The payments landscape in the U.S. is undergoing a major shift. With the growing adoption of real-time payment systems like FedNow and The Clearing House RTP network, merchants are beginning to ask a big question in 2025:
Should we keep relying on traditional credit card processing—or start accepting real-time payments (RTP)?
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the economic implications are significant. At 1 DASH, we help merchants evaluate their options through the lens of efficiency, cost, and customer experience.
What’s the Difference?
Credit Card Processing
- Well-established and widely used
- Subject to interchange fees (typically 1.5%–3.5%)
- Includes chargeback protection and fraud tools
- Funded within 24–72 hours
Real-Time Payments (RTP)
- Direct bank-to-bank transfers
- Instant settlement — funds arrive in seconds
- No interchange, but may carry small network or provider fees
- No built-in chargeback system
Economic Impact for Merchants
At first glance, RTP looks appealing: no card fees and faster access to funds. For high-volume businesses, this could mean thousands in savings and improved cash flow.
But there are trade-offs:
- No chargebacks = higher risk on disputed transactions
- Limited consumer adoption — many customers still prefer credit card rewards
- Technology investments required to integrate RTP into your POS or ecommerce systems
As of early 2025, card payments still account for over 70% of in-person and online retail transactions. RTP is growing, but it’s not yet a full replacement.
How 1 DASH Helps Merchants Compare Options
At 1 DASH, we don’t push one method over another—we analyze your business type, volume, and customer behavior to recommend the smartest blend of payment options.
Here’s what we offer:
- Cost-benefit analysis comparing card fees vs. RTP cost structure
- Integration support for real-time payments alongside traditional processing
- Risk strategy consultation (fraud, return policies, customer preference)
- Dual acceptance models that give customers the choice—and you the savings
Bottom Line
RTP is not a replacement—it’s a complement to card processing. And in a tightening economy, giving customers more ways to pay while lowering your costs is a competitive advantage.
Could RTP could work for your business?
Contact 1 DASH today for a side-by-side comparison and strategy session built around your goals.