The short version
- Base each comparison on settled card sales rather than total repair revenue.
- Flat rate is simpler, but may not show how card mix affects the underlying cost.
- Interchange plus shows cost components; you still need to calculate the full statement cost.
- Dual pricing changes what customers see and how staff take payment, not only the merchant's bill.
Offers can be hard to compare when they price different things. A flat rate gives one percentage; interchange plus adds markup to underlying costs; dual pricing may reflect eligible credit-card costs in the regular card price. Keep the shop's sales mix the same to compare them fairly.
Separate insurer checks and ACH payments from card collections. Then model the body shop's deductibles, customer-pay repairs, deposits, refunds and remote payments.
Browse the complete auto body guides and worksheets.
Check your own costs: calculate your effective processing rate or upload a merchant statement for analysis.
Flat rate: check what the stated rate leaves out
Flat-rate offers generally charge one percentage, often with an amount per transaction. That helps you predict costs, but monthly charges, gateways, PCI, chargebacks, equipment and different treatment for keyed payments may sit outside the advertised rate.
Once the account is operating, calculate its effective rate from a complete statement. Include every processing cost and the settled card volume for the same period. A quote alone cannot supply that result.
Interchange plus: add up the visible components
Interchange plus can show provider markup more clearly. It may also list many card categories, assessments and other fees. Add them up to find the body shop's complete monthly cost.
In-person credit, rewards cards, commercial cards, keyed deposits and remote balances may have different underlying costs. Use actual transaction data when you have it, rather than assuming a generic blended card mix.
Dual pricing: include the customer-facing work
Approved dual pricing can lower the merchant percentage on eligible, configured credit and debit transactions. It also requires visible customer prices, correct card identification, trained staff and consistent handling of estimates, deposits, links, invoices, receipts, refunds and final balances.
Monthly, PCI, gateway, batch, chargeback and other account-specific charges may still apply. No-contract and no-cancellation-fee terms reduce the risk of switching, but you still need to read the full agreement.
Keep these inputs consistent across the offers
| Input | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Settled card volume | Apply the percentage to card sales, not insurer checks |
| Debit and prepaid volume | Flat-rate and interchange-plus costs differ by card type; under dual pricing these cards pay the posted card price |
| Transaction count and channels | Count per-payment charges and the cost of keyed or remote payments |
| All fixed fees | Include monthly, PCI, gateway, batch, equipment and other charges beyond the headline rate |
| Term and exit cost | Account for equipment leases or cancellation charges that may outweigh a lower monthly cost |
Test the cost comparison and the payment process
Compare twelve months, including both a busy and a quiet month. Have the provider list all remaining charges and demonstrate debit, refunds, keyed payments, phone wallets and payment links.
Test what customers experience too. A lower projected rate may not be the right operating choice if the shop can't show both prices before approval or handle supplements and refunds consistently.
Questions business owners ask
Is there one pricing model that always costs least?
No. Card volume and mix, payment count, channels, fixed charges, terms and the shop's ability to run the program determine the cost.
Should we use total repair sales to compare offers?
Use settled card volume. Total sales do not give an accurate comparison when substantial collections come by insurer check, ACH, cash, financing or accounts receivable.
Does a 0% rate make the account free?
No. Eligible, configured credit and debit transactions may have a 0% merchant percentage while other disclosed account charges still apply.
Primary sources
BlueFinch last reviewed these sources on August 11, 2026. Payment rules and state requirements can change.
Use this page for general business information. It is not legal, tax, or accounting advice.