Credit Card Processing Fee Calculator
Calculate the exact fee your payment processor takes from every transaction — and what you actually keep. Enter the transaction amount, percentage rate, and flat fee to see per-transaction cost, effective rate, monthly projection, and whether a customer surcharge would offset the fee.
Enter your fee structure
Use a quick preset or enter your processor's exact rate. Most processors charge a % + flat fee per transaction.
Processing fee formula
Fee = (Amount × Rate%) + Flat fee
Net = Amount − Fee
Effective rate = Fee ÷ Amount × 100
Monthly cost = Fee × No. of transactions
Flat fee hits small tickets hardest
A $0.30 flat fee on a $5 transaction = 6% of the sale before adding the % rate. On a $500 transaction it's 0.06%. Always check effective rate — not just the listed rate.
Common processor rates — reference table
2.9% + $0.30
Online + in-person
2.6% + $0.10
In-person POS
3.49% + $0.49
Online checkout
2.9% + $0.30
Basic plan
2.9% + $0.30
+ $25/mo gateway
3.5–5% + $0.25–0.50
Varies by industry
Rates shown are standard published rates and may differ based on card type, transaction method (card-present vs keyed), monthly volume, and negotiated pricing.
Frequently asked questions
What is a credit card processing fee?
A credit card processing fee is the charge a payment processor deducts from each transaction to handle authorisation, settlement, and network fees. Most processors use a blended rate: a percentage of the transaction plus a fixed flat fee — for example 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
Why is my effective rate higher than the listed percentage?
The flat fee per transaction adds a fixed cost that becomes proportionally larger on smaller transactions. On a $10 sale, the $0.30 flat fee alone represents 3% — before the percentage rate is even added. The effective rate converges toward the stated percentage only on high-value transactions.
Can I pass processing fees to customers?
In most US states, yes — with disclosure. This is called a surcharge. Visa and Mastercard cap surcharges at 3% (or the actual processing cost, whichever is lower). Some states prohibit surcharges entirely. Always check local laws and your processor's agreement before implementing.
What is the difference between interchange-plus and flat-rate pricing?
Flat-rate pricing (Stripe, Square) charges the same percentage regardless of card type — simpler and predictable. Interchange-plus pricing passes through the actual interchange rate set by Visa/Mastercard plus a markup — often cheaper for high-volume merchants but harder to predict. This calculator models flat-rate pricing.
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Disclaimer
This calculator is for educational and planning purposes only. It uses a simplified blended-rate model and does not include interchange fees, monthly account fees, chargeback fees, PCI compliance costs, or currency conversion charges. Actual processing costs vary by processor, card type, transaction method, and negotiated pricing. Always confirm rates with your payment processor.