Merchant Discount Rate (also referred to as MDR) Pricing Plan: if you are billed NON-QUALIFYING Interchange fees in Section D and DISCOUNT fees in Section E of your Statement.
iPlus (also referred to as Cost Plus) Pricing Plan: if you are billed Interchange fees by specific card types and ASSESSMENTS in Section E of your Statement.
Flat Rate Pricing Plan: if you are billed DISCOUNT fees in Section E and not NON-QUALIFYING Interchange fees in Section D of your Statement.
Statement Section | Section D | Section E | |
Fee Descriptor | Non-Qualifying | Discount Fee | Assessment Fee |
Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) | ✔ | ✔ | X |
iPlus (Cost Plus) | X | X | ✔ |
Flat Rate | X | ✔ | X |
Interac Switch Fee
As a result of the fee change announced by Interac Corp., the Interac Switch Fee which is passed through to you is changing from $0.0107 per transaction to $0.0145 per transaction effective April 1, 2023, a change of $0.0038 per transaction. You are impacted only if you accept Interac Debit cards.
Visa Account Verification
An Account verification message, an optional transaction type, is used to verify the status of an account prior to an authorization, or when authorization is not required, e.g., when storing credentials on file or when accepting an order requiring inventory check. Account verifications provide merchants increased confidence that the card is valid and in good standing, help prevent the storage of invalid credentials in merchant credential-on-file systems and may lead to higher approval rates for subsequent authorization requests.
Effective April 1, 2023, Visa Canada will charge a fee of $0.01 USD for each domestic (Canadian issued card) account verification message, and $0.02 USD for each international (non-Canadian issued card) account verification message.
Visa Estimated and Incremental Authorizations
An estimated authorization request, an optional transaction type, is most commonly used by lodging, rental, and cruise merchants, also referred to as a preauthorization, allows a merchant to obtain an approval for funds before a cardholder has identified exactly what good or services will be purchased. Within that same transaction journey, if the initial estimated amount is insufficient, a merchant may then submit an incremental authorization to increase the total authorized funds.
The use of estimated and incremental authorizations is entirely optional for merchants. To ensure the purchase transaction meets all requirements and is not exposed to disputes or other liabilities, a merchant that chooses to submit them must:
Effective, April 17, 2023, Visa will charge a fee of 0.02% for Estimated Authorizations, and 0.02% for Incremental Authorizations.
Amex OptBlue Wholesale Rate (also referred to as Interchange) for Foreign Issued Cards
Amex OptBlue Rate Changes
Interchange is the amount that Acquirers are required to pay Card Issuers for each transaction. Interchange rates are set and regulated by the Payment Card Networks. Effective April 14, 2023, American Express will increase the Interchange Rates for foreign issued Amex cards by 0.20% as noted below.
Business to Business | Current | April 14, 2023 |
Tier 1 - $1,000 or less |
| |
Foreign | 2.00% | 2.20% |
Card Not Present + Foreign | 2.30% | 2.50% |
Tier 2 - over $1,000 |
| |
Foreign | 2.40% | 2.60% |
Card Not Present + Foreign | 2.70% | 2.90% |
Healthcare | Current | April 14, 2023 |
Foreign | 1.74% | 1.94% |
Card Not Present + Foreign | 2.04% | 2.24% |
Internet + Mail Order | Current | April 14, 2023 |
Tier 1 - $500 or less |
|
|
Card Not Present + Foreign | 2.30% | 2.50% |
Tier 2 - over $500 |
|
|
Card Not Present + Foreign | 2.70% | 2.90% |
Restaurant | Current | April 14, 2023 |
Tier 1 - $200 or less |
|
|
Foreign | 2.00% | 2.20% |
Card Not Present + Foreign | 2.30% | 2.50% |
Tier 2 - over $200 |
|
|
Foreign | 2.80% | 3.00% |
Card Not Present + Foreign | 3.10% | 3.30% |
Retail | Current | April 14, 2023 |
Tier 1 - $500 or less |
|
|
Foreign | 2.00% | 2.20% |
Card Not Present + Foreign | 2.30% | 2.50% |
Tier 2 - over $500 |
| |
Foreign | 2.40% | 2.60% |
Card Not Present + Foreign | 2.70% | 2.90% |
Utilities | Current | April 14, 2023 |
Transaction equal or less than $1,000.00 | $0.68 per transaction | No Change |
Transaction more than a $1000.00 | 1.88% | No Change |
Services | Current | April 14, 2023 |
Tier 1 - $500 or less |
| |
Foreign | 2.00% | 2.20% |
Card Not Present + Foreign | 2.30% | 2.50% |
Tier 2 - over $500 |
| |
Foreign | 2.40% | 2.60% |
Card Not Present + Foreign | 2.70% | 2.90% |
Travel & Entertainment | Current | April 14, 2023 |
Tier 1 - $1000 or less |
|
|
Foreign | 2.00% | 2.20% |
Card Not Present + Foreign | 2.30% | 2.50% |
Tier 2 - over $1,000 |
|
|
Foreign | 2.80% | 3.00% |
Card Not Present + Foreign | 3.10% | 3.30% |
Other | Current | April 14, 2023 |
Tier 1 - $500 or less |
|
|
Foreign | 2.00% | 2.20% |
Card Not Present + Foreign | 2.30% | 2.50% |
Tier 2 - over $500 |
|
|
Foreign | 2.40% | 2.60% |
Card Not Present + Foreign | 2.70% | 2.90% |
Prepaid | Current | April 14, 2023 |
Tier 1 - $200 or less |
|
|
Foreign | 2.00% | 2.20% |
Card Not Present + Foreign | 2.30% | 2.50% |
Tier 2 - over $200 |
|
|
Foreign | 2.40% | 2.60% |
Card Not Present + Foreign | 2.70% | 2.90% |
|
| 0.20% |
|
| 0.20% |
Emerging Market | Current | April 14, 2023 |
Foreign | 1.58% | 1.78% |
Card Not Present + Foreign | 1.88% | 2.08% |
Residential Rent | Current | April 14, 2023 |
Foreign | 1.48% | 1.68% |
Card Not Present + Foreign | 1.78% | 1.98% |
Mastercard Canada Pass Through Fees
Mastercard Canada Interchange Rates Changes
Interchange is the amount that Acquirers are required to pay Card Issuers for each transaction. Interchange rates are set and regulated by the Payment Card Networks. Effective May 8, 2023, the following Mastercard Interchange Rates are changing as noted below.
