PRIVACY POLICY

#### Introduction
1. **Purpose**
Welcome to MerchantFeeSavings.com ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, and interact with third-party service providers through our platform. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a safe and secure experience on our website.

This Privacy Policy provides a transparent overview of how we handle your personal data. By using our website and services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. **Scope**
This Privacy Policy applies to all visitors, users, and merchants who access our website or use our services. It covers:
- The types of information we collect from you.
- How we use the information we collect.
- The ways we share your information with third parties.
- Your rights regarding your personal data.
- Our data protection practices and your responsibilities.
- Procedures for making updates to this privacy policy.
- How you can contact us with any questions or concerns.

#### Information We Collect
#### **1. Personal Information**
We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you express an interest in obtaining information about us, our services, or otherwise when you contact us. The types of personal information we may collect include:

- **Contact Information:** Name, email address, phone number, and mailing address.
- **Business Information:** Company name, industry type, and business contact details.
- **Account Information:** Username, password, and other security information for account setup.
- **Payment Information:** Credit card details and other payment information you provide while making payments.

#### **2. Non-Personal Information**
We also collect non-personal information that does not directly identify you. This may include:

- **Log Data:** Internet Protocol (IP) address, browser type, browser version, the pages of our website that you visit, the time and date of your visit, the time spent on those pages, and other statistics.
- **Device Information:** Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, and other diagnostic data.
- **Usage Data:** Information about how you use our website, products, and services

#### **2. Non-Personal Information**
We also collect non-personal information that does not directly identify you. This may include:

- **Log Data:** Internet Protocol (IP) address, browser type, browser version, the pages of our website that you visit, the time and date of your visit, the time spent on those pages, and other statistics.
- **Device Information:** Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, and other diagnostic data.
- **Usage Data:** Information about how you use our website, products, and services

- **Types of Cookies We Use:**
- **Essential Cookies:** These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually set only in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in, or filling in forms.

- **Performance and Analytics Cookies:** These cookies help us to understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. They let us know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site.

- **Functional Cookies:** These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages.

- **Advertising Cookies:** These cookies are used to make advertising messages more relevant to you. They perform functions like preventing the same ad from continuously reappearing, ensuring that ads are properly displayed for advertisers, and in some cases selecting advertisements that are based on your interests.

**Purpose of Using These Technologies:**
- To ensure that our website functions properly.
- To understand and improve the performance and usability of our website.
- To personalize your experience by recognizing your preferences.
- To deliver relevant advertising and measure the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns.

#### How We Use Your Information

#### **1. Providing Services**
We use the information we collect to provide you with our services, which include:
- **Connecting Merchants with Third-Party Solutions Providers:** Facilitating connections and interactions between merchants and third-party service providers to help reduce payment processing costs.
- **Conducting Free Audits:** Using your merchant statements and related data to conduct audits aimed at identifying and optimizing payment processing solutions for savings.
- **Customer Support:** Addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and offering support related to our services.

#### **2. Improving Our Services**
We are constantly working to improve our offerings and create a better user experience. We use the collected data for:
- **Analytics and Performance Monitoring:** Analyzing website and service usage patterns to identify areas for improvement.
- **User Feedback:** Gathering and incorporating feedback to enhance our existing services and develop new features.

#### **3. Communications**
We may use your personal information to contact you for various reasons, including:
- **Service Updates:** Sending updates and notifications about changes or improvements to our services.
- **Marketing Materials:** Informing you about new services, promotional offers, and other marketing communications.

- **Customer Engagement:** Reaching out to gather feedback, conduct surveys, and inform you of changes to our policies.

#### **4. Compliance and Legal Obligations**
We may use your information to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. This includes:
- **Regulatory Compliance:** Ensuring we comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
- **Legal Proceedings:** Using and sharing your data as necessary to protect our rights, resolve disputes, or respond to lawful requests from public authorities.

#### **5. Other Business Purposes**
We may use your information for other legitimate business purposes such as:
- **Business Development:** Using data insights to expand and improve our service offerings.
- **Security:** Monitoring and enhancing the security of our website and services.

