Compare
SwitchKeep vs built-in payments.
Both take payments inside the software you invoice from. The difference is whose account the money runs through, and what each payment costs. Here's a side-by-side, as of October 20, 2026.
Side by side.
| Compared | Built-in payments | SwitchKeep, on your own merchant account |
|---|---|---|
| Whose account | Your software's payments provider | Yours: SwitchKeep Direct, or through your advisor or processor |
| Card pricing | One flat rate, typically 2.9–3.5% (published rates) | Interchange plus a margin, typically about 2.1–2.4% all in (Merchant Cost Consulting) |
| Bank payments (ACH) | Typically 1%: $50 on a $5,000 job | Usually a flat few dollars per payment |
| Can you see the margin? | No. It's bundled into the flat rate | Yes. Each part is itemized on your statement |
| Who sets the rate | The software, which can change it on notice | Set with your account, and shown on your statement |
| Where you take payments | In the software, including its phone app and card readers where it offers them | In the software, in Chrome on a computer, plus emailed pay links. No card reader |
| Saved cards | Held by the software's payments provider | Held with your merchant account. Existing ones move as customers next pay |
| If you change software | Payments are set up again with the new software | Your merchant account stays the same |
| Cost of the tool | Included with the software | $0. The extension and the merchant portal are free |
Ranges are typical figures, read on October 20, 2026. Your rate depends on your cards, your industry and your account. Rates change: check your software's current pricing before you decide.
The math
A year of card payments, priced both ways.
Say you take $250,000 a year in cards. Built-in payments at about 2.96% effective, against a merchant account at about 2.25%, is a gap of about 0.7 points: roughly $1,750 a year before account fees, or about $1,450 after $300 a year of them.
Bank payments widen it. At 1%, a $5,000 job costs $50 to collect by bank. On your own account it's usually a few dollars.
When each one fits.
Built-in payments are the right call for some businesses. Here's where the line usually falls.
Built-in payments fit when
- You take less than about $43,000 a year in cards, where account fees can eat the difference.
- Most payments are taken in person on a card reader or a phone.
- You'd rather have one bill and one support line for software and payments.
SwitchKeep fits when
- You invoice from web-based software and most payments are online, on an invoice or keyed in.
- You take larger bank payments, where 1% adds up fast.
- You want to see what each payment costs, and keep the same account if you change software.
FAQ
Questions.
Do I have to stop using my software's payments?
No. Keep them connected while saved cards and autopay move over, and turn them off when nobody depends on them.
Is SwitchKeep always cheaper than built-in payments?
No. It's usually cheaper above about $43,000 a year in cards, and on bank payments. A mix heavy in Amex or business cards costs more anywhere. A statement review shows which side of the line you're on.
Will my invoices still be marked paid?
Yes. Each payment is recorded on its invoice in your software, the same way a built-in payment would be.
See your side of the line.
Send a recent statement. We'll price the same month on your own merchant account.