From:
Mastercard Canada Consumer Credit Interchange Rates |
|
| ||
Interchange Program | Core | World | World Elite | Muse |
Contactless | 0.87% | 1.16% | 1.48% | 1.57% |
To:
Mastercard Canada Consumer Credit Interchange Rates |
|
| ||
Interchange Program | Core | World | World Elite | Muse |
Contactless | 0.92% | 1.22% | 1.56% | 1.65% |
Message for Merchants on Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) Pricing Plan
This message applies to merchants who are on our Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) pricing plan (also referred to as the Discount Rate pricing plan).
The Merchant Discount Rate is the fee structure we charge you for accepting payments by way of credit or debit cards. Your Merchant Discount Rate remains unchanged as a result of the Interchange changes announced by American Express and Mastercard above.
Message for iPlus – Interchange Plus – Priced Merchants
This message applies to merchants who are on our Interchange Plus (iPlus) pricing plan (also referred to as the Cost Plus pricing plan).
If you are an Interchange Plus (iPlus) priced merchant, the full changes of the Interchange rate changes announced by American Express and Mastercard above will be passed through to you in the cost of the Interchange fee you pay.
Message for Flat Rate Priced Merchants
This message applies to merchants who are on our Flat Rate pricing plan.
If you are a Flat priced merchant, there is no impact to your fees as a result of the Interchange changes announced by American Express and Mastercard above.
Both Mastercard and Visa are changing their rates and program IDsfrus Refer below for details.
Effective March 13, 2023, Mastercard will introduce the Digital Enablement Fee (DEF) at 2.0 bps (0.02%) on all Canada acquired Card Not Present approved authorization transactions with a minimum billing of USD 0.02 and a maximum of USD 0.20 per transaction. As a result of Mastercard introducing the Digital Enablement Fee, we will pass through to you the Mastercard Digital Enablement Fee. One basis point is equivalent to 0.01% (1/100th of a percent).
Effective March 13, 2023, Mastercard will remove the fees for the following services:
· Automatic Billing Updater
· 3DS Secure Code
· Address Verification Service
· CVC2
· Account Status Inquiry
· Digital Commerce Development Fee
As a result of Mastercard removing the fees associated with the above services, Fiserv will stop passing through the above fees in kind.
Visa Non-Domestic Settlement Charges Effective November 1, 2022
Effective Oct 14, 2022, Visa will introduce 2 new fees for all settlements made in a currency other than Canadian dollars for all transactions associated with cross border transactions. The two new fees will impact merchants who process Visa transactions not settled in their domestic currency. The fees do not apply to Visa Direct credit transitions. Merchants receiving settlement funds in Non-Canadian Currency are impacted as follows:
1. Visa Non-domestic Settlement Fee at 10 bps
2. Visa Multi-currency Non-domestic Settlement Fee at 10 bps
(Note: If multiple currency settlement configuration is set up, the Multi-currency Non-domestic Settlement Fee will apply instead of the Non-Domestic Settlement Fee.)
As a result of Visa introducing the Non-Domestic Settlement Fee and Multi-currency Non-domestic Settlement Fee, we will pass through to you the applicable fee starting November 1, 2022. One basis point is equivalent to 0.01% (1/100th of a percent).
Visa B2B Virtual Interchange Update
Effective Oct 14, 2022, Visa is introducing new interchange rates for the B2B Program IDs (card types) as part of their B2B Virtual Payments program. In addition, Visa has extended eligibility of the program to merchants in the merchant category codes (MCCs) outlined below. The update will impact merchants who accept transactions initiated with virtual Visa account numbers under Visa’s B2B Virtual Payments program.
