At‑a‑Glance: Your statement lists pass‑through costs (interchange, assessments) and provider markups (basis points, per‑item, monthly fees). Focus on effective rate—total fees ÷ total card sales—and the levers that actually move it.
Interchange vs. Markups
- Interchange & assessments: set by card brands and banks; vary by card type and entry method.
- Provider markups: the negotiable part—basis points, per‑item, and monthly platform fees.
Reading Your Statement
- Locate total card sales, total fees, and deposits.
- Identify pricing model (interchange‑plus, flat/blended, subscription).
- Watch for add‑ons: PCI, gateway, batch, chargeback fees.
Levers to Lower Your Effective Rate
- Optimize acceptance: EMV/tap over keyed entries; capture AVS online.
- Match pricing model to ticket size: small tickets benefit from lower per‑item; large tickets from fewer bps.
- Consider dual pricing: present a cash price and a card price to offset costs.
- Use ACH for invoices/large orders where appropriate.
Beyond Rates: Operational Wins
- Reduce refunds and disputes with clearer policies and EMV.
- Train staff to avoid avoidable downgrades (missing data, late batches).
How MPG Helps
- Statement reviews that explain, not confuse.
- Programs for dual pricing and ACH with training and templates.
- US‑based support to tune your setup over time.
FAQ
Is a lower headline rate always better? Not if it raises downgrades or per‑item costs. Measure effective rate monthly.
Can I negotiate interchange? No—but you can qualify for better categories by submitting the right data.