Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I start accepting credit cards?
Most businesses are approved in just 24-48 hours. For low-risk industries and retail accounts, it can be within a matter of minutes. High-risk businesses may take a bit longer, but we still move quickly so you can start processing without long delays.
What’s the difference between retail and e-commerce processing?
Retail credit card processing uses in-store terminals, POS systems, or mobile readers for face-to-face sales. E-commerce processing connects to your website or shopping cart, adding fraud tools and chargeback protection designed for online sales.
Can you really eliminate credit card processing fees?
Yes. With Pinpoint’s Merchant Relief Program, customers see both a cash price and a card price, empowering them to choose how they want to pay. This fully compliant and transparent program—legal in all 50 states—lets you recover processing costs without confusing or upsetting customers. It’s simple to set up, easy for customers to understand, and can reduce or even eliminate your fees altogether.
Do you work with high-risk businesses?
We specialize in it. With a 98% approval rate, we place accounts that many providers decline, including industries like CBD, Smoke Shops, Firearms, Supplements, and more.
What kind of support do you provide?
All of our support is U.S.-based and white-glove. You’ll never get stuck in a call center queue on in a loop with a chatbot—we provide real, direct and personal help by phone, email, or chat.
How does dual pricing work?
Our complaint hardware presents a cash price and a card price, empowering Customers to choose how they want to pay in a transparent environment
Will customers push back?
Most cash discount / dual pricing programs have shown over 98% of customers continue to pay by card with little to no fuss. Because you display both the cash price and card price clearly, people typically view the model as fair and transparent (think of how gas stations show cash vs card prices).
Is dual pricing compliant with Visa, Mastercard, and state laws?
Yes. Our hardware comes pre setup with the software needed to be compliant. When implemented correctly, Dual pricing is fully compliant in all 50 states. We handle the setup so you stay protected.
What kind of savings can I expect?
Most merchants are able to eliminate nearly all processing costs, saving 90–100% when compared to traditional pricing.
Do I need to buy new equipment?
In most cases, no. Many POS systems and terminals can be updated for Dual Pricing with just a quick software change. And if new hardware is required, we provide it along with the software to ensure full compliance. Most merchants qualify for our terminal placement programs, which means there’s typically no upfront cost.
Is dual pricing the same as cash discounting?
Not exactly. Cash discounting shows one price and subtracts at checkout. Dual Pricing clearly posts both cash and card prices upfront.
What makes a business “high-risk”?
It doesn’t mean your business is bad. Banks use the label when they see more potential exposure—like higher chargebacks, tighter regulations, future-deliverable sales, or reputational risk.
Which industries are considered high-risk?
Examples include CBD, supplements, adult, firearms, coaching, travel, subscription/trial models, furniture, and lodging. But “high-risk” isn’t always about industry—it can also be about how you bill. While most Banks limit the type of high-risk accounts they taket—but Pinpoint provides solutions for nearly any legal business.
Why do other processors turn down high-risk businesses?
Most don’t want the extra oversight, reserve requirements, or reputational exposure. We specialize in these accounts and have banking partners who accept them.
Can you really get my account approved?
Yes—about 98% of the time. Our experience and long-standing banking relationships mean we can place accounts that others decline
What about reserves or held funds?
High-risk accounts sometimes require reserves. We work with banks to negotiate fair terms, and minimize any unnecessary holds not just upon approval, but for the duration of the account. That means if a reserve is required upon Approval, we will go back every 60-90 days to request the terms be re-reviewed.
How do you handle chargebacks?
We have a suite of tools including Ethoca, Verifi, Kount, 3D Secure and more to help stop disputes before they become a problem.
How fast can I start processing?
Approvals can take just a few hours to a few days depending on documentation. We streamline underwriting so you can move quickly.
Do I need to change my existing systems?
Not at all. We integrate with a wide range of CRM’s, Shopping Carts, platforms and virtual terminals so you can keep your current tech stack.
How is this different from a bank loan?
We don’t require collateral, lengthy applications, or strong credit. Funding is based on your actual sales history.
How much funding can I get?
Depending on your revenue, funding can range from a few thousand dollars up to $2,000,000.
How fast can I get approved?
Many merchants are approved within days, and in some cases, funding can be delivered the same day.
What can I use the funds for?