By using our website and services, you consent to the processing of your personal information as described in this section. We will not use your data for purposes other than those outlined in this Privacy Policy without obtaining your explicit consent unless otherwise required by law.

#### Information Sharing and Disclosure
#### **1. Third-Party Service Providers**
To deliver the best possible service, we may share your information with third-party service providers. This can include:
- **Service Optimization:** Sharing merchant statements and related data with specialists who analyze and identify cost-saving opportunities.
- **Payment Processing Solutions:** Connecting you with third-party solutions providers that can offer payment processing improvements and other useful financial tools.
- **Data Analysis:** Partner companies who help us analyze data to improve our services and user experience.

We ensure that all third-party service providers adhere to strict confidentiality agreements and only use your information for the specific purposes for which it was shared.

#### **2. Business Transfers**
In the event that we are involved in a merger, acquisition, bankruptcy, reorganization, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred or shared as part of that transaction. We will notify you via email and/or a prominent notice on our website of any such change in ownership or control of your personal information.

#### **3. Legal Requirements**
We may disclose your personal information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities, such as a court or a government agency

This may include disclosures to:
- **Comply with Legal Obligations:** Responding to subpoenas, court orders, or other legal processes.
- **Protect Rights and Safety:** To protect and defend our rights or property, or to investigate and prevent fraud or security issues.
- **Public Authorities:** Sharing information necessary to respond to lawful requests from government authorities.

#### **4. Liability**
While we make every effort to use third-party service providers who practice appropriate data security measures, we cannot be held liable for any misuse of your information by these third parties. By using our services, you acknowledge and agree that:
- **Third-Party Liability Disclaimer:** We are not responsible for the actions or policies of third-party service providers with whom your information is shared.
- **Indemnity:** You agree to indemnify and hold MerchantFeeSavings.com harmless from any claims or liabilities arising from the misuse of your information by third-party service providers.

You should review the privacy policies of any third-party service providers to understand how they handle your information.

#### Security
#### **1. Data Protection Practices**
We take the security of your personal information seriously and implement a variety of measures to ensure it is protected. Our security practices include, but are not limited to:

- **Encryption:** We use industry-standard encryption protocols to protect your data during transmission and storage.
- **Access Controls:** Access to personal information is limited to authorized personnel only. We employ strict access controls to protect sensitive information.
- **Regular Audits:** Periodic security audits are conducted to assess the effectiveness of our security measures and to make improvements as needed.
- **Secure Servers:** Our data is hosted on secure servers that are protected by firewalls and other advanced security technologies.
- **Data Anonymization:** Wherever possible, we anonymize data to further protect your privacy.

Despite these measures, no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

#### **2. User Responsibility**
While we take extensive measures to safeguard your information, your role in protecting your data is also crucial. We recommend the following actions:

- **Strong Passwords:** Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts and change them regularly. Avoid using easily guessable information.
- **Secure Access:** Do not share your login credentials with anyone. Always ensure you log out of your account after each session.
- **Update Software:** Keep your operating systems, browsers, and other software up-to-date to protect against vulnerabilities.
- **Public Networks:** Avoid accessing your account from public or insecure Wi-Fi networks.
- **Phishing Awareness:** Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages that ask for your personal information. We will never request sensitive information through unsecured channels.
- **Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):** If available, enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your account.

By following these recommendations, you can help protect your personal information from unauthorized access and potential security risks.

#### User Rights

#### **1. Access and Correction**
You have the right to access and correct the personal information we hold about you. Here’s how you can do this:
- **Accessing Your Information:** If you want to view the information we have collected about you, you can contact us at [insert contact email or portal]. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe.
- **Correcting Your Information:** If any of your personal data is inaccurate or incomplete, you can request corrections. Contact us at [insert contact email or portal] with the details you would like to update, and we will make the necessary changes as soon as possible.