New Program IDs:
Additional B2B Program IDs | Description | Rate |
B1 | B2B Program 8 | 0.90% |
B2 | B2B Program 9 | 1.10% |
B3 | B2B Program 10 | 1.30% |
B4 | B2B Program 11 | 1.50% |
B5 | B2B Program 12 | 1.70% |
B6 | B2B Program 13 | 1.90% |
New MCCs:
MCCs | MCC Description |
411 | Local and Suburban Commuter Passenger Transportation, Including Ferries |
4121 | Taxicabs and Limousines |
4789 | Transportation Services (not elsewhere classified) |
5812 | Eating Places and Restaurants |
5813 | Drinking Places (alcoholic beverages) – Bars, Taverns, Nightclubs, Cocktail Lounges, and Discotheques |
5814 | Fast Food Restaurants |
5992 | Florists |
7832 | Motion Picture Theaters |
7922 | Ticket Agencies and Theatrical Producers (except motion pictures) |
7992 | Public Golf Courses |
9399 | Government Services (not elsewhere classified) |
Visa Large Commercial Ticket Interchange Update
Merchants on Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) Pricing Plan
Effective October 14, 2022, Visa will implement changes to their Straight Through Processing (STP) service for commercial and corporate card transactions. These changes will impact merchants who use the STP service for Visa transactions.
STP interchange rates for large ticket transactions will be retired. Going forward, new large ticket interchange rates will apply. For transactions that do not qualify for the new large ticket rates, existing corporate and purchasing rates will apply. Rates have been outlined below.
The retired interchange rates are as follows:
STP Fee Program | Rate |
Transaction amount: $7,000–$14,999 | 1.30% + $35 |
Transaction amount: $15,000–$49,999 | 1.20% + $35 |
Transaction amount: $50,000 and over | 1.10% + $35 |
The new large ticket interchange rates are as follows:
Large Ticket Rate Program | Rate |
Transaction amount: $100,000–$249,999 | 1.30% |
Transaction amount: $250,000 and over | 1.00% |
Existing corporate and purchasing rates outlined below will apply for transactions that do not qualify for the new large ticket interchange rates:
Fee Program | Corporate | Purchasing |
Electronic | 1.90% | 1.90% |
Enhanced Data - Fuel | 1.80% | 1.80% |
Enhanced Data – Level 2 | 1.60% | 1.60% |
Enhanced Data – Level 3 | 1.40% | 1.40% |
Standard | 2.00% | 2.00% |
Amex OptBlue Changes Effective October 14, 2022
Effective October 14, 2022, American Express will introduce new industry categories as well as revise the merchant category codes (MCCs) that fall into the applicable industry categories. In addition, American Express will update the wholesale rate structure for the existing Healthcare industry category. The new wholesale discount programs, revised MCCs, and updates to the Healthcare program have been outlined below.
Industry Category | Credit (Card Present) Tier 1 and Tier 2 | Credit (Card Not Present) Tier 1 and Tier 2 | Foreign Issued Debit Card |
Emerging Markets | All transaction sizes: 1.18% | All transaction sizes: 1.48% | 1.28% |
Residential Rent | All transaction sizes: 1.18% | All transaction sizes: 1.38% | 1.28% |
Utlities | Tier 1 (<$1000) $0.68. Tier 2 (>$1000) 1.88% | All transaction sizes: 1.38% | 1.28% |
Industry Category | Credit (Card Present) | Credit (Card Not Present) | ||||
Industry Category | Current Rate | New Rate | Difference | Current Rate | New Rate | Difference |
Healthcare (<$500) | 1.60% | All transaction sizes 1.34% | -0.26% | 1.90% | All transaction sizes 1.64% | -0.26% |
Healthcare (>$500) | 2.00% | All transaction sizes 1.34% | -0.66% | 2.30% | All transaction sizes 1.64% | -0.66% |
MCC | MCC Description | Current Industry Category | New Industry Category |
5960 | Direct Marketing – Insurance Services | B2B/Wholesale | Emerging markets |
6300 | Insurance Sales, Underwriting, and Premiums | B2B/Wholesale | Emerging markets |
4111 | Local and Suburban Commuter Passenger Transportation | Other | Emerging markets |
4112 | Passenger Railways | Other | Emerging markets |
4131 | Bus Lines | Other | Emerging markets |
4784 | Tolls and Bridge Fees | Other | Emerging markets |
7032 | Sporting and Recreational Camps | Other | Emerging markets |
8211 | Elementary and Secondary Schools | Other | Emerging markets |
8220 | Colleges, Universities, Professional Schools, and | Other | Emerging markets |
8241 | Correspondence Schools | Other | Emerging markets |
8244 | Business and Secretarial Schools | Other | Emerging markets |
8249 | Vocational and Trade Schools | Other | Emerging markets |
8299 | Schools and Educational Services (Not Elsewhere) | Other | Emerging markets |
8351 | Child Care Services | Other | Emerging markets |
8398 | Charitable and Social Service Organizations | Other | Emerging markets |
9211 | Court Costs, Including Alimony and Child Support | Other | Emerging markets |
9222 | Fines | Other | Emerging markets |
9311 | Tax Payments | Other | Emerging markets |
9399 | Government Services (Not Elsewhere Classified) | Other | Emerging markets |
7523 | Parking Lots, Parking Meters, and Garages | Services & Professional Services | Emerging markets |
7911 | Dance Halls, Studios, and Schools | Services & Professional Services | Emerging markets |
6513 | Real Estate Agents and Managers – Rentals | Other | Residential Rent |
8050 | Nursing and Personal Care Facilities | Healthcare | Residential Rent |
4900 | Utilities – Electric, Gas, Water, and Sanitary | Services & Professional Services | Utilities |
0742 | Veterinary Services | Services & Professional Services | Healthcare |
4119 | Ambulance Services | Services & Professional Services | Healthcare |
Interac Pass Through Fee
Interac Flash Interchange Rates Effective November 1, 2022
Effective November 1, 2022, Interac will be introducing a new Interchange rate (Tier 4) for Interac Flash debit transactions. The Interchange rate for all Interac Flash transactions between $100.01 - $250.00 will be $0.055 per transaction regardless of MCC. The Interchange rates for Tiers 1, 2 and 3 remain unchanged.
