Last updated: August 20, 2025

PAYMENT DEPOT REVIEW (2025): INTERCHANGE‑PLUS WITH NO CANCELLATION FEES

Merchant Services USA Advisor

Staff Editor

Overview

Payment Depot (owned by Stax since 2021) now advertises interchange‑plus pricing with published markups “as low as 0.2%–1.95%,” $0 setup, “no cancellation fees,” and a modern software stack (invoicing, hosted pages, Text2Pay). It’s a good fit for small to mid‑size merchants who want transparent quotes without a membership plan.

Best for

Merchants seeking an interchange‑plus quote with simple online signup and flexibility to cancel without penalty.

Key takeaways

Interchange‑plus with public markup range (0.2%–1.95% over interchange) and no cancellation fees advertised.
Stax acquired Payment Depot in 2021; links to Stax legal terms appear in site footer.
Third‑party reporting in 2025 also reflects customized interchange‑plus pricing and flexible cancellations.

Pros

Membership-based, no markups
Lower costs with direct interchange rates
Clear, straightforward pricing
Dedicated customer service teams
Various POS and e-commerce platforms

Cons

May be high for small businesses
Not ideal for minimal transactions
Reports of account holds or freezes

Pricing and fees

Interchange‑plus markup range: 0.2%–1.95% over interchange (ask for your exact basis‑points and per‑item cents). $0 setup; “no cancellation fees.”

Contract and onboarding

Payment Depot markets easy signup and cancellation flexibility; still verify any equipment leases or third‑party gateway contracts separately.

Hardware and integrations

Support for common terminals and online gateways; invoicing, stored cards, payment links, and catalog tools included.

Funding speed

Standard next‑day/48‑hour patterns typical of full merchant accounts; confirm your batch cutoff and deposit timelines in your merchant packet.

Security and compliance

PCI support and tokenization via the Stax/Payment Depot stack; follow normal best practices.

Real‑world cost example (illustrative)

A retailer at $35,000/month, average ticket $45: ask Payment Depot to price 0.35% + $0.10 over interchange vs. a flat‑rate alternative and compare the effective rate after PCI and incidentals.

Who it’s best for

SMBs comfortable with interchange‑plus and wanting cancellation flexibility.

Who should consider alternatives

Ultra‑low‑volume sellers who prefer an aggregator with no monthly cost.

How to negotiate and implement

Get a written schedule showing interchange‑plus basis‑points and per‑item cents, PCI charges, and incidentals (chargebacks, retrievals). Ask about next‑day funding eligibility.

Reputation and trust signals

Acquired by Stax in 2021; still operating with its own brand/website and updated pricing mode

FAQs

What pricing model does Payment Depot use in 2025?

Payment Depot markets interchange‑plus pricing with a published markup range and the ability to sign up quickly online. Instead of opaque “tiered” pricing, you pay interchange set by the card networks plus a transparent processor markup (basis‑points and per‑transaction cents). Ask for your exact markup in writing and a list of any monthly or incidentals (PCI, gateway, chargeback, statement).

Does Payment Depot still use “membership” plans?

Historically, Payment Depot popularized a membership approach. Today, the website emphasizes straightforward interchange‑plus with easy signup and cancellation flexibility. Confirm your specific plan, whether any monthly subscription applies, and whether there are “no cancellation fees” in your contract. Always keep a copy of your order form and merchant agreement.

Are there early‑termination fees (ETFs) or long‑term contracts with Payment Depot?

Payment Depot promotes cancellation flexibility, but terms can vary. Request written confirmation of: contract length, auto‑renewal, ETF (if any), and the exact cancellation procedure (notice window, mailing address, device return). If you’re testing the service, aim for month‑to‑month and avoid equipment leases unless necessary.

What hardware and e‑commerce options does Payment Depot support?

Payment Depot supports common countertop terminals, mobile readers, virtual terminals, payment links, and e‑commerce gateways. Confirm device pricing vs. rental, warranty/replacement SLAs, and which features (invoicing, stored cards, catalog) are included. For online stores, verify gateway/AVS fees and recurring billing costs.

How fast are deposits with Payment Depot?

Most merchants see next‑day or two‑day deposits based on batch cut‑off and risk. Ask for your funding timeline, whether weekend batches fund on Monday, and if instant/accelerated options exist. Clarify reserve triggers (chargeback spikes, unusual ticket sizes) and how to request a rate review after steady processing history.

How do I compare a Payment Depot quote to another provider?

Collect two recent statements and ask for an interchange‑plus quote that shows: bps over interchange, per‑item cents, all monthly fees, and gateway costs. Compute the effective rate (total fees ÷ gross card sales) over at least 30 days. Compare apples‑to‑apples against flat‑rate or tiered offers, remembering to include monthly subscription or account fees.

Does Payment Depot support surcharging or cash‑discount/dual‑pricing programs?

Many processors can enable compliant credit‑card surcharging or dual pricing; rules depend on card brands and state law. Ask Payment Depot whether your vertical and devices support it, how receipts show the fee, and what signage is required. Always exclude debit from surcharging and confirm state disclosure requirements.

What level of support and PCI help will I receive from Payment Depot?

You can expect a PCI compliance portal/SAQ assistance and normal dispute/chargeback workflows. Ask for your PCI deadlines, any non‑compliance fees, and whether onboarding includes help configuring AVS/CVV for online/keyed transactions. Request escalation paths and typical response SLAs for device replacements and gateway issues.