Simple, Reliable Payment Processing for Columbus Businesses

Transparent programs, local support, and month-to-month options that fit your business.

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Why Buckeye Merchant Payments

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Transparent Programs

Choose from four clear pricing programs designed to reduce or offset processing costs. No hidden fees, no surprises—just honest pricing that fits your business.

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Local Support

Columbus-based team providing hands-on guidance for pricing, setup, and ongoing support. We're your local point of contact who knows your business.

📅

Month-to-Month

No long-term contracts. Flexible, month-to-month options that give you the freedom to choose what works best for your business.

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Fast Setup

Quick onboarding process gets you processing payments fast. We handle the details so you can focus on running your business.

Programs Snapshot

Choose the program that best fits your business model and transaction patterns.

Cash Discount

$25-$99/mo

One flat monthly subscription with unlimited credit card transactions, designed to offset up to 100% of processing fees.

  • Locked-in subscription price
  • Unlimited transactions
  • Cash discount structure
  • Three tier options
Learn More →

Hybrid Program

$25/mo

Customer pays on credit cards, merchant pays low rates on debit cards. Best of both worlds for many businesses.

  • 0% on credit (customer pays 3%)
  • 1.5% + $0.25 on debit
  • Unlimited processing
  • Simple, predictable
Learn More →

Traditional Program

$15/mo

Interchange-plus pricing with a fixed margin of 0.35% + $0.10 per transaction. Transparent wholesale pass-through.

  • Simple interchange-plus
  • 0.35% + $0.10 margin
  • Wholesale cost structure
  • Clear, honest pricing
Learn More →

Surcharge Program

$25/mo

Credit transactions paid by customer, low merchant cost on debit. Transparent surcharge structure with full disclosure.

  • Credit paid by customer
  • 1.5% + $0.25 on debit
  • Full fee disclosure
  • Compliant structure
Learn More →

How It Works

Getting started is simple and straightforward. We guide you through every step.

1

Review

Free statement review or quick intake if you're new. We analyze your current costs and transaction patterns to understand your needs.

2

Recommend Program

We recommend the best-fit program based on your business type, volume, and goals. Clear explanation of costs and savings potential.

3

Setup

Simple onboarding and equipment or POS setup. We handle the technical details and coordinate with your current provider if switching.

4

Ongoing Support

Local support for questions, account reviews, and adjustments. We're here for the long term as your trusted partner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there long-term contracts?

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No. We offer month-to-month options with no long-term commitments. You have the flexibility to adjust or change as your business needs evolve.

Which program is right for my business?

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It depends on your transaction volume, average ticket size, and business type. Request a free review and we'll recommend the best fit based on your specific situation.

How quickly can I get set up?

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Most businesses can be processing payments within a few business days. We handle the onboarding, equipment setup, and coordination to make the process as smooth as possible.

Do you integrate with my current POS system?

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Our platform integrates with many popular POS systems. Contact us to confirm compatibility with your specific system.

When do I receive my funds?

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Funding may be available as soon as next day, depending on your setup and business type. We'll discuss funding schedules during your consultation.

Ready to Find Your Best Fit?

Get a free statement review and learn which program can work best for your business.

Request a Free Statement Review

Programs & Pricing

Four transparent programs designed to fit different business models. Choose the option that works best for your transaction patterns and preferences.

Cash Discount Program

One flat monthly subscription with unlimited credit card transactions, designed to offset up to 100% of processing fees. Your monthly subscription price is locked in.

MINI

$25

Less than $5,000/month in credit card volume

CORE

$50

$5,000 - $10,000/month in credit card volume

PRIME

$99

Over $10,000/month in credit card volume

Businesses can offer a cash discount while card sales include the cost, helping to offset processing fees. This program is designed for businesses that want predictable, flat-rate monthly costs with unlimited credit card processing.

Best for: Businesses with consistent card volume that want to eliminate per-transaction fees and offset processing costs entirely.