Interac®, Visa® and Mastercard® fees are changing and/or adding some new fees.
Interac® Switch Fee
As a result of the rate change announced by Interac Corp., the Interac Switch Fee is changing from $0.0102 per transaction to $0.0107 per transaction, a change of $0.0005 per transaction effective April 1, 2022. You are impacted only if you accept Interac Debit. For more information, visit www.interac.ca/en/fees-explained.html.
As a result of the new fee Visa will introduce for the Address Verification Service (AVS), merchants electing to use this optional service will be charged a fee of USD 0.001 (billed in CAN equivalent) per transaction effective April 1, 2022. Address verification enables merchants to verify a cardholder’s billing address with their issuing bank for card-not-present transactions. Issuers and merchants use the match result as part of the authorization decisioning process, and to help decide whether to proceed with the transaction.
Effective April 1, 2022, merchants electing to use this optional identity check service will be subject to a fee of 0.01% or maximum of USD $0.10 (billed in CAN equivalent) per transaction which will appear as “SECURECODE TRANSACTION FEE” on their merchant statement. The objective of the optional Mastercard Assurance Framework is to secure the digital card-not-present ecosystem through the adoption of 3-D Secure (3DS) Mastercard Identity Check (formerly known as MasterCard 3DS Authentication) to protect cardholders and merchants from fraud losses.
Account Status Inquiry
Effective April 1, 2022, merchants electing to use this optional service will be subject to a fee of USD 0.025 (billed in CAN equivalent) per transaction for Canadian issued Mastercard, and USD 0.03 (billed in CAN equivalent) for non-Canadian issued Mastercard which will appear as “MC CAN ACCT STATUS INQ INTRARE and MC-CAN ACCT STATUS INQ INTERRE” on their merchant statement. An Account Status Inquiry is an optional service that allows merchants to validate that a cardholder account is open, and the account is not listed in the Electronic Warning Bulletin without negatively affecting a cardholder’s funds availability. The service is typically used when establishing a recurring or bill payment relationship, validating a card-not-present purchase before fulfillment, or before submitting an authorization request for the full amount of a recurring payment.
Address Verification Service
Effective April 1, 2022, merchants electing to use this optional service will be subject to a fee of USD 0.01 (billed in CAN equivalent) per transaction which will appear as “MC AVS ACQUIRER ACCESS FEE and MC AVS CARD NOT PRESENT” on their merchant statement. Address Verification Service (AVS) is a fraud deterrent service that provides greater security to merchants. It helps to protect against fraudulent use of cards by verifying the cardholder’s billing address.
Card Validation Code 2 (CVC 2)
Effective April 1, 2022, merchants electing to use this optional service will be subject to a fee of USD 0.0025 (billed in CAN equivalent) per transaction which will appear as “MC CVC2 FEE” on their merchant statement. Card Validation Code 2 (CVC 2) is a service that can help reduce the risk of fraud by facilitating the card authentication during the authorization process. The MasterCard CVC 2 is part of the screening tools used by merchants to ensure that the person placing the order has the card. CVC 2 helps merchants identify the probability of risk and flagging transactions that might need manual review.
Digital Commerce Development Fee
Effective April 1, 2022, you will be charged 0.0226% per transaction which will appear as “MC-Canada E-commerce Fee” on your merchant statement. You will only be impacted if you process e-commerce transactions such as standing orders, recurring payments, card-on-file transactions and/or accept payments on your website.
Mastercard introduced the Digital Commerce Development Fee on all Mastercard e-commerce transactions in 2018. Mastercard defines an e-commerce transaction as a non-face-to-face payment for goods or services by use of electronic media over a public network such as the internet, or private network such as an extranet.
Mastercard Connectivity Fee
Effective April 1, 2022, you will be charged at a rate of USD 0.0000079 (billed in CAN equivalent) per byte rounded up to the nearest kilobyte which will appear as “MC AUTH CONNECTIVITY FEE and MC CLEAR CONNECTIVITY FEE” on your merchant statement. As guidance, a typical card present transaction consumes approximately 1,000 bytes.
Both Mastercard and Visa are reducing their rates in August and October respectfully. Refer below for details.
On August 1, 2021, Mastercard Canada will reduce its Interchange Program Rates* as indicated below.
Mastercard Canada Interchange Program | Core Rate | World Rate | World Elite Rate | Mastercard Muse Rate |
Digital Commerce | Current: | Current:
| Current:
| Current:
|
Standard | Current:
| Current:
2.19% | Current:
| Current:
|
*Interchange is the amount that Acquirers are required to pay to Card Issuers (banks such as RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank) for each transaction. Interchange rates are set and regulated by the Payment Card Networks (Visa and Mastercard, etc.) and not the Acquirers.
NOTE: If you are unsure of your pricing plan, refer to the How to Determine your Pricing Plan section or call our HelpDesk at 1-888-263-1938 anytime.
Merchants on Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) Pricing Plan
The Merchant Discount Rate is the fee structure we charge you for accepting payments by way of credit or debit cards.
