What goes into your processing cost
Most merchants see a single percentage on their statement and assume that's the whole story. It isn't. Here's what you're actually paying for — and what we look for when we audit your statement.
The fees on your statement
Interchange
The base cost set by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) that goes to the issuing bank. This is non-negotiable and varies by card type and transaction method.
Assessments
Network fees charged by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and Amex. These are also non-negotiable and are passed through by every processor.
Processor Markup
The processor's profit margin on top of interchange and assessments. This is where the biggest differences between providers show up — and where we often find savings.
Merchant Discount Rate
Your all-in rate — interchange + assessments + markup combined. We break this down line by line so you know exactly what you're paying and why.
Batch & Gateway Fees
Per-batch settlement charges and gateway fees for online transactions. These small fees add up over thousands of transactions.
Chargeback Fees
Fees assessed when a customer disputes a transaction. We look at your chargeback rate and recommend tools to help reduce disputes.
PCI & Statement Fees
Monthly or annual PCI compliance fees and statement fees. Some providers charge these even if you're already compliant.
Hardware Costs
Terminal leases, purchase costs, and setup fees. Leasing a terminal long-term often costs more than buying outright.
What affects your pricing
Pricing depends on transaction mix, volume, average ticket, card-present vs. card-not-present ratio, business type, hardware/software needs, integrations, risk profile, and approved solution. Here's how:
- Volume: Higher monthly volume typically qualifies for lower per-transaction rates.
- Average ticket: Small-ticket transactions (under $10) have different interchange rates than large purchases.
- Card-present vs. card-not-present: Swiped/dipped transactions cost less than keyed-in or online transactions because fraud risk is lower.
- Industry: Restaurants, retail, healthcare, and eCommerce each have different risk profiles and interchange categories.
- Hardware & software: Terminal purchases, POS software, and integrations affect total cost of ownership.
- Risk profile: Higher chargeback rates or regulated industries may affect pricing and reserve requirements.
Important: Protect sensitive data
When uploading your statement for review, please do not send documents that contain full card numbers, CVV codes, or other sensitive cardholder data. A standard merchant statement (showing totals, fees, and rate summaries) is all we need.
Submit your statement
Fill out the form below and attach your latest processing statement. We'll review it and get back to you with a detailed breakdown.