Interchange Plus vs flat-rate processing: which is better for your business?
Flat-rate processing is simple, but Interchange Plus may offer better visibility and savings for higher-volume businesses. SecureTrust of Florida helps merchants compare pricing models based on volume, ticket size, card mix, and operational needs.
Serving businesses across Florida, with sales representatives in New York and additional expanding markets.
A single blended rate can be easy to understand, especially for new or lower-volume businesses.
Interchange Plus separates wholesale card costs from the processor markup.
The best option depends on monthly volume, average ticket, card mix, fees, and support needs.
How flat-rate pricing works
Flat-rate processors usually charge one blended percentage and transaction fee for many card types. This can be simple and predictable, but the simplicity may cost more for businesses with higher volume or favorable card mix.
Flat-rate can be attractive for new, seasonal, mobile, or low-volume merchants.
The wholesale card costs and processor markup are usually blended together.
As volume grows, the convenience of flat-rate pricing may become expensive.
How Interchange Plus works
Interchange Plus pricing separates the base card-network/interchange costs from the processor markup. This makes the statement more detailed, but it can also make costs easier to evaluate for established merchants.
The business pays interchange and assessments plus an agreed processor markup.
Merchants can see more detail about card types, volume, and cost categories.
Restaurants, retail stores, auto dealers, and B2B merchants may benefit from a deeper statement review.
When to request a comparison
A merchant should compare pricing models when monthly volume increases, average ticket changes, customer card mix changes, or the business adds online ordering, invoicing, virtual terminal, or multi-location processing.
A processor can compare actual costs more accurately with a current statement.
Software, gateway, PCI-related, monthly, chargeback, and support fees matter too.
The cheapest rate is not always the best choice if support, funding, or setup quality suffers.
Questions business owners ask
Is Interchange Plus always cheaper?
No. It depends on volume, ticket size, card mix, processor markup, monthly fees, and business needs.
Is flat-rate processing bad?
No. Flat-rate can be useful for simplicity, especially for newer or lower-volume businesses.
What should I send for a comparison?
A recent processing statement, monthly volume, average ticket, business type, hardware needs, and any online or virtual terminal needs.
Need help reviewing your payment setup?
SecureTrust of Florida can help you compare program options, equipment needs, and support expectations before you choose a payment-processing setup.