Interchange++ pricing, explained
The most transparent way to pay for card acceptance. Interchange++ itemises every cost — interchange, scheme fees and processor margin — so you see exactly what you pay. Here's how it works and why it usually costs less.
Three parts, all visible
The "++" stands for the two pass-through fees on top of interchange. With IC++ you see all three, instead of one rolled-up number.
Interchange
Paid to the cardholder's issuing bank. Set by the card networks and varies by card type, region and channel.
Scheme fees (+)
Paid to the card network — Visa, Mastercard and others — for using their rails. The first plus.
Processor margin (+)
The processor's own fixed fee for handling the transaction. The second plus, and the part that's truly negotiable.
Interchange++ vs blended pricing
| Dimension | Blended | Interchange++ |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | One flat rate | Fully itemised |
| See interchange & scheme fees | Hidden | Visible |
| Benefit from low-cost cards | Processor keeps it | You pay less |
| Predictability | Simple but inflated | Fixed margin, real costs |
| Best for | Very low volume | Anyone who wants clarity & savings |
General explanation of pricing models. Your effective cost depends on card mix, region and volume.
Interchange++, answered
01 What is interchange++ pricing?
Interchange++ (IC++) is a transparent payment pricing model that itemises each cost: the interchange fee paid to the card-issuing bank, the scheme fee paid to the card network (Visa, Mastercard), and the processor's own margin. You see all three components separately, so you know exactly what you're paying for.
02 How is interchange++ different from blended pricing?
Blended pricing rolls everything into one flat rate, so you can't see how much is interchange, scheme fees or processor margin. Interchange++ breaks the cost into its real parts, which is more transparent and usually cheaper — because you benefit directly when interchange or scheme fees are lower.
03 Why is interchange++ usually cheaper?
With blended pricing the processor sets a single rate high enough to cover the most expensive cards, and keeps the difference on cheaper ones. With interchange++ you pay the actual interchange and scheme fees plus a fixed margin, so low-cost transactions (such as regulated EU consumer debit) cost you less.
04 Does tokenization affect my processing fees?
Tokenization itself doesn't set interchange, but network tokens can qualify for better authorisation rates and, in some cases, more favourable fee treatment than raw card numbers. Combined with transparent IC++ pricing and routing freedom, it helps you keep the total cost of accepting cards down.
Transparent pricing, from 0.45%
Tell us your card mix and volume and we'll show your real interchange++ cost — fully itemised, no surprises.