Understanding Interchange Plus.
Interchange-plus (sometimes called pass-through) pricing separates card-network costs from processor pricing. This page explains the idea in plain language. CMS sales focus is Flat Rate, Surcharge, and Cash Discount — Interchange Plus stays educational so you can understand the math behind statements without being sold a fourth “program.”
How the price is built
Card-network costs pass through based on how the sale is processed. Processor pricing sits on top. Industry, how customers pay, card mix, and ticket size all influence the result. Existing businesses should start with a statement; new businesses compare relevant public-market rates instead of invented historical savings.
- Existing businesses: start with a statement review
- New businesses: compare relevant public-market rates
- Customer offers focus on Flat Rate, Surcharge, and Cash Discount
Programs we sell
Flat Rate, Surcharge, and Cash Discount. Use this page to understand pass-through language you may see on a statement — then return to the three options when you are ready to compare savings.
What merchants usually ask
Why does my industry matter?
Card networks price different kinds of businesses differently. How customers pay, average ticket size, and card mix can change your real cost.
How does CMS help existing merchants?
CMS reviews your statement and builds a clear comparison of Flat Rate, Surcharge, and Cash Discount — focused on savings you can understand.
What about new businesses?
Without processing history CMS does not claim historical savings. We compare relevant public offers from your expected industry and how customers pay.