Credit Card Processing Basics: Pricing Models

In this guide to pricing models, we’ll explain the pros and cons of different options. Fundamentals of Processing Fees Before we can get into pricing models, it’s important to start with a basic understanding of processing fees. Every credit card transaction is comprised of three parts: interchange, assessments, and markup. Interchange is the largest component …

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Amex’s OptBlue Backfires for Small Businesses

How is it possible that American Express cards costs cost less than ever to accept, but businesses aren’t paying less? The answer is pretty simple: credit card processors are pocketing the difference. Amex Introduces “OptBlue” In early 2015, American Express decided to tackle two big problems: a reputation among businesses as the “expensive” credit card …

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5 Reasons to Ask for OptBlue Pricing if You Take American Express

If you already take American Express cards or are considering accepting them at your business, you’ll want to make sure your processor charges you with OptBlue. Here’s why: It’s Cheaper Well, probably. The OptBlue pricing is a “cost plus” model, so if you’re not on a tiered pricing model and if have a competitive processor …

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American Express OptBlue Pricing & Acceptance

Several months ago American Express introduced OptBlue, which is a new pricing structure that will replace the company’s current One Point pricing for most businesses. OptBlue’s pricing functions similarly to that of Visa and MasterCard’s interchange in that processors pay “wholesale” rates to American Express and apply their markup through a cost-plus or tiered pricing model.

1.54% “Flat Wholesale Rate”

At CardFellow, we received this message from a curious business owner. I have a question about a specific company – [removed to protect the guilty]. They are saying the rate they can provide is 1.54% on qualified and mid-qualified cards (“flat wholesale rate”). The only other rate is “up to 4.61%” on non-qualified cards. Then …

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