What is Interchange Plus Pricing in Merchant Account

Overview
If you run a business or a nonprofit organization that accepts credit card payments, you’ve likely come across different pricing models offered by payment processors. One of the most transparent and cost-effective models is Interchange Plus Pricing. But what exactly is Interchange Plus Pricing Model? How does it compare to other pricing structures? And is it the right choice for your business? In this guide by Academic Block, we will break down Interchange Plus Pricing in merchant accounts, how it works, its benefits, potential drawbacks, and tips for choosing the best provider.
What is Interchange Plus Pricing?
Interchange Plus Pricing is a merchant account pricing model where a payment processor charges businesses a fixed markup over the interchange fee set by credit card networks like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
This pricing structure is considered one of the most transparent and cost-effective options because it clearly separates:
Instead of charging a flat rate or tiered pricing, Interchange Plus provides detailed cost breakdowns, helping businesses understand exactly what they are paying for each transaction.
How Does Interchange Plus Pricing Work?
Every time a credit or debit card transaction is processed, the payment goes through multiple parties:
Each transaction involves an interchange fee, which varies based on:
With Interchange Plus Pricing, the merchant pays:
- Interchange Fee (set by Visa, Mastercard, etc.).
- A small markup (percentage + per-transaction fee from the processor).
For example, if the interchange fee for a Visa transaction is 1.8% + $0.10, and the payment processor charges 0.3% + $0.05, the total cost would be: 2.1% + $0.15 per transaction
This structure ensures complete transparency, unlike flat-rate or tiered pricing models where fees are bundled together.
Benefits of Interchange Plus Pricing
Disadvantages of Interchange Plus Pricing
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Complex Fee Structure : Since interchange fees vary by card type and transaction method, it can be challenging for businesses to predict exact costs.
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Monthly Statement Analysis Required : Merchants must regularly review processing statements to track interchange fees and ensure competitive pricing.
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Not Ideal for Low-Volume Merchants : Businesses processing low transaction volumes may benefit more from flat-rate pricing models like those offered by Square or PayPal.
Interchange Plus vs. Other Pricing Models
Who Should Use Interchange Plus Pricing?
Interchange Plus is ideal for:
- Businesses processing over $10,000 per month in transactions.
- Nonprofits that qualify for lower interchange rates.
- Retailers and e-commerce stores needing transparent pricing.
- Businesses with multiple payment methods (in-store, online, mobile).
It may not be the best choice for:
- Small businesses processing low volumes (flat-rate pricing may be simpler).
- Companies preferring predictable monthly fees (subscription models might work better).
How to Choose the Best Interchange Plus Merchant Account Provider
When selecting a payment processor offering Interchange Plus Pricing, consider these key factors:
Best Interchange Plus Payment Processors in 2025
Choosing the right Interchange Plus payment processor can help businesses and nonprofits save on transaction fees while ensuring transparency. Here are the top providers for 2025:
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Helcim : Helcim offers transparent Interchange Plus pricing with a low markup of 0.10% + $0.05 per transaction and no monthly fees, making it ideal for small to mid-sized businesses.
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Payment Depot : Utilizing a subscription-based Interchange Plus model, Payment Depot provides low-cost processing for high-volume businesses, eliminating percentage markups on transactions.
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Dharma Merchant Services : Known for transparent pricing and special discounts for nonprofits, Dharma Merchant Services is an excellent choice for charitable organizations seeking cost-effective payment solutions.
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Stax by Fattmerchant : Stax offers subscription-based Interchange Plus pricing with low per-transaction fees, benefiting businesses with substantial processing volumes.
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Finix : Finix provides dynamic Interchange Plus pricing, allowing platforms to optimize payment processing with configurable embedded solutions. Their transparent fee structure includes interchange fees plus card brand fees, with an additional 0.3% + $0.30 per transaction.
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Square : Square primarily offers flat-rate pricing but provides transparent hardware options and services that cater to various business needs. While not traditionally Interchange Plus, Square’s straightforward pricing model is suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
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Clover : Clover offers a range of POS systems with various pricing plans. While specific Interchange Plus pricing details are limited, Clover provides solutions that may suit different business requirements.
