Standard rates are the worst rates that you can receive on Mastercard transactions. Typically, you’ll receive Standard rates when your sales don’t meet any of the basic qualifications. This can include not submitting AVS data, not settling your sales on time, or failing to submit otherwise required data, based on your [...]
Mastercard has a special rate category specifically designed for nonprofits. Not all nonprofits will qualify – but if you’re classified with the MCC of 8398, or as a “Charity or Social Service” organization, then you’ll qualify for far-reduced interchange rates. Qualifications Only Charitable and Social Service organizations are eligible (MCC 8398). [...]
Since not all industries accept credit cards, Mastercard tries to incentivize “newer” industries with lower, more advantageous interchange rates. These are called Emerging Market interchange rates, and they apply to debit/prepaid cards only. The only qualifying business types are Schools, Government Offices, Insurance-sales, Utilities, and Toll-Roads. Qualifications Must be classified as [...]
To qualify for the below Mastercard supermarket rates, your business must be classified as a grocery/supermarket, with an MCC of 5411. Below are the basic qualifications, plus you’ll see each type of card that’s eligible for supermarket rates, along with the associated potential downgrade: Qualifications Only supermarkets/grocery stores are eligible (MCC of 5411) Magnetic stripe, [...]
To qualify for the below restaurant rates, merchants must be classified as a restaurant or quick-service merchant (MCC of 5812 or 5814). Quick-serve merchants will only be eligible for debit sales within this rate classification. Below are the basic qualifications, plus you’ll see each type of card that’s eligible for restaurant rates, [...]
Because lodging and auto-rental merchants have unique needs, there’s a special rate category designed for them. These merchants take extended authorizations – meaning the card may be authorized weeks before the sale is finalized. Similarly, final amounts of the sale are often different from the original authorization. For “regular” merchants, this would [...]
Travel & Entertainment merchants typically pay slightly higher rates than other merchant types. This rate category will apply to “premium” cards accepted by T&E merchants. Qualifications Be classified as a Restaurant (MCC 5812), Lodging (MCC 7011), Car Rental (MCC 7512), or Airline/Cruise Line/Travel Agency. Magnetic stripe, contactless, or chip data [...]
Mastercard allows for lower debit card rates on low-ticket sales. There are many qualifying merchant types, typically relating to industries that cater to small-ticket transactions. Fast food, taxis, parking lots, video rentals, convenience stores, theaters, newsstands, car washes, copy centers, laundry services, and bus lines are all eligible. Small-ticket rates have [...]
The “Merit III” or “Merit 3” category encompasses traditional consumer credit cards, as opposed to business/purchasing cards. Barring a few exceptions, most merchants are able to receive this interchange rate, as it represents the best qualification level for in-person sales. Below are the basic qualifications, plus you’ll see each type of [...]
Mastercard has a special “Convenience” rate program designed for a few specific types of merchants. You must be categorized as a quick-service food establishment, movie theater, taxicab/limousine, or convenience store to gain access to these rates. The intention of this program is to give lower rates to merchants who regularly process [...]