What Is Interchange Plus Pricing | Explained

Interchange, Assessments, and Provider Markup

What to Check in a Pricing Proposal

Interchange-plus pricing separates card-network interchange and assessments from the payment provider's markup. To compare an offer, identify the markup, per-transaction charges, recurring fees, and any separately billed equipment or software. Use your actual transaction mix and monthly volume; the model alone does not establish which provider will cost less.

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Why Businesses Choose Soltis Merchant Services

Ask the provider to show which charges pass through from the networks and which it sets. Request a worked estimate using your statement activity, with any monthly fees shown separately.

Transparent pricing: Clearer visibility into processing costs
Reliable support: Help when you need answers fast
Secure transactions: Protection for your business and customers
Scalable solutions: Options that grow with your business
Modern equipment: Dependable terminals and POS systems

How It Works

Interchange varies with the card and transaction. The provider adds its agreed markup; other account charges may also apply. Check both the proposal and statement to understand the full cost, not just the quoted markup.

Interchange fees: The base fees set by card brands and banks
Processor markup: The additional amount charged by your provider
Statement clarity: Better breakdown of where your money goes
Rate transparency: Easier comparison between providers
Cost visibility: Improved understanding of monthly charges

Benefits for Small Business Owners

Itemized costs can make a comparison easier, but savings are not automatic. Review total fees for the same transaction activity under each proposed arrangement.

Better fee visibility: Know what is wholesale versus markup
Easier statement review: Spot patterns and pricing issues faster
Potential savings: Lower overall costs for some businesses
Greater trust: More confidence in your provider relationship
Stronger decision-making: Better information for long-term planning

Who Should Consider This Model

Retailers, service businesses, restaurants, and professional offices should compare the model using their own volume, average sale, card mix, and payment channels.

Retail stores: Better insight into daily card acceptance costs
Service businesses: Useful for managing client payment expenses
Growing companies: Helps support smarter financial planning
High-volume merchants: Often gain more from pricing transparency
Cost-conscious owners: A practical fit for businesses watching margins

Compared to Flat-Rate Pricing

Flat-rate pricing generally bundles underlying costs into quoted transaction pricing, while interchange-plus separates cost components. Compare each proposal's applicable rates, recurring fees, and conditions rather than treating one model as universally better.

Flat-rate pricing: Simple but often less transparent
Interchange-plus pricing: More detailed and easier to analyze
Bundled costs: Harder to break down on statements
Transparent margins: Clearer provider markup structure
Long-term review: Better for merchants who want fee visibility

Better Statement Transparency

Read a sample statement and ask the provider to identify interchange, assessments, markup, and recurring charges. Make sure you can reproduce the total from the line items.

Readable statements: Easier to understand monthly charges
Fee breakdowns: Better insight into transaction costs
Pricing analysis: Stronger visibility into your effective rate
Hidden fee detection: Easier to spot unexpected charges
Improved confidence: More control over your payment expenses

Save More with the Cash Discount Program

Cash discount programs address customer pricing and are a separate decision from how processing fees are itemized. Review the proposed arrangement and total costs separately if considering one.

Lower processing costs: Reduce pressure on business margins
Flexible payment options: Keep checkout convenient for customers
Improved profitability: Support stronger bottom-line performance
Simple implementation: Easy to integrate into daily operations
Practical savings strategy: Useful for cost-conscious businesses

Soltis Merchant Services Delivers Your Competitive Edge

Soltis Merchant Services can help explain the components of a proposal and compare them with your current statement.

Bring a recent statement, any separate equipment or software invoices, and your current agreement to discuss a like-for-like comparison.

Call (440) 570-9355 or Contact Us or Get Started Today!