Your Merchant Discount Rate remains unchanged as a result of the Interchange changes announced by Mastercard Canada. However, you will receive the full pass-through benefit for MasterCard card not present transactions via a reduction in the Non-Qual Interchange in your merchant fees.
Message for iPlus – Interchange Plus – Priced Merchants
If you are an Interchange Plus (iPlus) priced merchant, the full changes of the Interchange rate changes announced by Mastercard Canada above will be passed through to you in the cost of the Interchange fee you pay.
Message for Flat Rate Priced Merchants
If you are a Flat priced merchant, there is no impact to your fees as a result of the Interchange changes announced by Mastercard Canada above.
On October 16, 2021, Visa will reduce its Interchange Program Rates* as indicated below.
Visa Canada Interchange Program | Core Rate | Infinite Rate |
Everyday Needs | Current: 1.20%
| Current: 1.30%
|
Grocery and Food Retail | Current: 1.00%
| Current: 1.20%
|
*Interchange is the amount that Acquirers are required to pay to Card Issuers (banks such as RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank) for each transaction. Interchange rates are set and regulated by the Payment Card Networks (Visa and Mastercard, etc.) and not the Acquirers.
NOTE: If you are unsure of your pricing plan, refer to the How to Determine your Pricing Plan section or call our HelpDesk at 1-888-263-1938 anytime.
Merchants on Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) Pricing Plan
The Merchant Discount Rate is the fee structure we charge you for accepting payments by way of credit or debit cards.
Your Merchant Discount Rate remains unchanged as a result of the Interchange changes announced by Visa Canada above. Kindly note the Visa changes apply only to businesses eligible for one of the MCCs noted below:
For Everyday Needs—Restaurant
· MCC 5812 – Eating places and restaurants
· MCC 5814 – Fast food restaurants
For Everyday Needs—Other
· MCC 4121 – Taxicabs and limousines
· MCC 5192 – Books, periodicals, and newspapers
· MCC 5331 – Variety stores
· MCC 5697 – Tailors, seamstresses, mending, and alterations
· MCC 5811 – Caterers
· MCC 5912 – Drug stores and pharmacies
· MCC 5942 – Book stores
· MCC 5994 – News dealers and newsstands
· MCC 7210 – Laundry, cleaning, and garment services
· MCC 7211 – Laundries – Family and commercial
· MCC 7216 – Dry cleaners
· MCC 7230 – Beauty and barber shops
· MCC 7251 – Shoe repair shops, shoe-shine parlors, and hat cleaning shops
· MCC 7298 – Health and beauty spas
· MCC 7542 – Car washes
Industry Program - Grocery and Food Retail
· MCC 5411 – Grocery Shops and Supermarkets
· MCC 5422 – Freezer and Locker Meat Provisioners
· MCC 5441 – Candy, Nut, and Confectionery Stores
· MCC 5451 – Dairy Product Stores
· MCC 5462 – Bakeries
Message for iPlus – Interchange Plus – Priced Merchants
If you are an Interchange Plus (iPlus) priced merchant, the full changes of the Interchange rate changes announced by Visa Canada above will be passed through to you in the cost of the Interchange fee you pay.
Message for Flat Rate Priced Merchants
If you are a Flat priced merchant, there is no impact to your fees as a result of the Interchange changes announced by Visa Canada above.
Interac® Switch Fee
As a result of the rate change announced by Interac Corp., the Interac Switch Fee is changing from $0.0096 per transaction to $0.0102 per transaction effective April 1, 2021. You are impacted only if you accept Interac Debit. For more information, visit www.interac.ca/en/fees-explained.html.
Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis both Visa® and Mastercard® delayed changing their rates and fees until July 17, 2020 and August 1, 2020 respectively. First Data has been working closely with both card brands to calculate retroactively how this will impact your account based your processing activity between April 18 - August 1, 2020. You will receive an email detailing any changes to your individual account if you are impacted. To view current rates, please visit our Interchange Rates page.
We previously informed you that the Visa® and Mastercard® Interchange Program rates and fees were changing on April 18, 2020 and May 1, 2020 respectively. However, due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, both Visa and Mastercard are delaying these changes until July 17, 2020 and August 1, 2020 respectively. We will provide further details as soon as we learn more from Visa and Mastercard on this matter. To view these rates, please visit our Interchange Rates page.
First Data Canada offers the following pricing plans:
» Merchant Discount Rate (MDR)
» iPlus (also referred to as Cost Plus)
» Flat Rate
To determine your pricing plan, visit the How to Determine your Pricing Plan section below.
If you are on our Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) pricing plan, please go to the Message for Merchants on Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) Pricing Plan section below. If unsure, refer to your Card Acceptance Form OR to the Reference Table below OR call us at 1-888-263-1938.
If you are on the iPlus (Cost Plus) pricing plan, please go to the Message for Merchants on iPlus (Cost Plus) Pricing Plan section below. If unsure, refer to your Card Acceptance Form OR to the Reference Table below OR call us at 1-888-263-1938.
The Merchant Discount Rate is the fee structure we charge you for accepting payments by way of credit or debit cards.
Interchange is the amount that Acquirers are required to pay Card Issuers (i.e., the Bank named on the card) for each transaction. Interchange rates are set by the Payment Card Networks (i.e. Visa and MasterCard) and are determined by the card transaction mix accepted by you (i.e. Programs in the tables below) and how those cards are accepted (i.e. card present with Chip and PIN or card not present online, etc.).
