The Dirty Secret Behind Flat Rate Processing
- Thomas Troyer
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
Flat rate processing sounds simple — one rate for all transactions, easy to understand, and predictable.
But here’s the dirty secret: flat rate is flat-out overpriced.
When a processor offers you a single rate (like 2.9% + 30¢), they’re not doing you a favor — they’re hiding how much they’re making off you.
Here’s what they don’t tell you:
Not all cards cost the same to process.
A debit card might cost less than 1%
A premium rewards card could cost over 3%
Under a flat rate model, you’re paying the same high rate on every transaction, no matter what the real cost is. That means the processor pockets the difference — often doubling or tripling their margin on cheaper transactions.
It Gets Worse…
Most flat-rate providers also add hidden fees behind the scenes — batch fees, PCI fees, monthly minimums — turning your “simple rate” into a confusing and expensive mess.
You lose visibility. You lose money. And worst of all, you lose control.
What You Should Be Paying
At 2nd Amendment Processing, we offer interchange-plus pricing — meaning:
You see the real cost of each transaction
You pay a transparent, flat margin
No surprises. No padding. No games.
We break down your fees line by line, so you always know where your money is going — and who’s earning it.
Bottom Line:Flat rate might look good on the surface, but underneath, it’s built to benefit the processor — not you.
Tired of getting flat-out ripped off?
Switch to a processor that’s honest, transparent, and aligned with your values.
Visit www.2ndAP.com
Process with Purpose.
Thomas Troyer
CEO
2nd Amendment Processing
517-755-6696