PRA Member Benefits & Services

PRA Simplified Credit Card Pricing

Offered by Heartland Payment Systems exclusively to members of the Pennsylvania Restaurant Association.

The PRA Simplified Pricing Plan – a benefit offering from the Pennsylvania Restaurant Association and Heartland Payment Systems – was launched in October 2005 to offer restaurants a simple, low-cost method for credit and debit card processing. Since its launch, more than 600 PRA members have signed on and realized a cost savings – not to mention a much clearer understanding of their statements and where their money is going. The PRA Simplified Pricing Plan gives the independent restaurant operator access to the same low processing rates usually reserved only for large restaurant chains. Here are some of the reasons the PRA Simplified Pricing Plan works:

Direct Pass Through of Interchange Rates & Processing Costs

Restaurants are charged only the actual cost of card processing. Unlike most other processors, interchange rates and “per-swipe” fees are not marked up with the PRA Simplified Pricing Plan. Restaurants pay only a small monthly fee based on their volume of credit and debit card processing. This allows restaurants to pay for processing services based on pure volume … and not product mix.

No Nuisance Fees

PRA member restaurants are not charged any of the common “nuisance fees” or “hidden fees” that many other card processors charge. These include annual fees, statement fees and monthly minimum fees. Check your statements today to see what your card processor is charging you. Often times, these fees are added on to make up for seemingly “low rates.”

No Tip Over-Authorization

Most restaurant owners use terminals and point-of-sale (POS) systems that  are automatically programmed to “over-authorize” transactions by 20% or more above the cost of the ticket to guarantee a server tip. However, a restaurant authorization that routinely includes a tip can quickly lead to customer dissatisfaction, decreased customer loyalty and less repeat traffic for your restaurant over time. Heartland and the PRA are working together to help Pennsylvania restaurateurs eliminate this issue by providing  the information they need to prevent over-authorization wherever possible.
For more information click here.

Personal Sales & Service

Heartland has nearly 40 Relationship Managers throughout Pennsylvania ready to meet with you in person for a statement review or to address questions. In addition, Heartland has the backing of the Pennsylvania Restaurant Association which means you have the added resource of contacting your association for any issues or questions about your account.  The PRA will accelerate the issue on your behalf.

Merchant Bill of Rights

Heartland Payment Systems and the Pennsylvania Restaurant Association are two of the founding members of The Merchant Bill of Rights. The Merchant Bill of Rights promotes fair credit and debit card processing practices on behalf of small and mid-sized business owners. Proposed as an industry standard, it calls for the clear and straightforward presentation of card processing costs.  Its purpose is to enable merchants who don't have the resources of large purchasing organizations to effectively manage their costs, determine which processor best meets their needs and realize significant savings. Visit www.MerchantBillOfRights.com for more information about the Merchant Bill of Rights and credit card processing in general.

Let’s face it. These days you have to accept credit cards to run a successful restaurant business.  But it doesn’t have to be complicated. And, you don’t have to pay too much. Stop playing games with credit card processors. The PRA has made it possible for you to pay for processing services based on pure volume … and not product mix. All direct costs – plus a flat monthly fee based on the volume of credit and debit card processing – are passed through to you. It doesn’t get much easier than that. You owe it to yourself and your business to check out the PRA Simplified Pricing Plan.

 "Heartland Payment Systems saved me money, but more than that I now have a "go to" person with my rep.  If a problem arises, I make a call and it's handled quickly and efficiently.  Kudos to the PRA for negotiating this great new member benefit program that saves us money on credit card processing and gives us a little peace of mind."

- Michael Passalacqua, Angelo's Restaurant, Washington, PA

For more information or to schedule a personal visit, contact the Pennsylvania Restaurant Association or Heartland Payment Systems.

Mikel Anderson, Pennsylvania Division Manager, Heartland Payment Systems, (215) 942-0151, mikel.anderson@e-hps.com