One clear rate for every card sale.
Flat Rate keeps pricing easy to understand. USA-wide, CMS Flat Rate is 2.69% + $0.10 for card-present credit and debit (same rate), and 3.39% + $0.20 for card-not-present when it applies — one clear book instead of a long fee list. When Flat Rate is the strongest fit, you see estimated monthly savings beside Surcharge and Cash Discount.
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What CMS Flat Rate is
Card-present Flat Rate is hardcoded USA-wide at 2.69% + $0.10 (credit and debit the same). Card-not-present, when it applies, is 3.39% + $0.20. Existing merchants still upload a statement so CMS can compare that Flat book to what you pay today; new businesses use volume and ticket to estimate monthly cost under the same rates.
Flat Rate is Option 1. During your review you can also compare Surcharge and Cash Discount — and request a Custom Rate after statement review — so the choice is about which path keeps more money in your pocket.
Start My Review →Surcharge & Cash Discount
Some merchants save more when customers help cover eligible credit, or when cash and check get a posted discount. Your review shows all three options when they fit your state and business.
Flat Rate questions
What is CMS Flat Rate?
CMS Flat Rate is one clear rate for card sales: 2.69% + $0.10 for card-present credit and debit (the same rate), and 3.39% + $0.20 for card-not-present when it applies.
Is Flat Rate better than Surcharge or Cash Discount?
It depends on your business. Flat Rate changes nothing about how customers see prices. Surcharge and Cash Discount can lower what you pay, but change how prices are shown. A statement review compares all three on your real volume.
Do debit cards cost the same as credit on Flat Rate?
Yes. On card-present CMS Flat Rate, credit and debit use the same rate.