Credit card interchange fees are an unavoidable cost of doing business — but that doesn’t mean you have to overpay.
ABS helps butchers identify opportunities to optimize interchange rates, lowering overall processing costs without compromising service or security.
Many businesses assume the only way to reduce credit card processing costs is by negotiating lower markups from their processor — but the real savings often lie deeper.
Interchange fees are the base costs set by the card brands (like Visa, Mastercard, Discover, etc.) and paid to the card-issuing banks. These fees typically include a percentage rate plus a per-item fee — and they vary depending on the type of card, how it’s accepted, and how much data is provided with the transaction.
What most merchants don’t realize is that card brands offer programs that reward businesses for submitting complete, properly coded transactions — often unlocking significantly lower rates.
At ABS, we help you qualify for the most favorable interchange levels possible — giving you access to savings that many businesses don’t even know exist.
Visa® and Mastercard® assign interchange rates to more than 300 distinct card types, each with its own cost structure based on cardholder type, transaction environment, and data submitted at the time of sale.
Interchange fees are not determined by card type alone. The method of acceptance — whether swiped, tapped, dipped, or keyed — along with the level of detail included in the transaction, directly influences the rate applied.
For certain commercial and purchasing cards, submitting Level II or Level III transaction data can significantly reduce interchange costs. These enhanced data sets include details such as sales tax, invoice numbers, and line-item breakdowns, and are often required to qualify for preferred rates on business card programs.
ABS assists merchants in identifying where Level II and III qualification is possible and helps configure systems to ensure optimal transaction routing and compliance — maximizing savings at the interchange level.
Understanding interchange is the first step — but applying that knowledge to reduce your processing costs is where the real value lies.
ABS works with your business to ensure that every transaction is set up to qualify for the lowest possible rate. From identifying overlooked interchange opportunities to configuring your system for Level II/III data submission and proper card routing, we help you optimize what others overlook.
It’s not just about having the right tools — it’s about knowing how to use them.
We help identify common barriers that prevent businesses from qualifying for lower interchange rates:
With the right data behind each transaction, your business can automatically access lower interchange rates. We’ll help you set it up correctly, so you stop leaving money on the table.