Credit card processing that's priced so you can read it
Merchant accounts for stores, restaurants, service businesses and brand-new ventures across Fort Bend County, Houston and the rest of Texas. Clear rates, equipment options and one person to call.
- Free statement analysis
- Month-to-month options
- $0 upfront equipment with qualifying agreement
- Local to Fort Bend & Houston
Get a free quote
Tony replies within 1 business day. No obligation.
What a merchant account actually is
A merchant account lets your business accept card payments and get the money deposited into your business bank account. Behind every swipe or tap are several parties: the card networks, the bank that issued your customer's card, the processor that moves the transaction, and the sponsor bank that holds your account. Each takes a piece, and how those pieces get bundled into your rate decides what you actually pay.
Cedarline is an independent sales agent. We don't own a processor, which means we can line up programs from several partner processors and recommend the one whose pricing, equipment and funding schedule fits you. If what you already have is fair, we'll tell you that too.
- Next-business-day funding on most programs
- Interchange-plus, flat rate or cash discount pricing
- Countertop, wireless, smart terminal or full POS
- Online, invoice and phone-order payments
- Month-to-month agreements on qualifying programs
- Help with PCI questionnaires and chargeback notices
Everything you need to take payments
Pick the pieces you need now and add the rest as you grow.
Card-present processing
Chip, tap and swipe on a terminal or POS, the lowest-risk and usually lowest-cost way to take a card.
Card-not-present
Virtual terminal, payment links and website checkout for phone, mail and online orders.
Transparent pricing
Your rate, per-item fee and every monthly fee in writing. No surprise annual fee you didn't know about.
Fast deposits
Batches settled by the evening cut-off are typically deposited the next business day, depending on program and bank.
Security built in
EMV chip, contactless and tokenization on current equipment, plus help completing your PCI questionnaire.
Statements you understand
We'll walk you through your first statement so you know what each line means.
Three ways to price card processing
There's no single best model. We'll show you each one priced against your real numbers, then you choose.
Flat rate
One percentage plus a per-sale fee on every card. Easy to read, but you pay the same rate on a cheap debit card as on a premium rewards card.
- Predictable
- Simple statements
- Often costs more as volume grows
Fits: low volume, seasonal or brand-new sellers
Interchange-plus
You pay the card networks' wholesale cost (interchange and assessments) plus a fixed, disclosed markup. Every layer shows on your statement.
- Most transparent
- Markup stays fixed
- Usually lowest cost at higher volume
Fits: established businesses, larger tickets, B2B
Cash discount / dual pricing
Your posted prices account for card costs, and customers paying cash get a lower price. Card sales help cover processing instead of your margin.
- Offsets much of your processing cost
- Clear signage and receipts
- Not a surcharge
Fits: restaurants, auto, retail, service shops
Not sure which fits? Get a free statement analysis or read pricing explained.
Why business owners work with Cedarline
We're a small, independent agent. That means fewer layers between you and the person who set up your account.
One person who answers
You work with Tony directly, from the first statement review to go-live and after. No call-center queue to start.
Pricing you can read
Every quote shows the rate, per-item fee, monthly fees and any equipment terms in writing before you sign.
Options, not one platform
We compare programs from several partner processors and POS platforms, so the setup fits your business instead of the other way around.
Set up correctly
Cash discount signage, receipt settings, tip and tax settings, and test transactions are handled before you go live.
Get set up in three steps
From first call to first sale, without the guesswork.
Send a statement or tell us your plans
Existing business? Send one recent processing statement. Opening soon? Tell us what you'll sell and when.
Compare your options
You get a side-by-side of pricing models, equipment and terms, priced against your numbers.
Go live, tested
Approval, equipment programming, signage and test transactions, done before you rely on it.
Approval timing depends on the processor's underwriting. Most complete applications get a decision in a few business days.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a merchant account?
Once a complete application and documents are in, most processors decide within a few business days. Higher-risk or high-volume businesses can take longer. Equipment ships after approval.
What do I need to apply?
Typically your business legal name and EIN (or SSN for sole proprietors), a voided check or bank letter, a government ID, your business address, and an estimate of monthly card sales and average ticket. Existing businesses usually add a recent processing statement.
Is there a contract?
Many of our partner programs are month-to-month. Some programs, such as those that include no-upfront-cost equipment, require a processing agreement. Any term and any early termination fee are shown in writing before you sign.
Can you beat my current rate?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. A free statement analysis shows your real effective rate and where the cost comes from. If your current deal is competitive, we'll say so.
Are you the processor?
No. Cedarline is a registered sales agent and referral partner. Merchant accounts are provided by our partner processors and their sponsor banks, subject to approval.
More services
Not sure what you're paying, or what you'll need?
Send a recent statement or tell us about the business you're opening. You'll get a plain-English breakdown and options, with no cost or obligation.