When it comes to running a successful dental practice, every dollar counts. Payment processing fees might seem small on each transaction—but over time, they can add up fast. The good news? With just a few small adjustments, you can reduce costs without changing how you care for your patients.

At Best Card, we help dental offices save an average of $6,671 or 28% annually on credit card processing. Here are three big tips every dental team should know to keep costs down and savings up.

1. Prioritize Card-Present Transactions

(Why it matters: Lower risk = lower fees)

Whenever possible, aim to run payments while the patient is in the office using chip, contactless, or swiped methods. These card-present transactions carry a lower risk of fraud and are processed at significantly lower rates than manually keyed-in payments.

💡 Pro Tip: Set up a process to collect payment at checkout before the patient leaves—no more chasing payments or paying extra fees.

2. Encourage Debit Card Use

(Fewer rewards = fewer fees)

Debit cards are your best friend when it comes to payment processing costs. Unlike rewards-heavy credit cards, debit cards carry lower interchange rates, which means lower fees for your practice.

💬 Friendly reminder at the front desk: “If you have a debit card, that’ll save us a little on fees—thank you!”

3. Enter Keyed-In Card Details Accurately

(One small habit = better rates)

If you do need to key in a card (like for phone payments or follow-ups), make sure to include the 5-digit ZIP code and the CVV code (3- or 4-digit security number). These details help verify the card and reduce the risk of fraud—which can lower your processing costs when included.