Best Interchange-Plus Credit Card Processing (2025): Transparent Pricing Guide

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Interchange-plus (IC++) is the most transparent way to pay for card processing: you pay the card networks’ base cost (interchange + assessments) plus a small processor markup. That markup has two parts—basis points (a tiny percentage) and a per-transaction cents amount. This guide explains how IC++ works, who benefits most, what markup to ask for in writing, and the best providers to consider in 2025.

TOP PICKS (SHORT REVIEWS)

1. Payment Depot

Known for straightforward IC++ and easy statements. Great fit when you want predictable markups and a clean off-ramp if needs change. Confirm the exact basis points and per-txn cents and ask for month-to-month terms.

2. Stax

A popular alternative to IC++ if you prefer a “membership” model: monthly fee plus interchange at cost with a small per-txn amount (no percentage markup). For steady volume, this can beat flat-rate and many IC++ quotes. Compare your math against Payment Depot and others.

3. Leaders Merchant Services

Will quote IC++ on request and can bundle Clover if you need POS. Good when you want hands-on setup and support. Get the markup, term/ETF, monthly/incidentals, and funding timeline in writing.

4. Merchant One

Fast approvals with IC++ available if you ask. Practical for new businesses that want quick onboarding and next-day options. Lock down the markup, term/ETF, and auto-renewal window.

5. Paysafe

Gateway-friendly option with tokenization, recurring billing, and risk tools. IC++ terms vary by setup—get basis points, per-txn cents, gateway fees, and funding timelines in writing.

6. Worldpay

Strong at scale with custom IC++ tiers, multi-location reporting, and accelerated payout programs. Multi-year is common—negotiate ETF waivers, rate-review checkpoints, and SLAs.

7. Clover

If you want Clover hardware/POS but also want IC++, work through a partner that can place Clover under an IC++ agreement. Confirm plan/app fees and any instant-deposit fees.

8. Swipe4Free

If you don’t use dual pricing or a surcharge program, you can still request a standard IC++ quote. If you do use fees, remember: credit-only and clear disclosures; debit is never surcharged.

HOW INTERCHANGE-PLUS REALLY WORKS

Your total cost = interchange + network assessments + your processor’s markup. The markup is usually quoted as basis points (for example, 0.20% = 20 bps) plus a per-transaction amount (for example, $0.08). Card-present vs. online, debit vs. credit, and rewards tiers affect the underlying interchange; your markup is the part you negotiate. To track performance, compute your effective rate monthly: add every fee on the statement (processing, monthly, PCI, gateway, chargebacks, instant deposit), divide by gross card sales, multiply by 100. If you’re mostly in-person and sitting well above ~3% for several months, revisit pricing and routing—or re-quote.

WHAT TO NEGOTIATE (KEEP IT IN WRITING)

Ask for the exact markup (basis points and per-txn cents), all monthly fees (statement, PCI, gateway, batch, chargeback, instant deposit), funding timing and batch cut-off (weekends/holidays too), and contract term with ETF status and cancellation steps. Avoid equipment leases; buy hardware or use Tap to Pay so terms stay flexible.

5-STEP ROLLOUT PLAN

Choose IC++ (or compare against a Stax-style membership) and get the full fee table signed.
Set batch cut-off and confirm next-day/instant deposit rules.
If online/recurring, enable tokenization, account updater, AVS/CVV; consider 3-D Secure only where risk warrants it.
Run one week of parallel processing and reconcile deposits.
After two statements, compute effective rate; re-quote if it drifts up.

FAQs

Is IC++ always cheaper than flat-rate?

Not always, but for steady volume—especially with meaningful debit share—IC++ or a membership model usually wins over time.

What markup should I target?

There isn’t one universal number; ask for basis points and per-transaction cents in writing, then compare against your mix (ticket size, debit share, card-present vs. online).

Can I get next-day funding on IC++?

Yes—funding speed is separate from pricing. Confirm cut-off times, weekend handling, and instant-deposit fees.

Do I need a gateway for in-store IC++?

No—only if you also run online/recurring. Don’t pay for a gateway you won’t use.

How do I compare IC++ vs. a membership model?

Compute your effective rate over 1–2 full months on each quote and include monthly fees. Membership often shines at higher volume; IC++ can be better for mixed or smaller tickets.

Can I use dual pricing with IC++?

Yes. If you present a card price vs. cash/debit price, show it clearly before payment. If you surcharge, it’s credit-only with disclosures; never debit.

Interchange-Plus Credit Card Processing (2025): Transparent Pricing & Top Picks