A broad typical range
Bankrate places commonly quoted percentage processing fees in this range. Fixed charges can make the all in effective rate higher.
Free processing cost estimate
Credit Card Processing Fee Calculator
See exactly what you are really paying in card processing fees. It works no matter who you process with.
No login required Neutral comparison Your data stays in your browser
YOUR SALES
Estimate the full cost of every card payment.
Start with an average month. You can adjust every number.Processing fee assistant
Ask about processor pricing, effective rates, or ways to review your costs.
2.6% + $0.15 per transactionSquare Free published ratesView pricing source
Estimate includes percentage and per transaction fees only. Subscription, equipment, dispute, international card, and payout fees can increase your actual cost.
ESTIMATED PROCESSING COST
$0.00 / month
Enter your monthly card sales to see your result.
You will get monthly cost, annual cost, effective rate, and a market comparison instantly.
WHAT IF YOU PAID LESS?
Compare another rate
Adjust the numbers to estimate possible savings.Potential annual savings$0.00Enter sales or choose a lower comparison rate to see savings.
With a Novo account
See your real take-home pay
Novo automatically tracks your Stripe, Square, and PayPal payouts and categorizes processing fees so you see net revenue clearly.
- No hidden fees, no monthly fees, no minimums
- Payouts sync automatically from Stripe, Square & PayPal
- Every fee auto-categorized as an expense
Understand your result
Your effective rate reveals the full cost of accepting cards.
An advertised rate is only one part of the bill. Small fixed charges add up quickly when your average sale is low, which can make your effective rate higher than the headline percentage.
A useful reference point
Nilson data reported for 2025 puts average Visa and Mastercard swipe fees near this level. It is a guide, not a guaranteed rate.
The best source of truth
Divide every processor fee by card sales from the same period to verify the actual effective rate your business pays.
How fees work
Three costs can sit inside one card transaction.
Your processor collects the total, then routes portions to the card issuing bank and network. The pricing model determines how clearly you can see each layer.
Interchange
The card issuing bank receives a percentage and often a fixed fee. Rewards cards and online transactions can cost more.
Network assessment
Card networks charge smaller assessment and network fees for carrying the transaction across their systems.
Processor markup
Your processor adds its own margin, which may appear as a flat rate or as a transparent markup over interchange.
Lower your cost
Four ways to review your processing bill.
Calculate the effective rate every month
Compare all processing fees with card sales to catch new fees or pricing changes early.
Compare the same transaction mix
Ask processors to quote your real in person, online, rewards, and international card volume.
Negotiate when volume grows
Higher and consistent sales can give you leverage to request a lower markup or a custom plan.
Review extra account fees
Hardware, statements, chargebacks, gateways, and fast payouts can matter as much as a small rate difference.
From gross sales to clear cash flow
Track the money that reaches your account.
Novo is not a card processor and does not set processing rates. Novo connects with Stripe, Square, and PayPal to help you track payouts, fees, and net revenue in one place.
- Automatic payout visibility
- Processing fee categorization
- No monthly fee or minimum balance
Rates and methodology
Current sources, visible assumptions.
Preset rates and benchmark sources were reviewed on July 31, 2026. Processor pricing changes by plan, channel, card type, volume, and contract. Verify the rate on your own statement before making a decision.
Maintenance owner: Novo Growth EngineeringCredit card processing fee questions
Divide all card processing fees for the month by total card sales for the same month, then multiply by 100. Include transaction fees, statement fees, gateway fees, and other processor charges for the most accurate result.
There is no single cheapest processor for every business. Flat pricing can be simple for lower volume businesses, while interchange plus pricing may be more competitive at higher volume. Compare the full effective rate and contract terms, not only the advertised percentage.
Rules vary by state, card network, and payment type. Surcharges may be restricted, capped, or require notices and registration. Check current state law and card network rules before adding a surcharge or cash discount program.
Novo is not a card processor. Novo connects with services such as Stripe, Square, and PayPal so payouts and processing fees are easier to track alongside the rest of your business finances.
No. The calculator models a percentage fee and a per transaction fee. Monthly subscriptions, hardware, chargebacks, international card fees, instant payout fees, and other account charges are not included unless you account for them separately.
Business banking built for clarity
Keep more of your business finances organized.
Open Novo to track payouts, categorize expenses, send invoices, and understand the cash your business keeps.
Open accountNovo is a fintech, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A., Member FDIC.