Hybrid Program

$25/month

Flat monthly subscription, unlimited processing

Credit Cards:

  • ✓ Business pays: 0%
  • ✓ Customer pays: 3%

Debit Cards:

  • ✓ Business pays: 1.5% + $0.25
  • ✓ Customer pays: 0%

Important Qualifications:

Consumer debit may be 1.5% + $0.25, but Mid Qualified 2.50% and Non Qualified 3.50% may apply.

Key-entered debit on the terminal does not qualify for the 1.5% + $0.25 rate and falls into mid/non-qualified categories.

Availability: Hybrid is not available in Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, or Massachusetts, and can only be used with a credit card terminal.

Best for: Businesses with a healthy mix of credit and debit transactions who want customers to cover credit card costs while keeping debit costs low.

Traditional Program

$15/month

Flat monthly subscription, unlimited processing

Interchange-Plus Pricing:

  • ✓ Fixed margin: 0.35% + $0.10 per transaction
  • ✓ Interchange and card assessments passed through at cost
  • ✓ Transparent wholesale components

Simple and transparent pricing structure. You pay wholesale interchange rates plus a small, fixed margin. No markups on interchange, no hidden fees.

Best for: Businesses that want full transparency and prefer a simple margin over wholesale interchange costs.

Surcharge Program

$25/month

Credit Transactions:

Paid by customer

Debit Transactions:

Business cost: 1.5% + $0.25/transaction

Best for: Businesses that want to pass credit card processing costs to customers while maintaining low costs on debit transactions.

We Believe in Full Disclosure

Additional fees may apply based on transaction type and circumstances. These per-occurrence costs are transparent and disclosed upfront:

  • AVS (Address Verification - keyed transactions)$0.05/transaction
  • Retrieval$25/instance
  • Chargeback$25/instance
  • Voice Authorization$2.00/authorization
  • Account Closure$50.00/location
  • PCI Non-Compliance (if applicable)$49.95/month
  • ACH Reject$30/instance

Which Program Is Best for Me?

Restaurants & Cafes

Often work well with Cash Discount or Hybrid programs due to high card volume and mixed payment types.

Retail Stores

May benefit from Hybrid or Traditional programs depending on their customer base and average ticket size.

Service Businesses

Traditional or Surcharge programs often fit well for professional services with larger ticket sizes.

High-Volume Businesses

Cash Discount (PRIME) can offset significant processing costs for businesses processing $10K+ monthly.

Not sure which program fits your business? We'll review your current statement or discuss your needs to recommend the best option.

Request a Free Statement Review

Services

Complete payment processing solutions for businesses across Columbus and Central Ohio.

In-Store Card Acceptance

Accept all major credit and debit cards with modern payment terminals that support tap, chip, and swipe transactions.

  • Contactless payments (tap-to-pay)
  • EMV chip card processing
  • Traditional magnetic stripe
  • Fast, secure transactions

POS & Terminal Options

Modern point-of-sale systems and terminals that integrate with your business operations. Equipment programs may be available.

  • Compatible with many POS systems
  • Countertop terminals
  • Wireless options
  • Receipt printers and accessories

Mobile Payments

Accept payments anywhere with mobile card readers and smartphone-based processing solutions.

  • Mobile card readers
  • Smartphone processing
  • On-the-go transactions
  • Perfect for mobile businesses

Invoices & Virtual Terminal

Send professional invoices and accept payments over the phone or by email through a secure virtual terminal.

  • Email invoicing
  • Phone order processing
  • Virtual terminal access
  • Professional payment requests

Online & E-commerce

Secure payment gateway integration for your website or online store. Accept payments 24/7 with ease.

  • Payment gateway integration
  • Shopping cart compatibility
  • Secure online transactions
  • 24/7 payment acceptance

Reporting & Portal Access

Access your transaction data and reports through an easy-to-use online portal. Track sales, view statements, and manage your account.

  • Online account portal
  • Transaction reporting
  • Statement access
  • Account management tools

Ongoing Support & Account Reviews

We're here for the long term as your local payment processing partner.

Local Support Team

When you need help, you'll reach a local team that knows Columbus businesses. We provide hands-on support for technical questions, account changes, and program adjustments.

Regular Account Reviews

As your business grows and changes, we're here to review your account and ensure you're still on the best program for your needs. No surprises, just ongoing guidance.

