Credit Card Processor Fee Analyzer
What Is an Effective Rate — and Why It Matters
You may have been quoted a low rate like 1.99%, but that’s usually just a teaser. What really matters is your effective rate — the percentage of your total sales that actually goes to processing fees.
Unlike a quoted rate, your effective rate includes everything: base rates, batch fees, PCI fees, statement fees, and hidden surcharges.
Effective Rate = Total Processing Fees ÷ Total Sales Volume
| Quoted Rate | Effective Rate |
|---|---|
| What your rep tells you | What you’re actually paying |
| Usually sounds low (1.79%, 2.09%) | Often ends up much higher (2.7%–3.5%) |
| Only includes base fees | Includes all hidden fees |
| Can be manipulated | Can’t be faked — it’s math |
If you’re not calculating your effective rate, there’s a good chance you’re overpaying — and you may not even know it. That’s why this tool exists: to give you a clear, honest look at what you’re really spending to accept credit cards.
Credit Card Fee Check
Find out your real effective rate — not just what your rep told you.
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