by Matt Rej
Neo software is a popular cloud-based veterinary practice management solution from IDEXX. It’s a modern alternative to Cornerstone Software, which is IDEXX’s legacy server-based platform for vets.
Beyond the core practice management features, Neo’s integrated payment processing capabilities are notoriously confusing for both current and prospective users alike.
Terms like IDEXX Payments, Neo Payments, and Online Payments are used seemingly interchangeably throughout marketing materials and help desk documentation. And some of these docs haven’t been updated to reflect Neo’s current credit card processing setup.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Neo Payments no longer exists as of December 31, 2025.
- Businesses using Neo Payments were migrated to IDEXX Payments, and all new Neo customers seeking integrated payments will need to set up IDEXX Payments.
- Neo Payments was powered by CardConnect, which is a super ISO of Fiserv.
- IDEXX Payments is powered directly by Fiserv, but CardPointe (CardConnect’s gateway) is still supported.
- You need to have a Fiserv merchant account and merchant ID to use integrated payments in Neo.
Biggest takeaway right now: Fiserv is your payment processor (not Neo or IDEXX).
This is a crucial piece of information that you need to understand when it comes to getting the best possible rates on credit card processing.
Making Sense of All the Names Being Thrown at You
Let’s quickly cover some of the names you’re going to see throughout this guide:
- Neo: Cloud-based vet practice management software.
- IDEXX: Neo’s software provider.
- Neo Payments: Neo’s old integrated payment platform (now retired).
- IDEXX Payments: New integrated payments solution for Neo.
- Fiserv: The actual processor and merchant ID provider on the backend.
- CardPointe: Payment gateway platform from CardConnect/Fiserv.
- Clover: POS hardware from Fiserv.
How Neo’s Integrated Payment Processing Has Changed Over Time
There’s so much conflicting information online about credit card processing via Neo. So let me run through the history of the platform and payment solution.
Original setup of Neo Payments
IDEXX Neo vet software launched in late 2015, and its integrated payment processing capabilities (Neo Payments) was live by the end of 2017.
The integrated credit card processing feature was branded as “Neo Payments” but powered by CardConnect (a super ISO/subsidiary of Fiserv) on the backend, using the CardPointe gateway and portal to facilitate payments.
Neo Payments is officially gone, and replaced by IDEXX Payments
- In February 2025, IDEXX announced that Neo Payments would be retired.
- The deadline to migrate was December 31, 2025.
- It was replaced by IDEXX Payments, and merchants that failed to migrate on their own were automatically moved to IDEXX Payments.
IDEXX Payments is powered directly by Fiserv
In the IDEXX Payments release notes, it’s clear that this new integrated processing solution for Neo is powered by Fiserv on the backend (not CardConnect).
I’m honestly not sure why this is the case. Because CardConnect and Fiserv are effectively the same company. CardConnect operates under its own branding, but it’s a subsidiary of Fiserv and offers the full suite of Fiserv products and services.
IDEXX probably wants to use IDEXX Payments for its entire software suite, instead of having different names for each product (Neo Payments, Cornerstone Payments, etc.).
I think this subtle change added even more confusion for Neo users because it was yet another new name they were being exposed to. Instead of seeing “Neo Payments” and “IDEXX Payments” they’re all of a sudden seeing “IDEXX Payments” and “Fiserv” (and still seeing the CardPointe platform).
How IDEXX Payments Works Today
Now that we’ve cleared up the past, let’s dive straight into how Neo’s integrated payment processing works today, in 2026.
- You need to have a Fiserv merchant account and merchant ID to use integrated payments in Neo’s veterinary software.
- IDEXX is the front door for onboarding, since they manage the integration layer and IDEXX Payment portal.
- But you still have a direct relationship with Fiserv underneath it.
- CardPointe is still a live, functional part of the backend settings that merchants can use to set up things like CVV security and other settings.
- Clover POS devices are supported for in-person payments, and you can get those directly from Fiserv.
Again, I get tons of questions about this setup because there are so many layers of entities involved, and I honestly don’t think IDEXX/Neo does a great job of presenting this information in its marketing materials or helpdesk documents.
What This All Means for Your Credit Card Processing Rates
At the end of the day, integrated payment processing is still available through Neo’s vet practice management software. So regardless of the name, you’re able to get paid and manage your practice under one roof while eliminating manual data entry between platforms.
But what you need to understand about this setup is that Fiserv is your payment processor.
Despite the IDEXX Payments branding within Neo, and IDEXX as the software provider of Neo, they don’t actually process your payments on the backend.
IDEXX has essentially set up its payment processing capabilities so that Fiserv is the exclusive provider that’s supported through the API. This simplifies things for IDEXX as they only have a single payment integration to manage, and it’s also more profitable for IDEXX.
I’m assuming that IDEXX gets some sort of commission from Fiserv for supporting this setup.
Integrated processing usually comes with slightly higher rates compared to standalone credit card payments due to the connections involved. And the more players involved, the higher your rates will be to ensure everyone turns a profit.
How to Secure the Best Deal
Negotiate directly with Fiserv. They’re more flexible on rates than most merchants realize.
And if your vet practice does a significant payment volume, they’ll be even more willing to give you favorable terms.
You should also get in the habit of auditing your statements every month, line-by-line.
This will help you identify the mandatory interchange fees charged by the card networks, and non-negotiable markups coming from Fiserv.
Just don’t let IDEXX or Fiserv take advantage of you. There’s no reason why you should be getting hit with extra fees from both sides here.
So if you don’t quite understand anything on your statements and you’re not sure if you’re getting a good rate, we can audit them for free and let you know.
Where the Confusion Comes From
I’m honestly not trying to pick on IDEXX/Neo or give them a hard time. I know how challenging it can be to keep your websites, promotional materials, and documentation up to date, especially for a software provider that manages multiple products that are constantly changing.
But for the average veterinarian who doesn’t understand the intricacies of credit card processing, it’s confusing to see landing pages about Neo Payments and help desk materials for a solution that no longer exists.
This is a pattern with IDEXX, and I called this out when explaining their Cornerstone Integrated Payments setup that contains dated info from 2024.
I don’t think they are trying to be intentionally deceptive here. But the confusion can definitely lead to vet practices overpaying for credit card processing simply because they don’t understand how everything is actually working on the backend.
IDEXX Neo Integrated Payment Processing FAQ
What happened to Neo Payments?
Neo Payments was retired at the end of 2025 and was replaced by IDEXX Payments.
What’s the difference between Neo Payments and IDEXX Payments?
Neo Payments was powered by CardConnect, and IDEXX Payments is powered by Fiserv (though CardConnect is technically a Fiserv company). It’s mostly new branding for the same capability (integrated payment processing).
Do you need a separate Fiserv account?
Yes, you need to have a Fiserv merchant ID for your integrated payments to work within Neo software. While the onboarding is done via IDEXX, you still have a direct relationship with Fiserv, and that’s who handles your underlying merchant account.
Can you use a different processor with Neo?
No. Currently, IDEXX Payments via Fiserv is the only integrated payment option for Neo veterinary practice management software. You’re free to use another processor, but your payment stack won’t be integrated with the vet practice management platform.