Effective May 1, 2020, MasterCard is eliminating the following (current) Interchange Rate programs:
And, MasterCard is introducing the following Interchange Rate programs:
To help you understand the changes made by MasterCard to the Interchange Rate Programs, we have noted below the current Interchange Rate Programs that will end on April 30, 2020, followed by the new Programs to take effect on May 1, 2020.
MasterCard Current Interchange Rate Programs – effective until April 30, 2020
Table – Effective until April 30, 2020
2019 - Current Program | Core | World | World Elite |
Merchant Volume Tier 1 | 1.26% | 1.38% | 1.82% |
Merchant Volume Tier 2 | 1.30% | 1.42% | 1.86% |
Merchant Volume Tier 3 | 1.30% | 1.42% | 1.86% |
High Volume Supermarket | 1.22% | 1.34% | 1.60% |
Supermarket | 1.22% | 1.34% | 1.60% |
Independent Everyday Spend | 1.30% | 1.42% | 1.86% |
Petroleum | 1.17% | 1.30% | 1.60% |
Contactless | $0.05 | $0.06 | $0.07 |
Electronic | 1.30% | 1.42% | 1.86% |
Recurring | 1.30% | 1.42% | 1.86% |
Secure-Code Enabled | 1.30% | 1.42% | 1.86% |
Masterpass | 1.30% | 1.42% | 1.86% |
Charity | 1.00% | 1.25% | 1.50% |
Emerging Segment | 1.00% | 1.25% | 1.50% |
Public Sector | 1.00% | 1.25% | 1.50% |
Utilities | $0.10 | $0.10 | $0.10 |
Standard | 1.65% | 2.29% | 2.79% |
MasterCard New Interchange Rate Programs – effective starting May 1, 2020
2020 – Future Program | Core | World | World Elite | Muse |
Card Present (EMV) | 0.92% | 1.22% | 1.56% | 1.65% |
Unsecured Card Present | 1.22% | 1.52% | 1.86% | 1.95% |
Digital Commerce | 1.76% | 2.00% | 2.24% | 2.39% |
Contactless | 0.87% | 1.16% | 1.48% | 1.57% |
3DS | 1.50% | 1.70% | 1.90% | 2.03% |
Utilities | $0.10 | $0.10$ | $0.10 | $0.10 |
Charities | 0.92% | 1.22% | 1.56% | 1.65% |
Standard | 2.06% | 2.30% | 2.54% | 2.69% |
Card Present Refund | (0.55%) | (0.73%) | (0.94%) | (0.99%) |
Card Not Present Refund | (1.06%) | (1.20%) | (1.34%) | 1.43% |
The following Interchange Rate Programs remain intact:
See above Tables for details.
Changes to the Visa Interchange Rate Programs
Changes effective April 18, 2020
Interchange Rate Programs are set by the Payment Card Networks. Effective April 18, 2020, Visa Canada will reduce some Interchange Rates which we have highlighted in yellow, and increase some Interchange Rates which we have highlighted in red, and added new programs which we have bolded.
Performance Programs are restricted to merchants identified by Visa Canada. If you are eligible, Visa will advise us accordingly and we will notify you in turn.
Fee Program as of April 18, 2020 | Classic, Gold, Platinum | Infinite | Visa Infinite Privilege | Visa Debit |
Standard | From 1.52% to 1.45% | From 1.71% to 1.70% | 2.45% |
|
Electronic | From 1.42% to 1.25% | From 1.61% to 1.57% | 2.08% |
|
Card Not Present | From 1.52% to 1.40% | From 1.71% to 1.65% | From 2.45% to 2.40% |
|
Performance Program - Card Present | 1.20% | 1.49% | 1.95% |
|
Industry Program - Everyday Needs | From 1.36% to 1.07% | From 1.54% to 1.34% | 1.95% |
|
Industry Program – Gas | From 1.18% to 1.00% | From 1.37% to 1.20% | 1.95% |
|
Industry Program – Grocery | From 1.23% to 1.20% | From 1.42% to 1.30% | 1.95% |
|
Recurring Payments | From 1.23% to 1.25% | From 1.56% to 1.53% | 1.95% |
|
Emerging Segments | 0.98% | 1.17% | 1.95% |
|
Performance Program - Card Not Present | 1.35% | 1.60% | 2.35% |
|
Industry Program – Utilities | $0.75 | $0.75 | $0.75 | $0.10 |
Emerging Segments – Preferred | 0.80% | 1.00% | 1.95% | $1.00 |
Industry Program – Utilities. If you are a merchant with MCC 4900 - Utilities, and impose a Service Fee that is CAD 2 or less when accepting a Visa Credit card, and CAD 1 or less when accepting a Visa Debit card, you may be eligible for this Interchange Rate program. Please contact us for further details.
Emerging Segments –Preferred. If you are a merchant with MCC 8211—Elementary and Secondary Schools; MCC 8220—Colleges, Universities, Professional Schools, and Junior Colleges; MCC 8351—Child Care Services; MCC 9311—Tax Payments; MCC 8050; and MCC 6513—Real Estate Agents and Managers—Rentals and impose a Service Fee that is 1.60% or less when accepting a Visa Credit card, you may be eligible for this Interchange program.
