For many merchants, reading a card statement is a puzzle.
We see percentages, fees in several places, technical terms… and in the end, we don’t really know how much we’re paying or why.
At Monark, we believe things should be simple, transparent, and easy to understand.
Here is a clear, quick and practical guide to help you finally understand your statement and, most importantly, know exactly where your money is going.
The three types of charges on your statement
- Each card transaction includes three main categories of fees.
- Knowing them means understanding 80% of your statement.
Interchange fees (mandatory)
These are the fees set by Visa and Mastercard.
They go directly to the client's bank, never to Monark.
They change according to:
- the type of card (Debit, Credit, World, Infinite, Business, etc.)
- the payment method (tap, chip, online)
- your sector of activity
The interchange is automatic, regulated and the same for everyone.
No one can negotiate it.
Evaluation fees (network fees)
These are small fees imposed by Visa and Mastercard for the operation of the network.
Common examples:
- Mastercard Assessment Fee
- Visa Acquirer Processing Fee
These too are mandatory and do not change from one supplier to another.
Your payment provider's fees
This is the variable part of your statement.
This is where suppliers distinguish themselves... or add too many margins.
We find:
- the margins (the percentage which varies from one supplier to another)
- miscellaneous monthly expenses
- administrative costs
- PCI compliance fees
- rental fees
- authorization or transaction fees
- the "other charges" are sometimes poorly explained
This is also where many merchants unknowingly overpay.
And this is where Monark can save you the most money.
The simplest secret: your "effective rate"
The best way to know if you are paying too much is very simple:
Total fees ÷ Total volume = your actual rate
Exemple :
- Volume for the month: $50,000
- Total cost: $1,350
➡ 1 350 ÷ 50 000 = 2,70 %
So that's what you're actually paying for.
Not the "theoretical" rate stated on your contract.
If your effective rate exceeds 2.00%, there is probably room for optimization.
If you don't know how to calculate it, Monark will do it for you.
Why are there so many categories on your statement?
Visa and Mastercard classify each type of card into a different interchange category.
That's why your statement contains several lines:
- Consumer Standard
- Rewards
- World / World Elite
- Corporate
- Tap vs. card inserted
- Online transactions
- Etc
Each category has a different rate.
It's not your supplier who decides — it's the customer's choice.
Where merchants lose the most money
- This is not the interchange.
- It's not network charges.
The problem is here:
- administrative fees added
- monthly PCI fees
- batch fee
- authorization fees
- Fees $8.99, $14.95, $5.00 here and there
- equipment rental fees
- automatic annual increases (often forgotten)
Many merchants think they pay "1.49%", but their actual rate often exceeds 2.50% to 3.00%.
How Monark simplifies and optimizes your expenses
At Monark Solutions, our mission is simple:
Transparency, economy, white-glove service.
Here's what we do for you:
- A complete and free analysis of your statement
- Calculation of the actual effective rate
- Identifying unnecessary expenses
- Optimizing non-interchange fees
- Installation service, training and support
- Eco-friendly local structure with no surprise price increases
- Real savings of between $2,000 and $8,000 per year
We believe every merchant deserves:
- a simple statement
- a fair price
- a human relationship
- a local partner who works for him
Conclusion: Understanding your statement means regaining control
Your statement doesn't need to be complicated.
And you don't need to be a payments expert.
What you need to remember:
- Interchange: mandatory and identical everywhere
- Network charges: small, regulated fees
- Supplier costs: what needs to be optimized
Monark is here to help you gain clarity, save money, and simplify all your payment management.
For many merchants, reading a card statement is a puzzle.
We see percentages, fees in several places, technical terms… and in the end, we don’t really know how much we’re paying or why.
At Monark, we believe things should be simple, transparent, and easy to understand.
Here is a clear, quick and practical guide to help you finally understand your statement and, most importantly, know exactly where your money is going.
The three types of charges on your statement
- Each card transaction includes three main categories of fees.
- Knowing them means understanding 80% of your statement.
Interchange fees (mandatory)
These are the fees set by Visa and Mastercard.
They go directly to the client's bank, never to Monark.
They change according to:
- the type of card (Debit, Credit, World, Infinite, Business, etc.)
- the payment method (tap, chip, online)
- your sector of activity
The interchange is automatic, regulated and the same for everyone.
No one can negotiate it.
Evaluation fees (network fees)
These are small fees imposed by Visa and Mastercard for the operation of the network.
Common examples:
- Mastercard Assessment Fee
- Visa Acquirer Processing Fee
These too are mandatory and do not change from one supplier to another.
Your payment provider's fees
This is the variable part of your statement.
This is where suppliers distinguish themselves... or add too many margins.
We find:
- the margins (the percentage which varies from one supplier to another)
- miscellaneous monthly expenses
- administrative costs
- PCI compliance fees
- rental fees
- authorization or transaction fees
- the "other charges" are sometimes poorly explained
This is also where many merchants unknowingly overpay.
And this is where Monark can save you the most money.
The simplest secret: your "effective rate"
The best way to know if you are paying too much is very simple:
Total fees ÷ Total volume = your actual rate
Exemple :
- Volume for the month: $50,000
- Total cost: $1,350
➡ 1 350 ÷ 50 000 = 2,70 %
So that's what you're actually paying for.
Not the "theoretical" rate stated on your contract.
If your effective rate exceeds 2.00%, there is probably room for optimization.
If you don't know how to calculate it, Monark will do it for you.
Why are there so many categories on your statement?
Visa and Mastercard classify each type of card into a different interchange category.
That's why your statement contains several lines:
- Consumer Standard
- Rewards
- World / World Elite
- Corporate
- Tap vs. card inserted
- Online transactions
- Etc
Each category has a different rate.
It's not your supplier who decides — it's the customer's choice.
Where merchants lose the most money
- This is not the interchange.
- It's not network charges.
The problem is here:
- administrative fees added
- monthly PCI fees
- batch fee
- authorization fees
- Fees $8.99, $14.95, $5.00 here and there
- equipment rental fees
- automatic annual increases (often forgotten)
Many merchants think they pay "1.49%", but their actual rate often exceeds 2.50% to 3.00%.
How Monark simplifies and optimizes your expenses
At Monark Solutions, our mission is simple:
Transparency, economy, white-glove service.
Here's what we do for you:
- A complete and free analysis of your statement
- Calculation of the actual effective rate
- Identifying unnecessary expenses
- Optimizing non-interchange fees
- Installation service, training and support
- Eco-friendly local structure with no surprise price increases
- Real savings of between $2,000 and $8,000 per year
We believe every merchant deserves:
- a simple statement
- a fair price
- a human relationship
- a local partner who works for him
Conclusion: Understanding your statement means regaining control
Your statement doesn't need to be complicated.
And you don't need to be a payments expert.
What you need to remember:
- Interchange: mandatory and identical everywhere
- Network charges: small, regulated fees
- Supplier costs: what needs to be optimized
Monark is here to help you gain clarity, save money, and simplify all your payment management.
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