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Shopify : Shopify provides integrated payment processing solutions, primarily utilizing flat-rate pricing models. While not explicitly offering Interchange Plus pricing, Shopify’s payment solutions are designed for e-commerce businesses seeking streamlined operations.
These top-rated payment processors offer competitive pricing, clear fee structures, and excellent support, helping businesses optimize their interchange plus pricing credit card processing costs.
Final Words
Interchange Plus Pricing is one of the best pricing models for businesses and nonprofits looking for transparent and cost-effective credit card processing. While it may require more analysis, it helps organizations save money in the long run compared to flat-rate or tiered pricing. When choosing a merchant account provider, consider markup fees, monthly costs, customer support, and integration options to find the best fit for your needs. Hope you liked this article by Academic Block. We value your feedback, before leaving please share your views below. Thanks For Reading!
This Article will answer your questions like:
Interchange Plus Pricing is a transparent merchant account pricing model where businesses pay the actual interchange fees set by card networks, plus a fixed markup from the payment processor. This structure offers clarity and potential cost savings, as it separates the base costs from the processor’s fees, allowing merchants to understand and manage their payment processing expenses more effectively.
Both terms, “interchange plus pricing” and “interchange plus plus pricing,” refer to the same pricing model. In this structure, merchants are charged the actual interchange fees determined by card networks, plus a predetermined markup by the processor. This model ensures transparency and can lead to cost savings by clearly delineating the processor’s fees from the base interchange costs.
Interchange Plus Pricing can be more cost-effective than flat-rate pricing, especially for businesses with higher transaction volumes or those processing a variety of card types. By paying the actual interchange fees plus a fixed markup, merchants often benefit from lower overall costs compared to the blended rates of flat-rate pricing models. However, the exact savings depend on the specific transaction mix and volume of the business.
Nonprofit organizations can significantly benefit from Interchange Plus Pricing. This model provides transparency by separating interchange fees and processor markups, allowing nonprofits to understand their processing costs better. Additionally, many processors offer reduced interchange rates for charitable organizations, leading to potential cost savings that enable more funds to be directed toward their missions.
Interchange Plus Pricing is designed for transparency, clearly delineating the interchange fees set by card networks and the processor’s fixed markup. This structure minimizes the likelihood of hidden fees, as all costs are itemized. However, it’s essential for merchants to review their agreements carefully to ensure there are no additional charges beyond the disclosed fees.
In credit card processing, Interchange Plus is a pricing model where merchants pay the actual interchange fees set by card networks, plus a fixed markup from the processor. This approach offers transparency, allowing businesses to see the exact cost of each transaction and the processor’s profit margin, facilitating better financial management and potential cost savings.
An interchange plus rate refers to the pricing structure where a merchant pays the interchange fee set by the card networks, plus an additional fixed percentage or fee determined by the payment processor. This model ensures that the merchant’s costs are directly tied to the actual processing fees, with a transparent markup, allowing for clear insight into transaction expenses.
Visa’s interchange rates vary based on factors such as card type, transaction method, and merchant category. These rates are subject to periodic updates. For the most accurate and current information, it’s advisable to consult Visa’s official interchange fee schedule or contact your payment processor, as they can provide details tailored to your specific business and transaction types.
Interchange fees typically range from approximately 1.5% to 3.5% per transaction, plus a small fixed charge based on the payment type and processing method. These fees vary depending on factors such as card type, transaction channel, and merchant category. For most businesses, understanding these fee structures is crucial for budgeting and optimizing profit margins. Transparent pricing models, such as Interchange Plus, allow merchants to see the actual fee breakdown and avoid inflated processing costs, ensuring maximum financial efficiency overall clearly.
