Credit Card
vs. Invoice.
The Executive Verdict
"Do not choose based on Convenience. Choose based on ACV. Credit Cards are for Transactional Sales (<$5k). Invoices (Wires) are for Relationship Sales (>$5k). The Exeluma Protocol: Below $5k, mandate card. Above $5k, offer Invoice to avoid fees and align with Enterprise Procurement."
- Card: Fast. High Fee. High Churn.
- Invoice: Secure. Low Fee. Enterprise Standard.
2. The Economic Reality: Fees & Friction
Most founders focus on the 2.9%. Strategists focus on Success Rates.
Credit Card
- Fee on $50k:$1,450 (2.9%)
- Churn Risk:High (Expiry/Limits)
- "Great for speed. Terrible for high-ticket retention."
Invoice (Wire)
- Fee on $50k:~$25 (Flat)
- Churn Risk:Low (Stable)
- "Slow to arrive (Net 30), but reliable and cheap."
3. The Psychology: The "Corporate Card" Ceiling
Has a P-Card. Wants to solve a problem NOW. Limit is usually $2k - $5k.
Hates "Shadow IT" spending. Wants a PO and internal approval.If you invoice, you are a Partner. If you charge a card, you are an Expense.
5. The Hybrid Protocol
| Tier | Price Point | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Serve | $0 - $499 / mo | Credit Card Only. No manual invoices. |
| Mid-Market | $500 - $1,500 / mo | Default to Card. Offer Invoice for Annual Upfront. |
| Enterprise | $15k+ / year | Invoice Default. Require PO. |
6. Case Study: The "Transaction Fee" Leak
An agency billed 20 clients ($5k/mo each) via Stripe. They paid $2,900/mo in fees.
The Fix: Switched everyone to ACH/Wire. Fees dropped to $200/mo.
Result: Found $32,400/year in free profit. Enough to hire an Ops Assistant.
9. The Connection
Bleeding fees?
The Exeluma "Payment Ops Audit" calculates your "Processing Tax" and helps you recover it.