Guide
How to read a merchant processing statement
Most statements are designed for settlement, not for shopping. Here is what to look for so you can tell network cost from processor margin.
Start with effective rate, not the headline discount
Add total processing cost for the month and divide by total card sales. That effective rate is the number that matters. A low “qualified” rate next to a pile of mid-qualified and non-qualified buckets is not a deal.
Separate the three cost layers
Interchange and assessments are set by the card brands. Processor markup includes discount rate, per-item fees, and program charges. Downgrades appear when acceptance method or card type moves a sale into a more expensive category.
If those layers are blended into one percentage, ask for interchange-level detail. Card network rules generally allow merchants to request it.
Watch for fees that never make the sales pitch
Monthly minimums, PCI non-compliance fees, statement fees, batch fees, and voice-auth charges can move the effective rate more than a few basis points of discount rate.
- Monthly and annual fees that do not scale with sales
- Per-item fees that punish high transaction counts
- Chargeback and retrieval fees listed separately from discount rate
What to send us
The full monthly summary PDF is enough. Redact account numbers if you want. We return a written comparison, typically within 48 hours, with no obligation.
Related reading
FAQ
My statement only shows one percentage. Is that enough?
It is enough to calculate effective rate. It is not enough to verify markup. We can still start from that total, then request a clearer breakdown if you want to see the split.
How recent does the statement need to be?
Use the latest full monthly cycle. Older statements miss fee changes, volume shifts, and new line items.