Equipment & Technical Support

If you have equipment issues or questions about your POS integration, we're here to help troubleshoot and find solutions quickly.

How It Works

Getting started with Buckeye Merchant Payments is straightforward. We guide you through every step with clear communication and hands-on support.

1

Free Statement Review or Quick Intake

If you're currently processing cards, share your most recent statement and we'll analyze your costs and identify potential savings. If you're new to accepting cards, we'll conduct a quick intake to understand your business needs.

2

Recommend Best-Fit Program

Based on your business type, transaction volume, and goals, we'll recommend the program that can work best for you. We'll explain costs clearly and show you potential savings.

3

Simple Onboarding & Setup

Once you're ready to move forward, we handle the onboarding process and coordinate equipment or POS setup. We take care of the technical details so you can focus on running your business.

4

Go Live & Ongoing Support

Start processing payments with confidence. Our local support team is here for questions, account reviews, and adjustments as your business grows.

Switching Is Easy

Worried about the hassle of changing payment processors? We make the transition smooth and minimize downtime.

We Coordinate Everything

We handle communication with your current provider and manage the transition timeline to ensure minimal disruption to your business operations.

Most businesses can be up and running on our platform within a few business days from approval.

Equipment Setup & Training

We'll set up your new equipment or integrate with your existing POS system, and provide training for you and your staff to ensure everyone is comfortable with the new system.

No Downtime

We schedule the switch to minimize impact on your daily operations. In many cases, you can even run old and new systems side-by-side during the transition if needed.

Ready to Get Started?

Request a free statement review and learn how we can help your business save on processing costs.

Get Your Free Review

Local, Transparent Merchant Services

Helping Columbus businesses stop overpaying and remove surprise processing bills by choosing the right program.

Our Mission

Too many small businesses across Columbus are stuck with confusing pricing, hidden fees, and poor support from their payment processors. We founded Buckeye Merchant Payments to change that.

Our mission is simple: help local businesses find transparent payment processing programs that can reduce or offset costs, with month-to-month flexibility and hands-on local support.

We believe small businesses deserve honest pricing, clear communication, and a local partner who genuinely cares about their success.

Our Partnership

We work with a national payments platform (VizyPay) for processing technology, compliance, and settlement infrastructure. This partnership gives our clients access to enterprise-grade security and reliability.

While VizyPay handles the technical backend, Buckeye Merchant Payments provides local guidance, pricing consultation, setup support, and ongoing account management. You get the best of both worlds: robust technology with personal, local service.

Meet the Founders

Jack Zeid

Jack Zeid

Co-Founder

EDUCATION

  • The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business — International Business, Chinese Language Studies (Aug 2024 – May 2028)
  • Hawken School (2020–2024), 4.08 GPA

EXPERIENCE

  • Oxford Harriman & Co., Beachwood, OH — Wealth Management Intern (May 2024 – Aug 2024): Worked with a Cleveland-based wealth management firm with over $5B in AUM to create model portfolios for UHNWI clients, increasing rates of return
  • Trend Evolution Wholesaling LLC, Solon, OH — Imports and Design Curation Intern (May 2023 – Dec 2023): Sourced new products for over 1,000 big-box retailers (supplier to Burt's Bees); contacted overseas suppliers to reduce costs and increase margins by 1.2%
  • Hawken School Entrepreneurship Semester — Consultant for 3 Cleveland businesses (Cleveland Kitchen, Studio West 117, DreamBook AI) focused on cost reduction & operations

ACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity Member
  • Founder of Hawken Real Estate Club
  • Fisher Real Estate Society Member
  • Hawken Golf Team 4-Year Varsity Member, 2 Years as Captain
  • OHSAA Golf State Qualifier (Team & Individual) — 6th Place in State
  • Most Valuable Player in Chagrin Valley Conference 2024 Season
  • Cleveland News Herald Player of the Year 2023 Season

Jack brings entrepreneurial drive, international business perspective, and hands-on consulting experience. His work reducing costs for Cleveland businesses and creating value for clients aligns directly with Buckeye Merchant Payments' mission to help local businesses save on processing costs.

