Interchange-plus pricing
Interchange-plus pricing is a credit card processing model that separates the card network’s true interchange cost from a single, fixed markup we disclose in writing. It is widely regarded as the most transparent merchant account pricing structure: you always see exactly what the bank charges versus what we charge — nothing is hidden inside a blended rate. Gray Merchants offers interchange-plus to low-risk and high-risk businesses alike.
What interchange-plus pricing means
Interchange-plus pricing separates two costs that flat pricing blends together: the card networks’ interchange, which is set by the card brands and identical for every processor, and a fixed markup that we agree and disclose in writing. Your statement shows both lines, so you can see the bank’s cost on one side and our markup on the other.
That structure is why interchange-plus is widely regarded as the most transparent model in payments. There is no single number hiding where the money goes, and because the markup is fixed, the only thing that moves is the pass-through interchange itself. If you would rather trade that visibility for one simple, unchanging rate, compare it with flat-rate pricing or see every option on our pricing overview.
How interchange-plus pricing works
Network cost passes through
The card brands set interchange for each transaction. On interchange-plus, that cost is passed straight through to you — the same base cost every processor pays the network.
A fixed markup sits on top
A single, agreed markup rides on top of interchange. It is fixed and disclosed in writing, and it stays the same regardless of which card a customer uses.
Your statement itemizes both
Each statement breaks out the bank’s interchange cost separately from our markup, line by line, so you can reconcile and audit exactly where every cost lands.
You optimize what you can
Because interchange is visible, you can qualify eligible transactions for lower interchange categories with Level 2 and Level 3 data — savings a blended rate would hide.
Who interchange-plus pricing fits best
Interchange-plus suits merchants who want to actively manage processing costs rather than accept an averaged number. It pairs especially well with high-volume merchant accounts and with Level 2 and Level 3 processing, where visible interchange lets B2B and B2G sellers qualify transactions for lower categories. The same transparent structure is available on high-risk merchant accounts across the 50-plus industries we serve.
B2B and B2G sellers
Businesses invoicing other companies or government buyers that can submit Level 2 and Level 3 data to reach lower interchange categories.
Growing-volume merchants
Operations whose transaction volume is climbing, where a visible, fixed markup scales more efficiently than a padded blended rate.
Cost-conscious finance teams
Owners and controllers who audit processing statements and want to see the bank’s cost separated from the provider’s markup.
Mixed card-mix businesses
Merchants who accept a wide range of card types and want each one priced at its real network cost rather than averaged into one number.
The trade-offs at a glance
Advantages
- You see the bank’s true cost separated from our disclosed markup.
- The markup is fixed — no hidden padding buried in a single rate.
- You can pursue interchange optimization through Level 2 and Level 3 data.
- Statements are auditable, so every cost is traceable to its source.
Trade-offs
- Statements are more detailed and take a moment longer to read than a single blended line.
- Your effective cost moves with your card mix from month to month.
- Best suited to merchants who value visibility over one flat, unchanging number.
Related pricing and resources
Compare all pricing models
See interchange-plus alongside flat rate, cash discount, dual pricing, and surcharging.
Flat-rate pricing
One simple rate on every sale when predictability matters more than optimization.
Blended and hybrid pricing
Combine models or tier a structure tailored to how your business actually runs.
Level 2 and 3 processing
Submit richer data to qualify B2B and B2G transactions for lower interchange.
US interchange rates
Reference the published interchange categories that pass through on this model.
High-risk merchant accounts
Transparent, interchange-plus pricing for accounts other processors decline.
Interchange-plus FAQ
What is interchange-plus pricing?
Interchange-plus pricing separates the card networks’ true cost from a single, fixed markup that we disclose in writing. Instead of one blended number, your statement shows the bank’s interchange cost on one line and our agreed markup on another, so you always know exactly what the network charges versus what we charge.
Why is interchange-plus considered the most transparent model?
Because nothing is hidden inside a single rate. The pass-through interchange is set by the card brands and is the same for every processor, so the only variable is the markup — and on interchange-plus that markup is fixed and disclosed. You can audit every statement and see precisely where each cost comes from.
Can interchange-plus help me lower my processing costs?
Yes, indirectly. Because interchange is itemized, you can qualify transactions for lower interchange categories by submitting richer transaction data — known as Level 2 and Level 3 processing — which is common for B2B and B2G merchants. On a blended or flat rate those savings are invisible and never reach you.
Do you publish your interchange-plus markup?
We quote it per account and disclose it in writing before you sign. Because industry, volume, average ticket, and processing history all affect the structure, we do not post a rate card — every account is custom-quoted with terms you see up front.
Who should choose interchange-plus?
Businesses that value transparency and want to actively manage their credit card processing costs — especially B2B, B2G, and higher-volume merchants who can benefit from interchange optimization. If you would rather have one predictable number and never look at the breakdown, flat-rate pricing may suit you better.
Is interchange-plus available for high-risk merchant accounts?
Yes. Gray Merchants offers interchange-plus pricing to both low-risk retail and e-commerce merchants and to high-risk businesses across 50-plus industries. Your risk profile affects the markup we quote and the underwriting path, not your ability to get a transparent, itemized statement. If you have been declined or terminated elsewhere, interchange-plus is still on the table alongside chargeback prevention and multi-MID support.