A good Interchange Plus rate clearly reflects the actual interchange fees plus a modest fixed markup from the processor. Typically, a markup around 0.5% or lower is deemed favorable, as it prevents unexpected hidden charges. This transparent structure helps merchants accurately forecast payment processing costs. Since rates vary based on industry and volume, evaluating multiple offers and negotiating terms is essential for achieving the most cost-effective solution, ultimately enhancing profit margins and operational efficiency for optimal management in today’s market globally.
Stripe offers a variety of pricing models tailored for diverse business needs, including transparent processing options. While Stripe primarily promotes flat-rate pricing for simplicity, they also provide Interchange Plus pricing for merchants who require detailed cost breakdowns. This model enables businesses to see the actual interchange fees plus a clear markup, ensuring transparency and potentially lower processing costs for higher volume transactions. Merchants should review Stripe’s pricing documentation or consult their sales team for the most accurate up-to-date information today.
The maximum Interchange Plus fees vary depending on the payment processor and specific transaction details. Typically, fees are not capped by a universal standard, as they are determined by individual card networks and negotiated markups. However, processors generally maintain competitive fee structures to attract merchants. It is important for businesses to review detailed contracts to understand fee limits. Comparing various providers can help determine which pricing model offers the most cost-effective solution for different transaction volumes and industries in detail.
For instance, consider a merchant processing credit card transactions where the interchange fee is 1.8% plus $0.10 per transaction. Under an Interchange Plus Pricing model, the processor might add a fixed markup of 0.3%, resulting in a total processing rate of 2.1% plus $0.10. Such transparency allows the merchant to clearly differentiate between the interchange fee and the processor’s margin. This pricing model is ideal for businesses that process large volumes of transactions and require precise cost breakdowns for clarity.
Interchange Plus Fees are comprised of two main components: the interchange fee and the processor’s markup. The interchange fee is set by card networks and reflects the cost of transaction processing, while the markup is a fixed percentage or fee added by the payment processor. This clear separation of costs allows merchants to understand what they are paying for. By differentiating these elements, businesses gain transparency and control over their processing expenses, facilitating more informed financial planning and cost management.
Businesses that process high transaction volumes, such as retail, e-commerce, and hospitality, benefit most from Interchange Plus pricing. This model provides transparency by separating interchange fees from the processor’s markup, enabling companies to closely monitor and manage their payment processing expenses. It is particularly advantageous for businesses with a diverse mix of credit card types and transaction channels, as it allows for precise cost control and potentially lower fees compared to bundled pricing models. Ultimately, transparent pricing supports better budgeting.
The Interchange Plus pricing model is renowned for its transparency and fairness in credit card processing. It separates the base interchange fees, set by card networks, from the additional fixed markup charged by processors. This clear breakdown helps merchants understand what they are paying, reducing hidden fees and allowing for better cost management. As a result, businesses can negotiate more favorable terms and optimize their processing strategies, ensuring that pricing remains competitive and aligned with industry standards for efficiency.
Interchange Plus pricing is designed to eliminate hidden fees by clearly separating the interchange fee from the processor’s markup. This transparent model enables merchants to understand the exact cost per transaction without unexpected charges. While some ancillary service fees might apply separately, the core pricing remains open and fair. It is essential for businesses to carefully review their merchant agreements to ensure no undisclosed fees exist, ensuring complete clarity and control over payment processing costs for optimal management.
Interchange Plus pricing is most suitable for businesses with high transaction volumes and diverse payment methods that benefit from detailed cost transparency. This model is ideal when merchants want to clearly see the separation between the base interchange fees and the processor’s fixed markup, allowing for more precise cost control. It is especially advantageous in industries where processing costs vary widely, enabling better budgeting, cost optimization, and negotiation of more favorable terms with payment providers for sustainable financial growth overall.
Interchange Plus and Interchange Plus Plus (IC++) are pricing models that aim for transparency in credit card processing costs. While both models separate the interchange fee from the processor’s markup, IC++ often includes an additional layer of pricing clarity by itemizing further service fees. This extra detail can benefit merchants by providing a more comprehensive breakdown of all charges. Understanding these differences allows businesses to choose the most cost-effective model that aligns with their transaction volume and operational needs effectively.