Introducing Clearent: A Transparent, Scalable Payment Processor for Modern Businesses

Clearent is a U.S.-based payment processor and merchant services provider, now operating as part of Xplor Technologies. Founded in 2005, Clearent has grown to serve over 66,000 businesses and processes more than $31 billion in transactions annually . The company is known for its transparent pricing, innovative technology, and strong support for software developers and independent software vendors (ISVs).

Key Features of Clearent

Transparent Pricing Models

Clearent offers various pricing structures, including interchange-plus, tiered, and flat-rate options. The interchange-plus model is particularly favored for its transparency, with a typical markup around 0.50% . While not the lowest in the industry, Clearent’s rates are competitive, and the company has a reputation for rarely increasing fees.​

Diverse Payment Solutions

Clearent provides a range of payment processing options to accommodate different business needs:

• Point of Sale (POS): Comprehensive POS systems that integrate scheduling, marketing, and payment processing.
• Mobile App: Accept payments on-the-go via iOS and Android devices.​
• Virtual Terminal: Web-based tool for secure card and ACH payments, supporting features like recurring billing and refunds.
• Text to Pay: Send secure payment links via SMS for convenient customer payments.​
• Hosted Payments: Secure online payment acceptance through hosted payment pages.

These solutions are designed to be user-friendly and secure, catering to various business models.

Developer-Friendly Integrations

Clearent’s Quest™ Payment Gateway offers robust integration options for developers:

• Cloud EMV API: A semi-integrated, cloud-based solution that simplifies PCI compliance and EMV certification by handling sensitive data outside the POS system.
• Mobile EMV SDK: Facilitates mobile payment acceptance with plug-and-play card readers.
• Recurring Payments: Set up automated, secure recurring billing without storing sensitive cardholder information.
• Tokenization and P2PE: Enhance security by replacing sensitive data with tokens and encrypting data at the point of sale.

These tools are designed to reduce development time and ensure compliance with security standards.

Empower Program: Cost-Saving Initiatives

Clearent’s Empower Program offers merchants options to offset credit card processing fees:

• Cash Discounting: Offer discounts to customers who pay with cash, reducing card processing costs.​
• Surcharging: Add a fee to credit card transactions to cover processing expenses.
• Convenience and Service Fees: Apply additional fees in specific scenarios, such as alternative payment channels or certain merchant categories.

Businesses using the Empower Program have reported average annual savings of $13,000, with total projected savings reaching $144 million per year.

Security and Compliance

Clearent emphasizes security through:

• PCI-Validated P2PE: Encrypts card data at the point of sale, reducing PCI DSS scope and simplifying compliance.
• Tokenization: Replaces sensitive card data with tokens, minimizing the risk of data breaches.
• Quick Chip for EMV: Accelerates chip card transactions, enhancing customer experience.

These measures help protect businesses and their customers from fraud and data breaches.

Additional Services

Clearent also offers:

• Gift Cards and Loyalty Programs: Encourage repeat business and customer engagement.​
• Smart Invoicing: Automate billing processes to improve cash flow.​
• Merchant Financing: Access to funding options to support business growth.

These services are designed to provide comprehensive support for businesses beyond payment processing.

Ideal Use Cases

Clearent is well-suited for:​

• Small to Medium-Sized Businesses: Looking for transparent pricing and reliable support.
• ISVs and Developers: Seeking robust APIs and integration options.
• Businesses Aiming to Reduce Processing Costs: Through programs like Empower.
• Industries Requiring Secure, Compliant Payment Solutions: Such as healthcare, education, and government sectors.

Conclusion

Clearent stands out as a transparent, developer-friendly payment processor offering a range of solutions tailored to various business needs. With its emphasis on security, cost-saving programs, and comprehensive support, Clearent is a compelling choice for businesses seeking efficient and secure payment processing solutions.