out a company that communicates openly, even if it means occasionally saying no to safeguard your interests. A partner who prioritizes your long-term success over short-term gains will help you avoid potential pitfalls and position your business for sustainable growth.
Beyond customer experience, a partner’s offerings are equally important. Whether you need an EMV-certified device, seamless integration systems, or competitive pricing, your problem will meet its solution. The real value lies in having a dependable partner who genuinely supports your business and resolves issues effectively, time after time. Here at Apriva, we want to be the heartbeat of your operations, powering everything you need to accept payments, so you can focus on running your business.
“The right partner should inspire confidence in their ability to meet your needs without requiring you to pay a premium for that peace of mind”.
What Sets Apriva Apart As A Payment Partner
At our core, Apriva is a payment gateway. You can rely on us for payment processing, point of sale devices, Vending Management Systems, wireless connectivity, and more. And in a complex world of bank and card networks, we give you a single point of contact, plus a 24/7 live US-based customer service center. With 20+ years of market-tested experience, you can lean on us to give you everything you need to accept payments.
With your business as the merchant on record with banks and card brands, Apriva ensures that your money stays yours, and is never handled by us. Instead, payouts are federally regulated, liquid, reliable, and trustworthy Acquiring Bank, such as J.P. Morgan Chase.
We also believe that affordability doesn’t have to come at the expense of quality. Our straightforward, streamlined fee structures ensure you get the best deal possible. Alongside competitive pricing, we prioritize personal interactions, offering proactive support to you and your growing business. Our dedicated account managers and sales liaisons are real people, so you’ll never be stuck troubleshooting with a machine again.
Discover the Apriva Different Today
We hope this guide has been helpful! Whether you choose Apriva or another partner, make sure you’re getting the best solution for accepting non-cash payments at your business. If you’re still feeling unsure or overwhelmed, we’re here to help. At Apriva, we know that choosing the right partner now means you won’t have to worry about payments later, that’s what we’re here for. Contact us to learn more or to get started. We guarantee to check all your boxes.