Furthermore, if your MCC is 6513, 9311, and 8351, in addition to the above requirements, when accepting Visa Debit, the Service Fee must be CAD $10 or less. If your MCC is 8211 or 8050, and your Service Fee for Visa Debit is CAD 20 or less, you may be eligible for this Interchange program.
Interac Switch Fee
Changes Effective on April 1, 2020
As a result of the fee change announced by Interac Corp., the Interac Switch Fee which is passed through to you is changing from $0.009 per transaction to $0.0096 per transaction effective April 1, 2020. You are impacted only if you accept Interac Debit cards.
Visa Acquirer International Service Fees also referred to as the Cross Border Assessment Fee
Changes Effective on April 18, 2020
Visa charges an assessment fee called the International Service Fee (IASF) on all transactions when a foreign issued card is used which is passed through to you. Effective April 18, 2020 Visa is increasing the International Service Fee (IASF) by 20 bps which we pass through to you as is. You are impacted only if you accept non-Canadian Visa cards.
Introduction of new Visa Non-compliance Programs
Visa Non-Chip Terminal Use Compliance Program
Changes Effective on October 1, 2020
To promote the use of EMV terminals, Visa will assess a non-compliance fine of USD $0.15 per transaction when a non-EMV enabled terminal is used effective October 1, 2021. To avoid this non-compliance fine, kindly ensure your terminal is EMV enabled.
Visa Key Entered Transaction Compliance Program
Changes Effective on October 1, 2020
All improperly flagged Card Not Present transactions will incur a non-compliance assessment of USD $0.15 per transaction effective Oct 1, 2021. To avoid this non-compliance fine, kindly ensure you are using a First Data certified payment solution properly configured to process manually entered payment card transactions.
Visa Excess Transaction Reattempt Compliance Program
Changes Effective on August 1, 2020
Merchants must not attempt to authorize transactions that were previously declined. Failure to comply will result in a non-compliance assessment effective August 1, 2020 according to the following schedule:
Visa Data Consistency Compliance Program
Changes Effective on August 1, 2020
Merchants manipulating data in an authorization reattempt will incur a non-compliance assessment effective August 1, 2020 according to the following schedule:
MasterCard 3DS Authentication Fee
Changes Effective on May 1, 2020
Effective May 1, 2020, ecommerce transactions authenticated using 3DS will incur additional fees as follows:
This fee only applies if you have implemented 3DS authentication capabilities for your ecommerce transactions.
Mastercard introduces the Nominal Amount Authorization Transaction Processing Excellence Program
Nominal Amount Authorization transactions are transactions for authorization with one full unit of currency (also referred to as $1.00 status checks) and subsequently reversed in an effort to validate the card status: functionality typically used by ecommerce merchants and merchants doing recurring payments. Mastercard prohibits this type of transaction to check card status and merchants are to use the Account Status Inquiry transaction type. This is a $0.00 transaction request. To discourage the continued practice of Nominal Amount Authorization transactions, Mastercard will introduce a non-compliance fine effective October 1, 2019. To avoid non-compliance fines, ensure you are using the Account Status Inquiry (ASI) transaction type for account status checks. Do not attempt Nominal Amount Authorization transactions.
Mastercard introduces the Excessive Authorization Attempts Transaction Processing Excellence Program
Account testing across the Mastercard network is disruptive to the cardholder experience, costly to all payment participants, creates reputation challenges within the industry, and, in some cases, results in significant fraud losses. As a result, Mastercard will introduce a non-compliance fine effective July 1, 2019 for all authorization attempts made on the same card within 24 hours period after receiving 20 decline responses from the issuer. To avoid non-compliance fines, do not attempt multiple authorizations on the same card following a decline response from the issuer. As a best practice, if a transaction is declined by the issuer, have the cardholder use another payment card to process the transaction. Please refer to our Payment Acceptance Guide available on https://www.firstdata.com/en_ca/customer-center/getting-started.html.
Mastercard introduces the Interchange Program for Inter-Regional Refund transactions
Mastercard Canada is introducing a new Interchange Rate program. Effective October 18, 2019, if you process a Mastercard refund transaction that involves a foreign issued card, i.e., a card that was not issued in Canada, the following Mastercard Interchange Rates will apply as follows:
Mastercard introduces a new Preauthorization Fee
A pre-authorization is an optional card service that is supported for Mastercard cards on the Mastercard Network and is predominately used by merchants in the travel and entertainment (T&E) industry, and e-commerce environments. Effective November 1, 2019, Mastercard Canada is introducing a fee for preauthorized transactions that we will pass through to you as is. As a result, a fee of 0.05% will be charged to the amount authorized as a pre-authorized transaction with a minimum fee of $0.01 per transaction.
Mastercard changes Acquirer Assessment Fee
From time to time, the Acquirer Assessment Fee is subject to change as dictated by the Payment Card Networks whose cards you accept. The Acquirer Assessment Fee is a fee that we pass through to you as is billed by the Payment Card Networks. Effective November 1, 2019, Mastercard will apply the Acquirer Assessment Fee to refund transactions. This change only impacts you if your pricing is on a cost pass-through (iPlus) basis.
