For payment partners, that can mean choosing between white labeling and co-branding. Both options help create a more branded merchant experience, but they differ in cost, setup, bank registration requirements, and how visible Payarc remains throughout the experience.

At Payarc, partners can choose the path that best fits their business, their book, and the level of brand ownership they want.

What is white labeling in payment processing?

White labeling allows a payments partner to apply its own branding to merchant-facing tools so the experience appears to come directly from the partner.

With Payarc’s white-label option, eligible partners can create a fully branded experience across key merchant touchpoints, including Partner Hub, the Merchant Dashboard, applications, and automated emails. Payarc branding is not required to appear on supported white-labeled experiences.

Partners can also use their own domain or a yourpayments.io domain.

White labeling requires separate bank registration and currently carries an annual fee of $10,000.

What is co-branding in payment processing?

Co-branding allows a payments partner to feature its own brand prominently while keeping Payarc identification where required.

With Payarc co-branding, the partner logo can appear throughout Partner Hub, the Merchant Dashboard, applications, and automated communications. Certain merchant-facing experiences include the partner’s branding alongside a “Partnered by Payarc” disclosure.

Unlike full white labeling, co-branding does not require separate bank registration and has no additional cost. Setup can typically be completed in 3–5 business days.

What is the difference between white labeling and co-branding?

The biggest difference is how much of the Payarc brand remains visible to the merchant.

White labeling creates an experience that appears entirely partner-owned across supported touchpoints. Co-branding keeps the partner brand front and center while maintaining Payarc identification where required.

The two options also differ in cost, registration requirements, and setup time.

These distinctions are outlined in Payarc’s current partner white-label and co-branding guide.

Which is better: white label or co-branding?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The better option depends on how much brand separation you need and how quickly you want to launch.

For many partners, co-branding is the strongest place to start.

It gives partners a branded merchant experience without an annual fee or separate bank registration, and it can typically be live in 3–5 business days.

White labeling may make more sense when complete brand invisibility is a business priority and the additional registration process and annual cost are justified.

Payarc’s current recommendation is straightforward: start with co-branding unless full brand invisibility is essential to your business.

What can be branded with Payarc?

Depending on the path selected, partners can customize several important merchant-facing touchpoints, including:

· Partner Hub

· Merchant Dashboard

· Paper applications

· ApplyWizard

· Automated emails

· Custom domains and subdomains

The goal is to create a more consistent experience from onboarding through ongoing account management.

Can partners use their own domain?

Yes.

Both Payarc white-label and co-branding options support the use of either the partner’s own domain or a yourpayments.io domain.

That gives partners more control over how merchants access branded environments such as Partner Hub and the Merchant Dashboard.

Does white labeling change the merchant’s bank statement descriptor?

No.

The bank statement descriptor is not currently customizable through either the white-label or co-branding program. Payarc’s current materials note this as a possible future option for registered ISOs.

How do you set up white labeling or co-branding with Payarc?

The setup process begins with the same three steps for both options:

1. Complete the White Labeling Options form.

2. Submit your branding assets, including a horizontal logo with a recommended 4:1 ratio and a minimum width of 400 pixels, plus a 1:1 favicon with a minimum size of 16 pixels.

3. Send the materials to your Relationship Manager, who will submit the request to Support for setup.

Your Relationship Manager can also help determine which option makes the most sense for your business.

Why does branding matter for payment partners?

Merchants interact with more than the payment itself.

They log into dashboards. They review applications. They receive automated emails. They return to portals to manage their accounts.

When those experiences consistently reflect the partner’s brand, the relationship feels more connected from one touchpoint to the next.

That is ultimately what both white labeling and co-branding are designed to support: helping partners keep their brand in front of the merchants they worked to earn.

White label or co-branding: which path fits your book?

Choose co-branding if you want a partner-branded experience with no additional cost, no separate bank registration, and a faster setup.

Choose white labeling if complete brand invisibility across supported experiences is a priority and your business is prepared for the additional registration and annual cost.

Either way, the objective is the same: create a merchant experience that reinforces the relationship between you and the businesses you serve.

FAQs About White Labeling and Co-Branding

What does white label mean in payment processing?

White labeling allows a payment partner to offer merchant-facing tools using its own branding while the underlying platform is provided by another company.

Is co-branding the same as white labeling?

No. Co-branding prominently features the partner brand while retaining Payarc identification where required. White labeling creates a more fully partner-owned experience across supported merchant touchpoints.

Does Payarc offer white labeling?

Yes. Payarc offers both white-label and co-branding options for eligible partners.

How much does Payarc white labeling cost?

Payarc’s current white-label program is listed at $10,000 per year. Co-branding has no additional cost.

Does co-branding require bank registration?

No. Co-branding does not require separate bank registration. Full white labeling does.

How long does co-branding take to set up?

Payarc co-branding can typically go live in 3–5 business days.

Can I use my own domain with Payarc?

Yes. Both white-label and co-branding options support the use of your own domain or a yourpayments.io domain.

What Payarc tools can be branded?

Depending on the selected option, branding can extend across Partner Hub, the Merchant Dashboard, applications, automated emails, and domain experiences.