Referral partners / CPAs and accounting firms
CPA and accounting firm referral partnershipsReferral partnerships for firms that know their clients' numbers.
Processing statements explain deposit differences, transaction charges and recurring payment costs. Accounting firms, bookkeepers and advisers can introduce clients for a separate processing review, under written terms that respect your professional rules.
Sometimes it starts with a reconciliation question.
- Spot payment issues during everyday accounting work
- Offer eligible clients a separate processing review
- Keep your professional advice independent
- Explore permitted referral arrangements in writing
Nationwide
Businesses in every state
Free
Statement reviews for your clients
$500
Rate guarantee*
B2B
Built around your relationships
What is a CPA referral partnership with a merchant services provider?
An approved arrangement where eligible accountants introduce clients to Upward Merchant for processing cost reviews or payment technology. You keep providing your own services. Any compensation, disclosures and confidentiality terms are set in writing, and a client doesn't necessarily need a new processor.
Six processing issues that show up in a client's books
Deposits that don't match sales
Settlements, refunds, fees or timing haven't been reconciled.
Fees lumped together
Processor charges hide what is card network cost and what is markup.
Processing costs rising faster than sales
Card mix, ticket size, disputes, pricing or new add-ons may be the cause.
Duplicate or surprise charges
Terminal, gateway, software or PCI fees show up on more than one statement.
Chargebacks and refunds misclassified
Disputes, reversals and recoveries need careful categories.
Clearing accounts that won't reconcile
Cutoff timing, missing settlements, reserves or posting errors.
A quick way to size it up: processing fees divided by matching card volume, times 100, gives an effective rate. It is a starting point, not a quote.
When a referral meets a real client need
The cost review
A restaurant owner asks why fees went up. If the owner wants one, you suggest a separate pricing review.
The new location
A retailer opening a second store has questions about terminals, POS and settlement reporting.
The reconciliation problem
Poor processor reporting slows the books. Better reporting tools may help before any switch.
The ecommerce move
A service business starting online payments needs a gateway with clean refund and settlement records.
More business needs. More ways to help.
We look at each business on its own and recommend what fits, not a one-size-fits-all package.
Independence, confidentiality and professional standards
Attest independence and commissions
Professional standards may bar commissions for some audits, reviews and compilations. We never pay where rules prohibit it.
Disclosure and objectivity
Where commissions are allowed, disclosure may be required. Check your state board rules too.
Client and tax confidentiality
Tax returns, payroll records, bank details and workpapers are never shared automatically.
Separate professional duties
A referral never shapes accounting judgments or claims about tax treatment or savings.
Client permission first
Clients authorize every introduction. A standard introduction needs no financial records.
Clear roles
You keep your accounting work. We handle the merchant services we provide.
How a referral partnership works
It starts with a no-pressure conversation. If it's a good fit for both of us, we set it up together.
Discuss practice fit
Your services, client types, attest work and common payment questions.
Confirm permitted terms
Professional rules, confidentiality, disclosures and written procedures.
Make approved introductions
With permission, introduce interested clients without extra records.
Keep defined roles
We handle merchant activity, and any compensation follows signed terms.
Frequently asked questions
Can bookkeeping firms refer clients?
Can CPA firms receive recurring referral commissions?
Why don't net deposits match gross card sales?
Is every fee increase a sign of overpricing?
Will changing processors fix a clearing account?
Does a client have to replace their processor?
Can an accountant share tax returns or bank statements with you?
Does the accountant have to become a salesperson?
Let's explore a referral partnership.
Banks, credit unions, software companies, associations, accounting firms, suppliers and other B2B companies: tell us about your business and what you'd like a partnership to do.
- No cost and no obligation to talk
- A real person reviews every inquiry
- We'll reach out within a few business days
Please don't send client account records, card numbers or passwords.
Services are subject to eligibility, provider availability, approvals and contract terms. Business funding depends on lender underwriting. Savings, referral income and other results are not guaranteed. Partner compensation is governed by a written agreement and by applicable laws, regulations, card network rules, institutional policies and professional obligations. Financial institutions and licensed professionals should review their own requirements before taking part. Upward Merchant is not a bank, and payment processing is not a deposit or FDIC-insured product. *Requires a recent processing statement from your current provider. See guarantee terms.