Pricing Model
Interchange-plus pricing separates the cost of interchange (paid to the card-issuing bank) from the processor's markup, disclosing both as distinct line items on your statement. It is widely considered the most transparent payment processing pricing model.
Last reviewed: July 4, 2026 · Editorial policy
Quick Answer
With interchange-plus pricing, you pay interchange (the cost set by card networks, passed to the issuing bank) plus a fixed processor markup (e.g., 0.25% + $0.10 per transaction). Both components are disclosed separately on your statement, making it easier to audit your actual costs and compare processors.
Every card transaction involves three cost layers: interchange (a percentage that goes to the card-issuing bank, set by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Amex), assessment fees (a small percentage that goes to the card network itself), and processor markup (what your payment processor charges for the service).
Under interchange-plus pricing, your processor passes interchange and assessment fees through at their actual cost — no bundling. The processor then adds its own transparent markup, typically quoted as a percentage plus a per-transaction cent amount (e.g., 0.30% + $0.10). That markup is the same regardless of which card type the customer uses.
Because interchange rates vary by card type (reward cards, corporate cards, and debit cards all have different interchange rates), your effective rate under interchange-plus will fluctuate month to month based on your customers' card mix. This is a feature, not a bug — it means you're paying actual cost rather than a blended estimate.
❌ Myth: Interchange-plus is always cheaper than flat-rate.
✅ Fact: Whether interchange-plus costs less depends on your card mix and the markup offered. A flat-rate of 2.6% may be less expensive for a merchant whose customers use predominantly premium reward cards with high interchange rates.
❌ Myth: The 'plus' is the only cost.
✅ Fact: The 'plus' is the processor markup. But you also pay interchange (which varies by card type) and assessment fees (card network fees). All three are real costs — interchange-plus just shows them separately rather than blending them.
❌ Myth: Interchange-plus means you're getting wholesale pricing.
✅ Fact: Interchange-plus means interchange is passed through at cost. The processor's markup on top is still a fee. Membership/subscription pricing is sometimes described as 'wholesale' because it replaces per-transaction markup with a flat monthly fee instead.
The following providers in the ProcessorFit directory publicly disclose interchange-plus or interchange pass-through pricing. Always verify current terms directly.
This page is educational and based on publicly available information. ProcessorFit does not guarantee pricing, savings, or approval outcomes. Verify all fee details directly with providers before making decisions. Editorial policy.
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Verification note
Interchange rates are set by Visa and Mastercard and are updated periodically. Processor markup rates (the 'plus' portion) vary by provider and are not published here. Verify current rates and markups directly with providers.