Today’s businesses need flexible ways to accept and manage payments across multiple transaction environments and payment types. Choosing the right payment processing partners can open new revenue opportunities, improve customer loyalty, and accelerate growth.

But not every payment processing partnership looks the same. From deeply integrated relationships to simple referral programs, each model carries its own benefits depending on the business strategy.

Key takeaways

• Different types of payment processing partnerships provide unique advantages, from full integration to referral-based growth.
• Integrated partnerships deliver seamless user experiences and long-term customer value.
• Reseller models offer branding and pricing control that supports differentiation.
• Referral programs provide an accessible entry point with steady commission potential.

Understanding the different types of payment processing partnerships

Partnerships in payment processing can take several forms, each designed to meet different business needs. The three most common approaches are integrated partnerships, reseller arrangements, and referral programs.

Understanding the differences between these models helps businesses align their payment strategy with long-term growth goals.

Integrated partnerships defined

An integrated partnership is when a payment processor’s technology is built directly into a digital platform or software product, such as an e-commerce site or business management platform. 

The customer never leaves the environment of the brand they trust, but the transactions are powered by the underlying partner.

Benefits of integrated partnerships

• Seamless user experience: Transactions take place inside the platform itself, so customers never have to leave the application or disrupt their workflow.
• Increased revenue potential: Owning the transaction flow helps businesses capture additional value, often creating a stronger and more predictable revenue stream.
• Strong customer retention: Integrated payments make the platform more essential to daily operations, which reduces churn and encourages long-term loyalty.

Reseller partnerships defined 

In a reseller model, a business packages and sells payment processing under its own brand. The underlying infrastructure and compliance are managed by the processing partner, but the front-facing brand remains fully controlled by the reseller. 

For example, independent software vendors or point-of-sale providers often act as resellers by embedding payments into their platforms and marketing the service as their own.

Benefits of reseller partnerships

• Full brand control: The reseller manages the entire customer experience, presenting payments as a core part of its offering.
• Ability to set pricing and margins: Resellers can establish their own fee structures, giving them flexibility to maximize profitability.
• Quick go-to-market: With the processor’s infrastructure already in place, resellers can launch branded payment services faster than building from scratch.

Referral partnership programs defined

Referral partnerships are the simplest model. Businesses refer clients to a payment processor in exchange for commissions. The processor manages onboarding, support, and technology, while the referring partner earns revenue without heavy operational commitments.  

This type of program is common among consultants, professional service firms, and business advisors who want to add payments to their portfolio without changing their core business model.

Benefits of referral partnership programs

• Low operational overhead: Since the processor manages everything from onboarding to service, the referring partner has very little work beyond making the connection.
• Steady commission income: Each referral generates ongoing revenue potential, providing a consistent income stream with minimal risk.

Focus on core business activities: By outsourcing payments entirely, the referring business can continue to prioritize its primary operations without distraction.

Comparing the payment processing partnership options

Each partnership model differs in terms of integration, revenue potential, and customer relationship. Understanding these distinctions will help you align your payment strategy with long-term business goals.

Level of integration

If you’re looking to build payments seamlessly into your platform, an integrated partnership offers the most profound technical connection. Reseller programs strike a balance: You keep your brand front and center, but you’ll need more involvement than a simple referral. For teams seeking speed and minimal lift, referrals streamline integration, leaving most of the work to the processor.

Revenue potential 

If growing revenue is your priority, integrated partnerships give you the most substantial upside because you own the transaction flow. Reseller models also create solid income opportunities since you can set your own pricing and margins. Referral programs provide more modest returns, but they’re steady and require little extra effort.

Customer relationship 

If maintaining control of the customer experience matters most, integrated and reseller partnerships keep you directly connected to your merchants. You decide how payments are presented, supported, and managed. With referral programs, you hand that relationship to the processor, which means less control but far less responsibility on your side.

Choosing the right payment partnership model for your business

The right payment processing partnership depends on where a business is today and where it wants to go. Companies that want deeper control and long-term revenue may find integrated or reseller partnerships best suited to their strategy. Others that want a simple entry point can lean on referral programs for steady income while focusing on their core business.

By aligning partnership choice with overall objectives, you can create stronger customer experiences, open new streams of revenue, and unlock the full potential of their payment processing partners.Looking to scale with the right payment processing partnership? Explore Priority’s Merchant Services.