#### **2. Data Deletion**
You have the right to request the deletion of your personal data under certain circumstances. Procedures for data deletion include:
- **Data Deletion Requests:** To request the deletion of your personal information, please contact us at [insert contact email or portal]. We will review your request and delete your data unless we are required to retain it for legal or legitimate business purposes.

**Deactivation:** If you wish to deactivate your account without fully deleting your data, please specify your preference when contacting us. Deactivation will suspend your account but retain your data for potential reactivation.

#### **3. Opt-Out**
You have the right to opt-out of certain communications and data sharing practices. Here’s how you can manage your preferences:
- **Marketing Communications:** If you no longer wish to receive marketing emails or newsletters from us, you can opt-out by clicking the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of any marketing email or by contacting us directly at [email protected].
- **Data Sharing:** If you do not want us to share your information with third-party service providers for marketing purposes, you can opt-out by contacting us at [email protected]. Please note that opting out of data sharing may affect our ability to provide certain services.
- **Cookies and Tracking:** You can manage your cookie preferences through your web browser settings. Additionally, some tracking technologies may offer opt-out options directly.

**Note:** While we will process your opt-out requests as promptly as possible, please be aware that you may continue to receive non-marketing communications from us, such as service updates, account notifications, and other important information related to your use of our website and services

#### Children's Privacy

#### **1. Policy Compliance**
MerchantFeeSavings.com is committed to protecting the privacy of children and complying with applicable laws and regulations regarding children's privacy, including the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the United States and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union.

- **Age Restrictions:** Our website and services are not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect or solicit personal information from children under 13 years of age. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information from our records.
- **Parental Consent:** In the event that we offer services that may be of interest to children, we will obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from children under the age of 13.
- **Notification to Parents:** Parents or guardians who believe that their child has provided us with personal information without their consent can contact us at [email protected] to request the deletion of such information. We will respond to such requests promptly and take actions to delete the information from our records.

- **Compliance with Laws:** We ensure that our practices comply with all relevant child privacy regulations, including the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the United States and any other relevant local laws and regulations.

- **Educational Materials:** We may provide educational materials to help parents and guardians understand how to protect their children's online privacy.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding our children's privacy practices, please contact us at [insert contact email]. By using our services, you confirm that you are not under the age of 13 and that any information provided does not violate this provision.

#### Updates to This Privacy Policy

#### **1. Policy Changes**
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technologies, legal requirements, and other factors. Here’s how we will notify you about such changes:

- **Notification Methods:** We will notify you of any significant changes to this Privacy Policy by:
- Posting a prominent notice on our website.
- Sending an email notification to registered users.
- **Reviewing Changes:** We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information. The date of the most recent update will always be indicated at the top of the Privacy Policy.

#### **2. User Consent**
Your continued use of our website and services following the posting of changes to this Privacy Policy constitutes your acceptance of those changes.

- **Consent to Updates:** By using our website and services, you consent to the terms of this Privacy Policy, including any updates. If we make significant changes that require your explicit consent, we will request such consent in a manner appropriate to the changes (for example, through a pop-up dialog or a consent checkbox).

- **Right to Withdraw Consent:** If you do not agree to the updated Privacy Policy, you have the right to stop using our services and request the deletion of your personal information. To withdraw your consent, please contact us at [email protected]. We will ensure that your data is promptly deleted in accordance with our Data Deletion procedures.

**Note:** Failure to consent to the updated Privacy Policy may affect your ability to use certain features or services on our website.

#### Contact Information
#### **1. Support and Questions**
We are committed to providing excellent customer support and addressing any concerns or questions you may have regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices. Here’s how you can get in touch with us:

- **Email Support:** For any questions or concerns, you can contact us via email at [email protected]. Our customer support team will respond to your inquiries as promptly as possible.

- **Customer Support Form:** Alternatively, you can use the contact form available on our website. Please provide detailed information regarding your query or concern, and our support team will get back to you.

- **Feedback:** We welcome your feedback to help us improve our services and privacy practices. If you have any suggestions or comments, feel free to share them with us using the contact information provided above.