Email: jack@buckeyemerchantpayments.com

View LinkedIn Profile
Jacob London

Jacob London

Co-Founder

EDUCATION

  • The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business — International Business, Pre-Law (Aug 2025 – May 2029)
  • Western Reserve Academy (Aug 2021 – May 2025), 4.03 GPA
  • Soochow University (Summer 2023) — Attained certificate of Chinese learning after studying in Taipei, Taiwan

EXPERIENCE

  • Starbucks Coffee Co., Aurora, OH — Partner (Jul 2024 – Jul 2025): Delivered excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment while balancing school and work
  • Atlas Cinemas, Aurora, OH — Associate (Mar 2024 – Jul 2024): Assisted hundreds of guests per shift; won branch sales competition June 2024

ACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS

  • High School Model United Nations Club President
  • Mock Trial Lawyer
  • Member of Fisher Undergraduate Finance Association
  • Western Reserve Academy Golf Team Member
  • Western Reserve Academy Jazz Band Guitarist

Jacob brings leadership experience, customer service excellence, and a passion for helping others succeed. His background leading Model UN, competing in mock trial, and winning sales competitions demonstrates the communication skills and competitive drive essential to serving Columbus businesses.

Email: jacob@buckeyemerchantpayments.com

View LinkedIn Profile

Why We Started Buckeye Merchant Payments

As young entrepreneurs in Columbus, we saw firsthand how confusing and expensive payment processing can be for small businesses. Too many business owners were stuck with poor support, hidden fees, and programs that didn't fit their needs.

We founded Buckeye Merchant Payments to provide transparent alternatives with clear pricing, month-to-month flexibility, and genuine local support. We're here to be long-term partners for Columbus businesses, helping them find the right program and providing hands-on guidance every step of the way.

Our goal is simple: help local businesses thrive by taking the confusion out of payment processing.

Get In Touch

Ready to learn which program can work best for your business? Request a free statement review or reach out with any questions.

Request a Free Statement Review

Share your most recent processing statement and we'll analyze your costs, identify potential savings, and recommend the program that best fits your business.

If you're new to accepting card payments, we'll conduct a quick consultation to understand your needs and recommend the right solution.

Contact Information

Email:

info@buckeyemerchantpayments.com

Service Area:

Columbus, Ohio and Central Ohio

Contact Form

Serving Columbus & Central Ohio

Local merchant services with transparent programs and hands-on support for businesses across Central Ohio.

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: February 2026

Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us, including your name, business name, contact information, and details about your payment processing needs when you request a consultation or statement review.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Provide you with information about our payment processing programs
  • Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
  • Conduct statement reviews and recommend appropriate programs
  • Process your application if you choose to work with us

Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information with our payment processing partner (VizyPay) as necessary to provide services, and with service providers who assist in our business operations.

Data Security

We take reasonable measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. However, no internet transmission is completely secure.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us through our contact form or reach out directly to discuss your privacy concerns.

Terms of Service

Last Updated: February 2026

About Our Services

Buckeye Merchant Payments is a merchant services provider that helps businesses in Columbus and Central Ohio with payment processing solutions. We partner with a registered payment processor (VizyPay) to provide processing services.

Service Relationship

Buckeye Merchant Payments acts as a local merchant services provider and point of contact. Actual payment processing services are provided through our partner processor and are subject to approval, applicable terms and conditions, and compliance requirements.

No Guaranteed Savings

While we work to recommend programs that may reduce or offset processing costs, we do not guarantee specific savings amounts. Actual costs depend on transaction volume, card types, business type, and other factors.

Program Availability

Program availability may vary by business type, location, and other factors. Some programs have geographic restrictions or equipment requirements. We will clearly communicate any limitations during your consultation.

Month-to-Month Terms

Our programs are offered on a month-to-month basis with no long-term contracts, subject to the terms of the processing agreement with our partner processor.

Limitation of Liability

Buckeye Merchant Payments provides consultation and support services. We are not liable for processing errors, technical issues, or other matters handled by the payment processor. Your processing agreement will detail the terms and conditions governing the actual payment processing services.

Questions

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us through our contact form.