Calculator
Pricing model comparison calculator
Estimates only. Educational only; not legal, tax or financial advice. No guarantee of savings or approval.
The rest is treated as standard credit.
Estimated interchange + assessments
Flat rate quote
Tiered quote
Interchange-plus quote
Switching
Same volume, three models (833 transactions / month)
Lowest estimate: Interchange-plus
$676.67 / month vs current
Switching payback
0.4 months
Payback = exit costs ÷ monthly savings. If payback is longer than the new contract, switching likely isn't worth it.
Estimates only. Results vary. No guarantee of approval, rates or savings.
Talk with a payments specialistThe formulas
Transactions = volume ÷ average ticket
Flat = volume × rate + transactions × per-item + monthly
Tiered = Σ(volume × mix share × tier rate) + transactions × per-item + monthly
Interchange-plus = interchange + volume × markup + transactions × per-item + monthly
Switching payback (months) = exit costs ÷ monthly savings
Worked example (illustrative numbers)
- Volume $50,000; average ticket $60 → about 833 transactions (illustrative)
- Card mix: 40% debit, 35% standard credit, 25% rewards or business
- Flat 2.90% + $0.30 → about $1,700
- Interchange-plus at 0.30% + $0.10 + $15 monthly → about $1,048
- Exit costs $300 ÷ about $652 monthly savings → payback under one month
Key takeaways
Common questions
Which is cheaper: flat rate or interchange-plus?
It depends on your volume, ticket size and card mix. Interchange-plus often costs less at higher volume; flat rate can suit low volume or very small tickets. Run both on your own numbers.
How does tiered pricing decide which rate applies?
The provider decides which transactions are qualified, mid-qualified or non-qualified. Here we assume debit is qualified, standard credit is mid and rewards or business cards are non-qualified; your provider's rules may differ.
Where do I get interchange estimates?
From your statement if you're on interchange-plus, or from a written quote. Card networks publish interchange tables; this calculator uses blended estimates you can edit.
What counts as exit costs?
Early-termination fees, liquidated damages and remaining equipment lease payments.
Is the lowest estimate always the best choice?
Not always. Deposit timing, contract terms, support and software fit matter too.
Keep learning
Estimates only. Results vary. No guarantee of approval, rates or savings.
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