Switch to transparent interchange plus pricing and start saving
Experience clear, honest interchange plus pricing that breaks down every fee, reduces your processing expenses, and gives you complete visibility into what you’re paying.
The power of interchange plus pricing
Interchange plus pricing finally lets you see exactly what you’re paying for every credit card transaction. Instead of bundling everything into inflated tiers or flat rates, this model separates the card network fee (interchange) from the fixed markup (plus).
That means no more guesswork, no blended mystery rates, and no hidden margins padded in. With interchange plus, what you see is what you pay—clear, predictable, and fair pricing that puts you back in control.
- Pay the true interchange fee set by the card networks—plus a small, fixed markup
- Easier reconciliation and forecasting
- Ideal for growing and high‑volume businesses
How interchange plus works
Interchange plus pricing is designed to give you full visibility into your processing costs. From the moment your customer pays to the moment the funds reach your account, every fee is broken down clearly so you always know exactly what you’re paying for — nothing hidden, nothing blended, nothing inflated.
Your customer pays
Your customer taps, swipes, inserts their card, or pays online—just like any other transaction.
The payment is securely processed
The transaction is authorized securely and the card network (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, or Discover) assigns its standard interchange fee based on the card used.
Your fees are broken down clearly
Your total cost is calculated by combining the card network’s interchange fee with a small markup. Every part of the fee is visible on your statement, so you always know exactly what you’re paying.
Understanding interchange plus pricing vs. flat rate
Every pricing model works a little differently, and understanding those differences can help you choose what’s best for your business. Flat‑rate pricing offers simplicity, while interchange plus takes a more detailed approach by showing you the exact costs behind each transaction.
Interchange plus
- Rates vary by card type
- Multiple interchange and network fees
- Monthly costs may shift slightly depending on the mix of cards accepted
- More detailed statements
Best fit for
- High or growing monthly sales volume
- Mostly in‑person, card‑present payments
- Full transparency into every processing fee
- Businesses seeking a scalable pricing model
Simplified flat-rate
- One simple rate
- Same price for every card
- Easy to estimate monthly costs
- Clean, easy‑to‑read statements
Best fit for
- Lower monthly sales volume
- Fewer in‑person, card‑present payments
- Easy forecasting and budgeting
- Prefer simplicity over complexity
Not sure which pricing model is right for you?
Our Payment Experts will review your business needs and processing statement to let you know if interchange plus credit card processing is best for your business.
Your rates, secured. Your business, protected.
With the Rate Sekurity Guarantee®, you’ll never overpay again.
Sekure is not a credit card processor—and that’s your advantage. Our Payment Experts have the freedom to shop the market and secure the best possible deal for your business. We don’t just stop at rates—we also make sure you have the right point-of-sale hardware and software to keep your operations running smoothly. With Sekure, you get unbiased advice, tailored solutions, and the confidence that your business is protected from unnecessary costs.
The Rate Sekurity Guarantee® meant I wasn’t getting taken advantage of anymore. I was getting the lowest rate for what’s best for my business. I never have to worry about hidden fees again.
Laura Hamilton
Owner of Laura’s flower shop
FAQs
What is the interchange fee/rate?
It’s easiest to think of an interchange rate as the base fee card companies (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, etc.) charge merchants for processing card transactions. Interchange rates are subject to change depending on their category and specific requirements, such as what kind of card was used (personal, business, debit, credit, etc.), whether the transaction took place online or in person, and other variables.
As a general rule of thumb, interchange rates can range anywhere from 0.5% all the way to 2.95%. It really depends on what requirements/categories the transaction falls into. Some card companies share their interchange rates on their website, so be sure to have a look for a more accurate depiction of what you’ll be paying.
How does Interchange Plus pricing work?
Interchange plus pricing works by adding a fixed markup to a card company’s interchange fees. Interchange plus pricing is made up of two components: The interchange fees charged by the card brand, and the plus refers to markup fees from your credit card processor that are applied to every credit card transaction.
When it comes to interchange plus rates, it’s not a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, the costs will vary as there are different rates for different types of credit cards, as well as different rates for card-present and card-not-present transactions. It’s also important to know that interchange rates imposed by the card companies are non-negotiable; you can only improve upon what your processor is tacking on the above interchange.
Is Interchange Plus pricing right for my business?
Interchange Plus is one of the fairest methods available to merchants because of its transparency. Once only available to large businesses with high sales volumes, now more processors are offering Interchange Plus pricing to small businesses.
Keep in mind that with Interchange Plus, your monthly credit card processing fees will vary month to month. If you’re a smaller business and want to pay the same amount each month, another rate option might seem more suitable.
Talk to one of our Payment Experts to see what option might be best for your business goals. You’re more likely to save money with Interchange Plus, as you can see from the charges on your statement, companies will typically offer you a more competitive rate in the long run.
How much money could I save?
Interchange Plus pricing is highly transparent in that all the charges are disclosed on your statement, making it harder for processors to tack on extra fees. You pay exactly what Visa and MasterCard are charging, based on the type of card your customer is using.
Because the interchange fee varies, the savings come in when you process a credit card with a lower interchange fee.
At the end of the day, the pricing structure you choose will be based on factors only you can prioritize. Rest assured we are your business ally. We have many options to choose from, and we will work with you to get the best rates available for your business. Give our Payment Experts a call, and we’ll be happy to find the best solution to fit your needs.
Unlike with other pricing structures, your business benefits from the lower interchange rate for processing a less expensive card.
What cards and payment methods are supported?
Sekure supports all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, so customers can pay with whatever they prefer. You can also accept a full range of modern payment methods, such as:
- EMV chip cards
- Contactless payments (tap‑to‑pay)
- Digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
- Online and eCommerce payments
- Mobile and in‑app payments
Whether you run a retail shop, restaurant, service business, or online store, your checkout is fully equipped. No matter how your customers choose to pay, the transaction is processed quickly, securely, and in line with all card‑network standards.
Are interchange fees negotiable?
No. Interchange fees aren’t negotiable because they’re set directly by the card networks (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). These fees are based on factors like the card type, how the card is used (tap, chip, swipe, online), and your industry category. Every processor pays the same interchange fees—they cannot be changed or discounted.
What is flexible is the markup your processor charges on top of interchange — the “plus” in interchange plus pricing. That portion can be lowered, optimized, and made more transparent, which is where Sekure helps you save. By keeping the processor markup small and predictable, you benefit from clear, fair pricing while still paying the regulated interchange fees.
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