Category: doing business in canada

Non Qualified Cards Canadian Cost Per Card

This a copy of credit card rates for the cost of a merchant to accept a payment. It is not correct as this info changes weekly. What it does show that every “non-Qualy Card” has it own costs. Which bank processes the card make no difference in these pre-set costs. However these banks may add their own fees on top

From CFIB website

Currently, understanding which Canadian credit cards can carry premium rates is very challenging for smaller merchants. While both VISA and MasterCard post their interchange rates on their website, information on which cards carry the different rates is difficult to access and understand. Following discussions with CFIB, MasterCard recently posted a list of cards with their associated rate categories on its website. VISA provided CFIB with its rate categories by card and is in the process of posting the information on its site. This chart is designed to allow merchants, employees and customers to understand which cards carry regular or premium rates. While the rate categories should be common to most processors (e.g. Moneris, Global, Chase Paymentech), the merchant fee examples given below are based on preferred total merchant rates for CFIB members with Chase Paymentech and may differ based on the card processor or specific agreement.

Note: While merchants are allowed to suggest customers use lower cost forms of payment, they are not permitted to surcharge or refuse higher cost cards if they accept that brand.

Story in the “Sun Newspaper about this

MasterCards noted with a (3) have a “high spend” feature that means merchant fees will escalate to a higher level once a consumer meets the spending or income requirements and consents to the card. Currently, there is no way for a merchant to know by looking at the card whether it will carry regular or high rates. CFIB refers to these cards as “variably high” cards and has asked MasterCard to replace them with separately branded cards. MasterCards with a (5) are in the World/World Elite category which typically carries very high merchant fees. Some such cards may also be in the regular or high category. CFIB has asked MasterCard to ensure all its cards are seperately branded to allow merchants to understand their rate categories. (*) All merchant fee examples are based on: • Fully authorized, electronic transactions where the card is present and the magnetic stripe or chip is read. • Regular merchant rates for smaller retailers (not supermarket or petroleum retailers). • The low rates under the Chase Paymentech program for members of CFIB. These rates are given as an example only and are subject to change and will differ for those using other card processors. Credit card companies and banks frequently change card names/fee structures and issue new card brands. Please visit www.cfib.ca/debitcredit for the most recent version of this document or call CFIB’s Business Resources for more information at: 1 888 234-2232.

Legal Notice: This publication and its contents are for the members of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (“CFIB”) only, and are not intended for any other recipient. The contents of this publication are for informational purposes and the CFIB does not warrant the accuracy, currency or suitability of any of the information provided herein. Before acting on the basis of any information contained in this publication, please seek the advice of your professional advisors.