What are scheme fees?
Scheme fees are the amounts Visa and Mastercard charge acquirers for using their networks. Acquirers pass these through to merchants, either bundled into a blended rate or shown separately on Interchange Plus.
They are distinct from interchange (which goes to the card-issuing bank) and from the acquirer margin (which goes to your merchant provider).
The main scheme fee categories
Assessment
A charge associated with use of the card scheme. The applicable amount depends on the scheme schedule and transaction.
Authorisation and processing
Per-event charges can apply for network processing. Use the current rate card or statement.
Cross-border
Additional costs may apply when the issuer and acquirer are in different regions.
Currency conversion
Applied when the transaction currency differs from the settlement currency.
Refund / chargeback fee
Per-event fees for processing refunds and disputes.
Why they change
Card networks publish and revise fee schedules, with categories for assessment, cross-border, currency conversion, authorisation and other processing events.
The effect on a merchant depends on card mix and how the acquirer passes through or bundles those charges. Compare the current statement with the provider's pricing schedule instead of applying a generic uplift.
What to check
On Interchange Plus, scheme fees should be listed transparently and match published rate cards. On blended pricing, ask when the last scheme fee adjustment was passed through - most providers should hold their own margin flat.
Key takeaways
- Scheme fees are pass-through - your provider does not choose them.
- Scheme schedules and transaction categories change, so use current source material.
- Ask the provider to distinguish pass-through scheme costs from its own commercial charge.
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