Merchant Services
Transparent, Fair Payment Processing for Your Business
What Is Interchange‑Plus Pricing?
Interchange‑plus pricing is a simple, honest way to bill for credit and debit card transactions. Instead of bundling fees into confusing rates or tiers, this model breaks costs into three clear parts:
- Interchange Fee – Set by the card brands and paid to the cardholder’s bank.
- Assessment Fee – A small percentage charged by the card networks.
- Processor Markup – A flat, transparent fee added by your payment processor.
With interchange‑plus, you see exactly what you're paying and where your money goes—no hidden rates, no surprises.
How It Works (Example)
For a $100 sale using a consumer credit card:
- Interchange: ~1.65% + $0.10 = $1.75
- Network Assessment: ~0.11% = $0.11
- Processor Markup: 0.20% + $0.10 = $0.30
- Total Cost: $2.16 (2.16%)
Most of this goes to the card-issuing bank and card network. Your processor earns only the agreed-upon markup—keeping pricing clear and competitive.
Benefits of Interchange‑Plus
- Transparency
Every fee is broken out clearly on your monthly statement. - Fairness
You pay the actual cost of the transaction, not a padded flat or tiered rate. - Cost Savings
You avoid overpaying on low-cost debit or non-rewards credit transactions. - Built-In Flexibility
The rate adjusts automatically based on the card and method used—so you always get the best rate available.
Sample Interchange Rates (2025 Estimates)
These are typical wholesale rates used as the foundation for your pricing:
Debit Card Transactions (Card-Present):
- Regulated PIN Debit: 0.05% + $0.22
- Standard Debit: 0.80% – 1.05% + $0.15 – $0.22
Credit Card Transactions (Card-Present):
- Consumer Credit (Chip): 1.51% – 1.65% + $0.10
- Business or Rewards Cards: 2.05% – 2.65% + $0.10
- Corporate or Keyed Entries: Up to 3.15% + $0.10
Exact rates vary depending on card type, transaction method, and industry.
Compare the Models
| Pricing Model | Transparency | Flexibility | Savings Potential | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Rate | Low | Low | Limited | Micro-merchants or simple needs |
| Tiered Pricing | Medium | Low | Unpredictable | Traditional setups |
| Interchange‑Plus | High | High | Strong | Any business seeking cost control |
Why Choose Beacon Payments?
- True Interchange‑Plus Pricing – No blended rates or hidden fees.
- Clear Markup – We only charge a small, flat processor fee above wholesale cost.
- Secure, Modern Technology – EMV, NFC, and mobile wallet compatible.
- Real-Time Support – Speak to a live, U.S.-based expert when you need help.
- Custom Fit – We tailor our solutions to your business type, volume, and goals.
See How Much You Could Save
Send us your most recent merchant statement. We’ll give you a free, no-pressure cost comparison to show the savings you could achieve with interchange‑plus pricing.
Say goodbye to confusing fees and unpredictable rates.
With Beacon Payments, you’ll always know exactly what you’re paying—and why. Contact us today to get started with a smarter way to process payments.