People you can trust. Programs you can grow with. Pricing you can depend on.

Who we are

Higher Standards was founded in 2001 by Dick Carbone, a veteran of the Minnesota restaurant industry.

What we offer

Higher Standards offers payment processing solutions for all types of businesses and organizations, including traditional retailers, online retailers, restaurants, the healthcare industry, business-to-business companies, and churches and other non-profit organizations. This includes the processing of credit card, debit card, online, electronic check, and ACH payments, using traditional credit card terminals, POS systems, and virtual online gateways. Our merchant services are designed to exceed expectations and integrate seamlessly with existing business systems.

Why you should choose Higher Standards

Your business or organization should choose Higher Standards when you are:

• Looking for an easy-to-setup and easy-to-use payment processing solution.
• Searching for a truly integrated solution to handle your business needs in the most effective way for your customers.
• Seeking a competitive advantage by offering the finest security available to protect your client’s data.
• Concerned about becoming PCI and EMV compliant.
• Frustrated that your current system is not doing what was promised when it was sold to you.
• Tired of dealing with customer service representatives and sales personnel that are poorly trained, unreliable, and not committed to resolving issues quickly.

What makes us different from other processors

Higher Standards is dedicated to providing the highest level of customer service to our merchants and affiliate partners. With nearly $2 billion in annual transactions, we combine the stability of a large processor with the heart and soul of a small business. At Higher Standards, we care about relationships, not just transactions.

There’s a reason that our customer retention is significantly higher than the industry average. Look at the unique benefits we offer to all of our customers:

• Higher service. When you need help, we respond – personally. No endless phone trees and voice mails here. Our team has a combined total of more than 100 years’ experience in merchant service; we answer when you call and we solve your problems.
• Higher performance. Our terminal, POS, and virtual gateway solutions make all transactions quick and easy. Custom reports help you better manage your business. An you get online access to all your statements and batches. Credit card processing has never been easier.
• Higher trust. We run our business for you. Our rates and fees are guaranteed, and there are no termination fees. If you don’t like our service, you’re not stuck in a long-term contract.
• Higher professionalism. We hire sales professionals and customer support people that not only understand our standards, but live by them each day. Our sales training program for new professionals, as well as those with more experience, is an on-going process. We believe in keeping a step ahead of the trends, new technology and consultative services.
• Higher profits. We tailor your processing solution to your specific business so you pay the lowest rates possible. And if you’re a B2B company, our Level 3 interchange rates can save you up to a third from your previous rates.
• Higher giving. We offer special programs for churches and non-profit organizations. And our unique GIVE BACK program lets any business donate a portion of their transaction fees to the church or charity of their choice.
• Higher standards. As our name implies, Higher Standards are what we believe in, reflected in both our business practices and our involvement in the community. As a family-owned business, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of those in need – both in our community and around the world. We’re more than just a payment processing company. Because we are blessed, it is our goal to always be involved in the world around us and share our blessings with others.

Higher Standards: We want to be your payment processing partner

From the inception of Higher Standards, our core belief has been, and continues to be, to provide the highest level of customer service to our merchants and affiliate partners. Due to our high level of service, Higher Standards has one of the lowest attrition rates in the industry. Our customers stay with us because we deliver what they need with excellent support. 

Higher Standards understands the busy nature of running a business, because most of our management team has operated or owned their own organization. Walking in a similar footprint gives us an advantage when servicing our clients. We invite you to click the Contact Us button to schedule an appointment to discuss your non-cash payment needs.

On behalf of the Higher Standards organization, we look forward to becoming your preferred payment processing provider.