Pricing Structure
If You Understand the Structure, You Understand the Savings.
Most processors hope merchants never study their statements.
We encourage it.
HOW CARD PROCESSING ACTUALLY WORKs
There Are Three Parts to Every Transaction.
When a card is processed, three entities are paid:
- The Issuing Bank (Interchange)
- The Card Brand (Assessment)
- The Processor (Markup)
Interchange and assessments are non-negotiable.
Processor markup is the only adjustable component.
Most pricing models hide that distinction.
We do not.
INTERCHANGE EXPLAINED
Interchange Is Set by the Card Networks.
Interchange varies based on:
- Debit vs credit
- Rewards level
- Card-present vs online
- Business category
- Transaction size
Examples:
Regulated Debit: ~0.05% + $0.22
Unregulated Debit: ~0.80%–1.05%
Standard Credit: ~1.50%–2.20%+
No processor controls these numbers.
They are fixed by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and Amex.
TOPHAND INTERCHANGE-PLUS MODEL
Interchange + 0.50% Markup
Interchange
- Card Brand Assessment
- 0.50% Processor Markup
- $24.99 Monthly Platform Fee
That is it.
No qualified tiers.
No bundled categories.
No padded downgrade structure.
Why 50 Basis Points Matters
Many tiered models effectively add 100–200 basis points above interchange once blended. We add 50 basis points transparently. The difference compounds across volume.
SURCHARGE
MODEL
Pass the Cost. Protect the Margin.
Under compliant surcharge programs:
- Interchange is passed to the customer
- Assessments are passed through
- Processor markup is passed through
Merchant pays only:
$24.99 Monthly Platform Fee
Your processing overhead becomes near-eliminated.
We review eligibility and compliance before implementation.
TIERED PRICING EXPOSED
Why Tiered and Bundled Models Inflate Effective Rates.
Tiered models group transactions into vague categories:
- Qualified
- Mid-Qualified
- Non-Qualified
Each category applies padded pricing.
Debit transactions that cost 0.05% + $0.22 may be billed at 1.79% or higher.
The markup is hidden inside the structure.
Blended flat-rate pricing hides even more.
It looks simple.
It costs more.
EFFECTIVE RATE COMPARISON
Blended Effective Rate Matters More Than Quoted Percentage.
Example Retail Merchant
Monthly Volume: $75,000
70% Debit / 30% Credit Mix
Tiered Model Example
Blended Effective Rate: 3.10%
Annual Cost: $27,900
Top Hand Interchange-Plus (0.50% Markup Example)
Blended Effective Rate: ~2.00%–2.40% (depending on mix)
Annual Cost: $18,000–$21,600
Difference: $6,300–$9,900 annually
Exact results depend on your real card mix.
That is why we request three months of data.
HIGH-VOLUME IMPACT
At $1,000,000 Per Month, Basis Points Matter.
0.50% difference on $12,000,000 annually = $60,000.
Structure matters at scale.
HARDWARE PRICING TRANSPARENCY
No Lease Padding.
Traditional Lease Example:
$49/month for 48 months = $2,352
Actual terminal cost: $400–$800
Top Hand:
Purchase outright at fair-market price.
Or qualify for free hardware.
No four-year traps.
PLATFORM
FEE
$24.99 Per Month.
That includes:
- MX Merchant portal
- Reporting tools
- Surcharge configuration support
- Account access
- Support
No additional “PCI compliance” surprise fees.
No hidden statement fees.
No annual mystery charges.
Transparent structure.
No contracts.
No leasing.
If You Understand the Structure, You Understand the Savings.
Most processors hope merchants never study their statements.
We encourage it.
Let’s Get Started — Share Your Details
Tell us a little about your business and what you’re looking for in a payment partner. We’ll review your information personally and reach out with clear next steps tailored to your goals. It’s quick, simple, and the first step toward better processing.
Unlock Your Custom Rate Quote
Every business is different — your pricing should be too. Submit a few details and receive a transparent, customized rate analysis designed to reduce fees and improve efficiency. No guesswork. No hidden costs. Just straightforward numbers you can trust.
Complete Your Merchant Application
Ready to move forward? Fill out your merchant application and begin the onboarding process with a team that values speed, clarity, and personal support. We’ll guide you every step of the way so you can start processing with confidence.