Your Payments, Your Rules: Apriva Gives You the Freedom to Choose
Break Free From Vendor Lock-In With The Flexibility of Apriva’s Payment Processing & Device Certifications
Struggling to find a solution with devices and processors that work for you? We get it, and we wish it were as easy as purchasing a payment device, plugging it in, and expecting seamless transactions. But behind the scenes, multiple entities including banks, payment processors, and EMV certifications work together to facilitate every payment. So, what normally seems like a straightforward process quickly reveals itself as an intricate web of interconnected systems, providers, and regulations.
The good news is that as an agnostic payment provider, Apriva plays nice with everyone! We have the ability to integrate to any device, bank, and processor combination our customers want to use. With a variety of options to choose from, you can use Apriva to break away from high-prices and inflexible payment options your current vendor has you locked into.
Feeling overwhelmed? Let’s break it down:
Card Issuing Banks: Issue credit and debit cards to consumers and are one of several entities that charge a fee to the merchants when a consumer uses the card.
Card Networks: They are the keepers of the system (think Visa, MC, American Express and Discover) and set standards to ensure everyone plays by the rules. They also add a fee to the merchants to accept payments from these cards.
Payment Processors (also known as Merchant Acquirers): Another group charging merchants a fee for sending the payment information to the appropriate card networks.
Payment Providers: Usually this means a “pure” gateway, or a payment facilitator (Payfac). Both provide EMV certified POS devices, connectivity, reporting, and PCI compliance. But there are differences:
Payment Gateway: Facilitates transmission of payment data between a merchant and a payment processor. Typically charge monthly and transaction fees.
Payfac: Acts as a middleman between merchants and payment processors. Typically charge monthly, transaction, and processing fees.
EMV certifications: Ensure that payment devices comply with security standards for handling sensitive transaction data. This is a government-mandated requirement for all payment acceptance systems. Click here to view our EMV certified devices.
Many payment processors design their services around proprietary hardware, limiting you to their ecosystem and pricing. While this approach may seem straightforward, it often comes at the cost of flexibility, locking you into contracts with potential hidden or rising fees.
Fees in the payment system come from multiple sources, including banks, merchant acquirers, processors, and gateways and each charge their own fees. For small businesses, these costs can add up and significantly impact their bottom line.
While fees from issuing banks and card networks are non-negotiable, those from merchant acquirers and payment providers are. This is where businesses have the most opportunity to save money. Understanding these different fees can be the key to securing a better deal.
Want a deeper look into the payment ecosystem and practical strategies to lower your costs? Check out our blog about it here!
What does agnosticism mean in payment processing and why does it matter?
Great question. Simply put, Apriva supports virtually any payment device and processor. We continuously expand our integrations with major acquiring banks and processors across North America, giving you the flexibility to adapt your payment solution as your business evolves. And if we don’t already support the device or processor you want to use, we can certify it.
This flexibility ensures you’re never locked into a single provider, pricing structure, or hardware setup. Every business has unique needs and growth goals, and true flexibility is the key to finding the right solution. Instead of bundling your payment system into a rigid package, we give you control allowing you to customize your setup while keeping things simple. Think of it as future-proofing your payments, so you can easily adapt as your business and technology change.
Built for flexibility, not control:
The Reality of EMV Certifications, and Why Some Providers Say "No"
Purchasing a payment device, plugging it in, and instantly processing transactions sounds ideal, but it’s not that easy, and now we understand why. Every transaction relies on a network of connections between the payment device, payment gateway, and payment processor. As payment data moves through this network, keeping it secure is the top priority. Because payments involve sensitive information, security and compliance are critical. That’s why EMV certification is required and why many providers refuse to support devices without it.
EMV certification for new devices and processors can be a lengthy and resource-intensive process, often taking three to six months to complete, sometimes more. Many providers aren’t willing to invest the time or money required for these approvals. Additionally, those with rigid pricing models and limited device options often lack the experience or incentive to pursue certifications outside of their preferred brands, leaving businesses with fewer choices and less flexibility.
When No One Else Is Saying "Yes"
The payment space is complicated, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Apriva, we handle the behind-the-scenes details so you can focus on what matters most: running your business.
We offer customized solutions tailored to your needs, whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise. As your gateway and processing provider, we offer the flexibility to choose your preferred device and processor combination, even when others say it’s not possible. If you’re struggling to find a provider that meets your needs, talk to us, we’ll help you find a solution.
