Fiserv offers two primary pricing models through InflatableOffice: Flat Rate and Interchange Plus. Both options provide access to the same payment processing platform, gateway, integrations, and support. The primary difference is how transaction fees are calculated.
There is no universally "best" option. The right choice depends on your processing volume, average transaction size, customer payment methods, and the types of cards your customers typically use.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Flat Rate | Interchange Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Simplicity | Very Simple | More Complex |
| Predictability | High | Varies by Card Type |
| Monthly Base Fee | $13.50/month | $72.50/month |
| Transaction Pricing | Fixed Rate | Interchange + Markup |
| Online Processing |
2.89% + $0.35 (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) 3.00% + $0.35 (American Express) |
Interchange + 0.50% + $0.25 (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) Interchange + 0.60% + $0.25 (American Express) |
| In-Person Processing | 2.65% + $0.35 | Same Interchange Plus Structure |
| Best For | Simplicity and Predictability | Higher Volume Processing |
Flat Rate Pricing
Flat Rate pricing is the simplest option. Every transaction is charged a predetermined rate rather than varying based on interchange categories and card brand costs.
Many businesses prefer Flat Rate pricing because it is easy to understand, easy to budget for, and easy to reconcile when reviewing statements.
- Simple and predictable pricing
- Lower monthly program fees
- Easier statement review
- Less impacted by individual card types and interchange categories
Best suited for: merchants looking for straightforward pricing, lower monthly costs, or businesses processing lower to moderate monthly volumes.
View Full Flat Rate Pricing Details
Interchange Plus Pricing
Interchange Plus pricing separates the actual card costs from the processor markup.
Instead of paying one fixed rate, each transaction is charged based on the interchange category assigned by the card brands and issuing banks, plus a fixed markup and transaction fee.
Because debit cards, basic consumer cards, rewards cards, corporate cards, and premium rewards cards all carry different interchange rates, your effective processing cost may vary from transaction to transaction.
- Can be more cost-effective for higher-volume merchants
- Provides visibility into underlying card costs
- Often benefits merchants with favorable card mixes
- More complex statements and fee structures
- Higher monthly program fees
Best suited for: merchants processing larger volumes, merchants accepting a high percentage of debit cards, or businesses that want a true cost-plus pricing model.
Important: As with all Interchange Plus programs, interchange fees, card brand assessments, sponsorship fees, and other network fees established by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, sponsoring banks, and related payment networks are passed through as incurred. These fees are separate from the markup and transaction fees listed in the pricing schedule.
View Full Interchange Plus Pricing Details
Which Option Should I Choose?
If your primary goal is simplicity and predictable costs, Flat Rate pricing is usually the easiest option to manage.
If you process larger monthly volumes or want a cost-plus pricing structure that may provide lower effective rates depending on your card mix, Interchange Plus may be worth considering despite the higher monthly program fee.
If you're unsure which option makes the most sense for your business, send us your 3 most recent processing statements. We can review your current costs and help determine which pricing model is likely to provide the best overall value.
Disclaimer
This article is intended to provide a general comparison between pricing models. Actual pricing, eligibility, underwriting requirements, interchange schedules, card brand assessments, sponsorship fees, network fees, and other processing costs may change over time.
The merchant application, processing agreement, and any related addenda signed during account setup will always govern the account and take precedence over this article.