Processing & Fees
Flat-Rate vs. Interchange-Plus: Which Is Cheaper for You?
Simpler is not always cheaper. Where the crossover actually falls.
Flat-rate pricing (one simple percentage) is easy to understand. Interchange-plus (interchange + a fixed markup) is more transparent. Which saves you money depends on your business.
When flat-rate wins
If you're small, newer, or process a low volume, flat-rate's simplicity and predictability often outweigh the small premium you pay. You always know what a sale will cost.
When interchange-plus wins
As volume grows, interchange-plus almost always gets cheaper — you stop overpaying on your lower-cost transactions. We'll run your actual numbers both ways and show you the real difference, instead of guessing.
More on processing & fees
Interchange, Markup & Your Effective Rate, Explained Simply
The one number that makes any two processing offers comparable.
The 7 Hidden Fees Hiding in Your Merchant Statement
Seven line items worth finding on your next statement.
How to Actually Read Your Credit Card Processing Statement
Find your effective rate first. Everything else follows from it.