Visa Canada Changes to Emerging Segment Interchange Program
Effective Oct 18, 2019, merchants with MCC 8661 – Religious Organizations will be eligible for the Visa Canada Emerging Segment Interchange Program. Merchants classified with this MCC are religious organizations that provide worship services, religious training or study, or religious activities such as Churches, Chapels, Mosques, Synagogues, and Temples. Your merchant discount rate (if applicable) will remain unchanged and will continue to apply on all Consumer Electronic transactions. We’re happy to inform you that for all other transactions types (i.e., Infinite and Infinite Privilege) you will receive the full benefit of the rate reduction in Interchange rates noted above. If your pricing is on a cost pass-through (iPlus) basis, then you will receive the full Interchange Rate reduction for all card types.
Mastercard Cross Border Assessment Changes
Changes Effective May 1, 2019
A Cross Border transaction is a transaction that involves a foreign issued card, i.e., a US-issued Mastercard. On the July 31, 2018 notice, we had advised you that Mastercard charges the Cross Border Assessment on all Cross Border transactions that we pass through to you as is. Currently, only purchase transactions are subject to the Cross Border Assessment. Effective May 1, 2019, refund transactions will also be subject to the Cross Border Assessment.
Interchange Rate Changes
Changes Effective May 1, 2019
From time to time, Interchange rates are subject to change as dictated by the Payment Card Networks whose cards you accept. Effective May 1, 2019, Mastercard Canada is updating their Interchange rates. However, our fees to you remain unchanged. For more information about current and future Interchange Rates, visit our Interchange Rates page.
Interchange Rate Changes
Assessment Fees are paid to the Payment Card Networks (i.e., Visa and Mastercard). As of April 1, 2019, Visa Canada’s Acquirer Assessment Fee will increase from 0.0904% to 0.1017% which we pass through to you as is. Kindly refer to Pass Through Fees for additional details.
Interchange is the amount that Acquirers are required to pay Card Issuers (i.e., the Banks such as RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank) for each transaction. Interchange rates are set, and regulated by the Payment Card Networks (i.e. Visa and Mastercard). As of January 1, 2019, Mastercard Canada will reduce its Interchange Rates as noted below (highlighted in yellow).
Changes taking effect on Jan 1, 2019:
Interchange Program | Core | World | World Elite | |||
Volume Tier 1 (3 billion) | 1.26% | N/C | 1.38% | N/C | 11.90% | 1.82% |
Volume Tier 2 (1 billion) | 1.36% | 1.30% | 1.48% | 1.42% | 1.90% | 1.86% |
Volume Tier 3 (400 million) | 1.38% | 1.30% | 1.51% | 1.42% | 1.90% | 1.86% |
Supermarket (5411 - 3 billion) | 1.22% | N/C | 1.34% | N/C | 1.60% | N/C |
Supermarket (5411) | 1.22% | N/C | 1.34% | N/C | 1.60% | N/C |
Independent Business | 1.38% | 1.30% | 1.51% | 1.42% | 1.90% | 1.86% |
Petroleum | 1.17% | N/C | 1.30% | N/C | 1.60% | N/C |
Contactless (less than $25) | $ 0.05 | N/C | $ 0.06 | N/C | $ 0.07 | N/C |
Electronic | 1.44% | 1.30% | 1.71% | 1.42% | 2.06% | 1.86% |
Recurring Payments | 1.36% | 1.30% | 1.48% | 1.42% | 1.90% | 1.86% |
SecureCode-enabled | 1.44% | 1.30% | 1.71% | 1.42% | 2.06% | 1.86% |
MassPass | 1.44% | 1.30% | 1.71% | 1.42% | 2.06% | 1.86% |
Charity | 1.00% | N/C | 1.25% | N/C | 1.50% | N/C |
Emerging Sectors | 1.00% | N/C | 1.25% | N/C | 1.50% | N/C |
Public Sector | 1.00% | N/C | 1.25% | N/C | 1.50% | N/C |
Utilities | $ 0.10 | N/C | $ 0.10 | N/C | $ 0.10 | N/C |
Standard | 1.58% | N/C | 2.29% | 2.19% | 2.79% | 2.49% |
** N/C = No change **
Your merchant discount rate (if applicable) remains unchanged, and will continue to apply on all Core, Electronic transactions. We’re happy to inform you that for all other transactions types (i.e., World and World Elite) you will receive the full benefit of the rate reduction in Interchange rates noted above. If your pricing is on a cost pass-through basis, then you will receive the full Interchange Rate reduction for all card types.
Mastercard® and Visa® Fee Changes
Changes Effective on November 1, 2018 and April 1, 2019
Mastercard charges an assessment fee called the Cross Border Assessment Fee, and Visa charges an assessment fee called the International Service Fee (IASF), on all transactions acquired in Canada that involves a foreign issued card. For example, if a cardholder uses their US-issued Mastercard or Visa card to make a purchase in Canada, Mastercard and Visa will assess their respective fees for cross border transactions. Effective November 1, 2018 Mastercard is increasing their Cross Border Assessment Fee, and effective April 1, 2019 Visa is increasing their International Service Fee (IASF) which we pass through to you as is. Kindly refer to Pass Through Fees for additional details.
Interac® Switch Fee
Changes Effective on August 7, 2018
As a result of the rate change announced by Interac Corp., the Interac Switch Fee is changing from $0.0065 per transaction to $0.009 per transaction effective August 7, 2018. You are impacted only if you accept Interac Debit.
For more information, visit www.interac.ca/en/fees-explained.html