Flat vs tiered vs interchange-plus pricing
Updated October 19, 2026
Flat
One rate for every card, sometimes plus a per-sale fee. Simple and predictable; the processor keeps the difference when network costs are low, for example on regulated debit.
Tiered
Sales are sorted into qualified, mid-qualified and non-qualified buckets, each with its own rate. Rewards cards, keyed sales and online sales often land in the dearer buckets, and the sorting rules are set by the processor. Tiered statements are the hardest to compare.
Interchange-plus
Card network costs are passed through at cost and the processor adds a stated markup: a percent and a per-sale fee. You can compare it with any quote. Ask for card network fees to be passed through at cost and listed line by line, and for no monthly minimum.
This is information, not legal or financial advice. Processor and network names are used only to say which statement a guide covers.