Calculate Credit Card Fees
Processing Fee
—
Calculate exactly how much credit card processing fees cost per transaction. Enter the sale amount, your processor's rate, and the per-transaction fee to see the total cost and your effective rate.
Understanding Credit Card Processing Fees
Credit card processing fees typically consist of two components: a percentage rate (usually 1.5% – 3.5%) and a flat per-transaction fee (usually $0.10 – $0.30). The total fee varies by card network, card type, and your payment processor.
Typical Processing Rates by Network
| Card Network | Rate Range | Per-Transaction |
|---|---|---|
| Visa | 1.4% – 2.5% | $0.10 – $0.25 |
| Mastercard | 1.5% – 2.6% | $0.10 – $0.25 |
| American Express | 2.5% – 3.5% | $0.10 – $0.30 |
| Discover | 1.5% – 2.5% | $0.10 – $0.25 |
Rates are approximate and vary by merchant category, transaction type (card-present vs. card-not-present), and processor agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pass credit card fees to my customers?
In most US states, you can add a surcharge to cover credit card processing costs (up to 4%), but you must disclose it clearly. Some states prohibit surcharges. Debit card surcharges are generally not allowed.
What is an interchange fee?
Interchange fees are charged by the card-issuing bank to the merchant's bank for each transaction. They make up the largest portion of processing fees and are set by the card networks (Visa, Mastercard).
How can I reduce my credit card processing fees?
Negotiate with your processor, use interchange-plus pricing, encourage debit card use, set minimum purchase amounts, and ensure your terminal is PCI compliant to avoid non-compliance fees.