Spotting Card-Heavy Businesses in Sixty Seconds

Walking down a street or scrolling through Instagram… do you ever wonder which shops might need better payment rates? You can spot strong prospects fast, no deep research required. Think of it like a mini scavenger hunt. Here are five clues to watch for the next time you step into a store or café.

1. “No Cash Accepted” signs
See a small placard at the till that reads “Card Only” or “Contactless Preferred”? That owner just announced they pay fees on every single sale. Smile, order your coffee, then ask a friendly question:
“Out of curiosity, do you ever review those processing costs?”
If the barista says the owner complains about fees, you have a warm path to request two recent statements.

2. Tip jars full of receipts, not coins
Many counter service spots collect digital tips. When the jar looks thin but staff still earn tips, it means most customers tap their cards. Cash tips have gone digital, card volume is high, and the merchant feels every percentage point.

3. Average ticket over $50
Browse the menu or price tags. High numbers equal higher interchange costs for premium rewards cards. A boutique that sells $200 shoes or a dental clinic offering whitening kits pays far more in absolute fees than a neighborhood bakery. Ask:
“Do your patients ever split payments across cards? We can usually trim that overall cost.”
Let their curiosity do the work.

4. Multiple payment terminals
A shop with two or three card readers side by side pushes serious throughput. They geared up for busy hours and cannot afford downtime. That scale often means they process well above $10 000 a month, the sweet spot where our savings get impressive and our sales team can craft a strong proposal.

5. Premium card logos everywhere
Look for Amex, Diners, or luxury travel rewards posters on the door. These cards carry some of the highest interchange fees in the market. When you see them promoted front and center, you have instant proof the merchant absorbs heavy costs.

Quick memory jogger

Next time you enter any business, run this mental checklist:

  • Card only signage

  • Sparse cash tip jar

  • High value products or services

  • Extra terminals at checkout

  • Premium card branding on the window

Catch even one clue, strike up a friendly chat, and ask for two recent monthly statements. Snap clear photos, upload them in the portal, and you are done. Our in house team will crunch the numbers and close the deal.

Keep the hunt fun. The more you practice, the faster your eyes will lock onto these signals… and the more commission alerts you will see in your inbox.