Learn how Interchange-plus pricing provides transparency in credit card processing fees. Discover the benefits, cost breakdown, and how our fee structure works to optimize payment processing.
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What is Interchange-plus?

Learn how Interchange-plus pricing provides transparency in credit card processing fees. Discover the benefits, cost breakdown, and how our fee structure works to optimize payment processing.

Interchange-plus (IC+) is one of the most transparent and fair ways to charge for payment processing — but it can feel complex at first. This guide breaks down what interchange fees are, what to expect by industry, and how your CentimePay pricing works.

There are two components to Interchange+

  1. Interchange Fee (set by card networks): Charged by the card-issuing bank (e.g., Chase), this fee varies based on factors like card type (debit, credit, rewards) and transaction method (in-person, online).

  2. Processor Markup: The fee charged by the payment processor (e.g., Centime) for facilitating the transaction.

👉 You always pay the true cost of the card + our transparent markup — no hidden fees or bundled rates.

Centime Processor Fees 

Centime fees are tiered based on your volume, using the following schedule: 

Annual Volume

Fees

$0 to $1M

Interchange + 0.50% + $0.49

$>1M to $5M

Interchange + 0.48% + $0.49

$>5M to $10M

Interchange + 0.46% + $0.49

$>10M

Interchange + 0.45% + $0.49

Example fee breakdown 

If Visa's interchange rate for a SaaS subscription is 2.10%, and the processor markup is 0.50% + $0.49, then the merchant pays: 2.65% + $0.49 total

🏢 Interchange Averages by Industry

Here are some general effective rate estimates (Interchange + Card Brand Fees) seen in different industries:

Industry Typical Effective Interchange
Restaurants (Card Present) ~1.6% – 1.8%
E-Commerce / Online ~1.9% – 2.3%
SaaS / Subscription ~2.1% – 2.5%
Retail (In-Store) ~1.5% – 1.7%
B2B / Commercial Cards ~2.2% – 2.7%

💡 Your actual rates will depend on your card mix and transaction methods.

📃 Want to See the Full Interchange Tables?

You can always reference official interchange fee schedules from the card networks:

❓ Need Help Understanding Your Rates?

CentimePay clients can reach out to their Customer Success Manager for:

  • A custom statement review

  • An analysis of your card mix

Conclusion:

Interchange-plus pricing offers a transparent and detailed approach to credit card processing fees, enabling merchants to understand and manage their costs more effectively. By breaking down fees into their individual components, merchants can make informed decisions to optimize their payment processing strategies.