As digital transactions continue to reshape the global financial ecosystem, understanding these intricate pricing structures is paramount.
Below, we’ll delve into the world of acquiring pricing models, providing insights into how you can leverage them to your advantage and stay ahead of the curve.
But first, let’s go back to basics:
Understanding Acquiring Pricing Models
Acquiring pricing models serves as the foundation of payment processing, dictating how financial institutions charge merchants for processing credit and debit card transactions. These models govern the allocation and calculation of fees among the various entities involved in the payment processing ecosystem.
Here are some common acquiring pricing models:
Bundle Pricing (or Blended Pricing): This model bundles together interchange fees (charged by card networks), assessment fees (charged by card schemes), and the acquirer’s markup into a single rate. It simplifies cost structures for merchants, providing predictability in payment processing expenses.
Interchange-Plus (Interchange+): Merchants are charged the interchange fees set by card networks, along with an additional markup or percentage fee by the acquirer. Interchange-plus pricing offers transparency, allowing merchants to see the actual interchange fees separately from the acquirer’s markup.
Interchange++ (Interchange-Plus-Plus): An enhanced version of the interchange-plus model, where merchants are charged interchange fees, the acquirer’s markup, and an additional premium or fixed fee. Interchange++ pricing offers more customisation and flexibility, catering to specific merchant needs.
What roles do issuers play in payment processing:
The Role of Issuers
Issuers, the financial institutions behind credit and debit cards, play a crucial role in the payment processing ecosystem. They serve as the backbone of transactions, ensuring seamless authorisation and bearing the risk associated with cardholder defaults.
What Issuers Do
Issuers provide cards to cardholders and manage their accounts, handling transaction authorisations and managing associated risks. They’re also instrumental in determining pricing models for merchants.
Understanding Pricing Models Offered by Issuers
Issuers offer a range of models to merchants, including Bundle Pricing and Interchange+ pricing. Bundle Pricing simplifies cost structures, bundling fees into a single rate, while Interchange+ offers transparency by separating interchange fees from the acquirer’s markup.
The Role of Card Schemes
Payment schemes like Visa and Mastercard act as intermediaries between cardholders, merchants, and issuers, setting rules and regulations for payment processing. These schemes typically offer Bundle Pricing to acquirers, ensuring consistency across businesses within the scheme.
Navigating Pricing Models with Acquirers
Acquirers, financial institutions or payment processors, enable businesses to accept online payments. They work closely with schemes to facilitate transactions and offer various pricing models, including Bundle Pricing, Interchange+, and Interchange++.
Understanding Fees and Charges
Differentiating between passthrough fees and merchant service charges is crucial within the acquiring pricing model. Passthrough fees, such as interchange fees and assessment fees, are transparent charges passed on to merchants without markup, while merchant service charges encompass additional fees for payment processing services.
Mobile Payments and Contactless Transactions
As consumers increasingly prefer seamless and convenient payment experiences, mobile payments and contactless transactions have surged in popularity. Acquiring pricing models accommodates these preferences, ensuring businesses can adapt to evolving consumer behaviours and preferences.
Ready to Unlock Your Payment Processing Potential?
Speak to our team today to explore our comprehensive suite of solutions tailored to your business needs. Whether you’re seeking enhanced security measures, cost-effective pricing models, or seamless integration with alternative payment methods, our bespoke solutions can help drive growth for your business.
FAQs
- How do I determine which pricing model is best for my specific business needs?
Assessing your business requirements, transaction volumes, average ticket size, and preferred level of transparency can help you determine the most suitable pricing model. Consider consulting with a payment processing expert, like Truevo for personalised guidance.
- Are there any hidden fees or additional costs associated with each pricing model?
While pricing models like Bundle Pricing, Interchange+, and Interchange++ offer transparency, it’s essential to review the terms and conditions carefully to understand any potential hidden fees or additional charges that may apply.
- What factors should I consider when evaluating payment service providers like Truevo?
When evaluating payment service providers, consider factors such as reputation, reliability, customer support, security measures, pricing options, and additional services or features offered.
- How do I ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and security standards when processing online payments?
Stay informed about relevant regulations such as PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and implement robust security measures such as encryption and fraud detection systems to ensure compliance and protect sensitive data.
Disclaimer: This content has been written for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal or business advice.
