Pricing and Rates

We don't publish "one size fits all" merchant account rates. Instead we help develop cost-effective account structures that are tailored around the merchant's business needs and profile. This objective strives to deliver the lowest, bottom-line cost for payment processing. Since payment settlement rates are only one component of total cost, an accurate assessment of overall cost must include more that just the rates.

Recommended account structures or "plans" for certain merchants are linked within the pages for specific business types or here: Pre-configured Plans.

Regardless of provider, all merchant account plans will have two cost components: wholesale cost to the payment acquirer and retail cost to the merchant. The difference between the two represents the payment acquirer's revenue in exchange for providing the merchant's payment settlement account. This revenue may be achieved through rate markups, surcharges, and fees. The account structure defines how the revenue is charged and there are several popular methods. All of them are available through our multi-provider network and we'll help you attain what is most economical for your needs.

The amount that a payment acquirer will charge is largely dependent upon the risk represented by the merchant. Risk factors will be evaluated and include: type of products sold, where sold (storefront, ecommerce, etc.), transaction method, processing volume, high ticket value, average ticket value, and credit rating.

"Tiered Rate" plans are popular account structures where the payment acquirer achieves their revenue through cost markups and fees. This is accomplished by segregating card settlement interchange categorizations into tiers for "qualified", "mid-qualified", and "non-qualified" transaction rates that are based on the type of card that is presented by the purchaser to the merchant. Although tiered rate plans can be cost effective, most are not, and the true costs are difficult to itemize. In addition, the payment acquirer is free to manipulate the tiers into which the specific card types will be assigned. These plans may also levy extra fees for statements, batch headers, PCI compliance, and annual membership as well as marking up associated services for card authorizations, AVS verification, and charge backs. A tiered rate plan may at first look appealing, but due to subsequent manipulation by some providers, it can become increasingly costly.

"Interchange Pass-Through" merchant account plans are becoming more popular. Interchange rates are the wholesale rates that are charged to all payment acquirers and with these plans, the interchange rates directly form the basis of the merchant's payment settlement cost. The payment acquirer then imposes a surcharge for their services. This surcharge can take the form of a fixed rate markup, a fixed percentage of processing volume, or a simple fixed fee. These plans may also levy extra fees for statements, batch headers, PCI compliance, and annual membership as well as marking up associated services for card authorizations, AVS verification, and charge backs. The primary advantage of the interchange pass-through plan is the merchant's ability to segregate all known costs. This makes it easier to determine whether the plan represents an equitable overall value for the merchant.

So which plan is best for you?

A low cost plan from a reputable provider will be best for the merchant. However, in addition to being an economical choice, the merchant account must accommodate the processing needs of the merchant and be supported by quick service when it's needed. That is why we represent providers with a proven track record of helping merchants with a full suite of products & services at equitable prices and backed with outstanding support. With multiple providers and all account types, we help merchants achieve the best value in a merchant account that serves their needs while ensuring a clear understanding of the cost variables.

There is no cost for our consultative services and most plans include free account startup, free equipment re-programming, and a satisfaction guarantee. Take the next step and discover how a consultative approach to merchant services can be a better financial choice for your business. Click here to get started: Apply Here

Available Merchant Account Types:

"Interchange Plus Fixed Surcharge" - This type of account leverages the wholesale interchange rates for payment settlement and charges the merchant a fixed percentage of the total amount processed.

"Interchange Plus Fixed Fee" - This type of account leverages the wholesale interchange rates for payment settlement and charges the merchant a fixed fee based on the average monthly amount processed.

"Tiered Rate" - This type of account segregates interchange categorizations into tiers to consolidate the number of settlement rates. The merchant is charged the tiered rate for settlement, which is a marked up rate.

"Flat Fee" - This type of account charges the merchant a flat monthly fee that is factored according to the total amount processed.

What are the Interchange Rates?

The interchange rates (or interchange fees) are the rates established by the credit card companies themselves. These rates are openly disclosed on both VISA and MasterCard's websites. No one can process for less than actual interchange. It is part of the unavoidable cost of processing card payments. There are literally hundreds of interchange rates and these vary by card type, cardholder rewards, transaction scenario (card swiped, card not present), and merchant type. These links will take you to the published interchange rates:

Visa published interchange rates
MasterCard published interchange rates

Learn more about interchange rates