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Payments 101

Interchange fees, explained.

Most of what you pay to accept cards isn't your processor's markup — it's interchange. Understanding it is the key to knowing what you can actually negotiate.

What interchange is

Interchange is the fee set by the card networks (Visa, Mastercard, and others) and paid to the bank that issued your customer's card. It's the largest part of your cost — and it's the same for every processor. Nobody can “discount” interchange.

What changes it

Interchange varies by card type (rewards cards cost more), how the card is accepted (tapped or dipped is cheaper than keyed), and your business category. Accepting cards securely and in person keeps you in the lowest tiers.

What you can actually control

Since interchange is fixed, the real game is the markup on top — and whether a compliant zero-cost program shifts the cost off your margin entirely. Learn to spot the markup in reading your statement.

See your real breakdown

I'll show you how much of your bill is interchange versus markup — free, no obligation.

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