Anything that supports your business—expanding inventory, launching marketing campaigns, upgrading equipment, covering seasonal dips, or even urgent payroll needs.
Will this affect my existing payment processing?
No. Your processing continues as usual, and funding runs seamlessly alongside it.
What is a chargeback?
A chargeback happens when a customer disputes a transaction with their bank. The funds are pulled from your account until the issue is resolved.
Why are chargebacks such a problem?
They don’t just cost you the sale—you also lose time, pay fees, and risk your merchant account if disputes pile up.
How do you prevent chargebacks?
We use tools like real-time alerts, 3-D Secure authentication, and clear billing practices to stop disputes before they start.
What happens if I get a chargeback anyway?
Our team manages the response. We gather documentation, handle deadlines, and represent your side to give you the best chance of winning.
Will this work for both retail and e-commerce businesses?
Yes. We customize chargeback protection for in-person, online, and mobile sales, since each has different risks.
How much can this reduce my chargebacks?
Results vary, but most merchants see a meaningful drop in disputes and higher win rates when they do occur.
What is VAMP?
VAMP is Visa’s new Acquirer Monitoring Program, combining fraud (TC40) and dispute (TC15) counts into one ratio. Full enforcement starts October 1, 2025.
Why does VAMP matter?
Fraud-related chargebacks now get counted twice, which can push your ratios higher—even if your fraud levels haven’t changed. Falling out of compliance can lead to fines, stricter reserves, or even account termination.
How do you help me stay compliant with VAMP?
We monitor your ratios in real time, reduce disputes before they escalate, and build strong representment cases when needed so you stay under thresholds and in good standing.
Do I have to buy new equipment?
Not always. Some systems can be updated, and many merchants even qualify for placement programs so there’s usually little or no upfront cost.
What types of POS systems do you offer?
Everything from full-featured retail stations to simple terminals and mobile device.
Can your POS terminals accept contactless payments?
Yes. We support tap-to-pay solutions, mobile wallets, QR codes and more.
Is the setup complicated?
No. We know change can feel daunting—that’s why our process is designed to be simple. Installation is quick, and we provide on-site setup and training so your team feels confident from day one.
How long does it take to get set up?
Most merchants are live within days. Hardware ships quickly, and our team helps with setup and training right away.
What kind of support will I get?
All of our support is U.S.-based and direct. You’ll always reach a real person for troubleshooting, guidance, and upgrades. And for merchants who prefer it, we also offer support in Spanish. Se habla español!
Will I be locked into one system?
No. We’re processor-agnostic, which means you’re never tied to a single setup. As your business evolves, our team will help you choose and adapt the system that fits best.
What exactly is the Merchant Rewards Program?
It’s a loyalty program specifically for business owners like yourself. Everytime one of your customers shops with you using their credit card on our machines, you earn points that can be later redeem for real rewards, like giftcards, travel, electronics and more.
How do I earn points?
Points are earned automatically when you sign up with Pinpoint. Points are tied to your monthly processing volume — no forms, no sign-ups. For every $1,000 in payments your customers process with you, earns you 200 points.
What can I redeem rewards for?
Travel, electronics, gift cards, and more. It’s flexible, and you choose what matters most. When you want, how you want.
Do I have to pay to join?
No. The program is included for eligible merchants at no extra cost.
Is there a limit to how many points I can earn?
No. The more you process, the more you earn. There’s no ceiling on rewards.
How do I track my balance?
Upon sign up, you will receive credentials and access to the online portal. Your points are tracked automatically and updated monthly for your records.
How quickly can I start accepting credit cards?
Most businesses are approved in just a few days. For low-risk industries, it can be even faster. High-risk businesses may take a bit longer, but we still move quickly so you can start processing without long delays.
Trusted by Business Owners Everywhere
From food trucks to Fortune 500s, we help businesses slash fees, modernize payments, and keep more of what they earn.
We’ve worked with thousands of merchants nationwide — farmers markets, mom-and-pop shops, celebrity-backed brands, and publicly traded companies. Whether you’re running a corner store in Clearwater or a high-volume operation in New York, our approach stays the same: real solutions, built around your business.
A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau
Pinpoint Payments is proud to be an A+ accredited business with the BBB, reflecting our long-term track record of honesty, transparency, and exceptional customer service. In addition, our award-winning support team (recognized by The Talk Awards 2025) provides 24/7 assistance in English and Spanish.