The Mastercard per-transaction network fee

What it is

From October 19, 2026, Mastercard charges acquirers a per-transaction network fee on domestic transactions. Sources differ on the amount: CFIB reports US$0.018 and some processors report US$0.0195. FeeHound uses the range from US$0.018 to US$0.0195, converted at CA$1.38 per US dollar, and labels it an estimate.

Some processors describe it as replacing an earlier clearing fee. Whether it is new on your account depends on what you paid before, so ask your processor.

Will you see it?

On interchange-plus plans, network fees are usually passed on and shown. On flat-rate plans, a processor may absorb the fee, and then no notice is needed.

What the Code says

If your processor passes on a new or higher card network fee, the Code requires it to tell you 30 to 60 days before it takes effect, with the old and new amounts and your 70-day cancellation date. If your agreement has no fixed term or cancellation penalties, the notice must instead remind you that you can exit at any time. If you were not told in that window, the Code says you can cancel without penalty at any time.

If you do not remember a notice, FeeHound can write a short letter asking for a copy and the date it was sent.