Plain-English definitions for every term you'll encounter on your merchant statement — so you know exactly what you're paying for.
The attempt from a processor to collect fees from the merchant failed because the merchant's bank account has insufficient funds.
Usually reflects excessive authorizations over the total number of sales. Can also refer to extra per-item charges, voice authorizations, or gift card transactions.
Reports per-item fees for American Express transactions. A discount fee assessed towards the volume may also appear.
The total annual charge divided into a monthly fee, which can include all annual fees lumped together such as admin, regulatory, and PCI charges.
An annual fee covering the cost of maintaining PCI compliance. Some companies may charge monthly rather than annually.
A one-time fee charged by the processor to cover the cost of the screening and application process. Only some processors refund this fee after approval.
Usually a fixed percentage applied to the gross sales volume by each of the card associations (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex).
The Address Verification System is a security tool that compares the billing address entered at checkout against the one on file for the card to help prevent fraud.
A fee charged each time daily sales are settled, usually at the end of each business day.
The process of closing daily sales transactions — a fee is charged each time this settlement occurs.
A fee that helps cover expenses a merchant can incur should a cardholder data breach occur.
A fee incurred when a fraudulent charge occurs or a customer successfully disputes a charge with their bank.
Fees due to the processor — collected either daily or monthly depending on the agreement.
This fee reflects Mid-Qualified and Non-Qualified surcharges applied when a transaction does not meet standard interchange criteria.
The estimated total rate as a percentage that will be charged for all processing fees combined.
The estimated total dollar amount that will be charged for processing in a given period.
A fee paid between banks for the acceptance of card-based transactions. Includes Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex, and international charges.
The MasterCard Network Access Usage Fee applies to US-acquired MasterCard gross sales and return transactions.
Assessed to acquirers based on their total MasterCard annual sales volume.
Applies to any transaction where the merchant's country differs from the country where the card was issued.
Reflects charges that are not listed elsewhere — used as a catch-all for various processor fees.
A fee charged to maintain and service your merchant account, covering statement preparation and mailing.
Monthly service fee to access internet or wireless payment gateways.
The minimum discount fee amount your merchant account provider requires you to generate each month.
A monthly fee covering the cost of maintaining PCI Compliance. Some companies charge annually instead.
A fee charged for sending a monthly statement — mostly covers paper and postage costs.
A fee assessed so a merchant can receive their daily deposit one day earlier than the standard funding cycle.
Fees related to the mandatory PCI Compliance Service Program to protect cardholder data. Non-compliance fees may also be assessed.
The per-item fee charged for PIN-based debit card transactions.
Monthly service fee to use the PIN Debit networks.
Discount and per-item fee assessed by the processor to maintain and support your merchant account.
A fee assessed by processors to cover the cost of reporting merchant income to the IRS for tax compliance.
The fee for reprogramming a merchant's existing terminal, POS system, or software from another provider.
A fee charged when a customer or issuing bank requests a copy of a sales draft to substantiate a transaction. Also known as a 12B Letter Fee.
A one-time fee charged by the processor when the merchant is established.
Also known as Online Debit or Visa/Mastercard check cards — debit transactions processed without a PIN.
Assessed on transactions that are not eligible or fail to meet CPS qualification criteria.
Transaction fee charged for Visa, Mastercard, and Discover transactions.
Reflects small discrepancies such as rounding issues — used as a catch-all to balance the merchant's total fees.
The rate charged by the processor on transactions — does not include interchange, association, or other third-party fees.
The Visa Fixed Acquirer Network Fee is charged to a merchant's acquirer based on the merchant's size and number of locations.
The Visa Authorization Processing Fee applies to all Visa-branded authorizations acquired in the US.
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