Merchant account pricing: custom quotes, written terms
Gray Merchants prices every merchant account individually — low-risk retail and e-commerce as well as high-risk industries — based on your industry, monthly volume, average ticket, and processing history, never a generic rate card. No setup fee, and every term disclosed in writing before you sign. Tell us about your business and a specialist prepares your quote.
Why high-risk pricing is quoted, not listed
Pricing for a high-risk merchant account depends on your industry, monthly volume, average ticket, and processing history — the same account type can price very differently for two businesses. We quote every account individually through underwriting, so your terms reflect your actual risk profile instead of a one-size-fits-all rate card. Merchants with a clean history or strong chargeback prevention program typically earn better terms over time. You see the full quote in writing before you sign anything, with no setup fee and no hidden padding.
Pricing models, structured your way
Every business runs its numbers differently. We support all of them — including zero-cost programs where card-paying customers cover the processing fees — across retail, e-commerce, and the industries we serve.
Interchange-plus
Pay the card network's true cost plus a small, fixed markup — full transparency into what the bank charges versus what we charge.
Learn moreFlat rate
One simple percentage on every transaction. Predictable and easy to reconcile.
Learn moreCash discount
Offer a discount for cash; card-paying customers cover the processing cost.
Learn moreDual pricing
Show both a cash price and a card price at checkout. Customers choose, and you keep more of every sale.
Learn moreSurcharging
Pass a compliant surcharge to card-paying customers, fully within card-brand and state rules.
Learn moreBlended or hybrid
Combine models, or use a tiered structure — if a pricing structure exists, we can set it up for your business.
Learn moreWhat every account includes
Pricing FAQ
How much does a merchant account cost?
Merchant account pricing is quoted per account based on your industry, monthly volume, average ticket, and processing history — for both low-risk retail and e-commerce and high-risk merchant accounts. Every quote is disclosed in writing before you sign, with no setup fee. Because two businesses in the same industry can price very differently, we do not publish a rate card; we quote your account individually.
What pricing models do you offer?
We support every major pricing model: interchange-plus, flat rate, cash discount, dual pricing, and surcharging. Whatever structure fits your business, we set it up — including zero-cost processing programs where card-paying customers cover the fees.
What is interchange-plus pricing?
Interchange-plus means you pay the card network base interchange cost plus a fixed, transparent markup. You see exactly what the bank charges versus what we charge, instead of a single blended rate that hides the breakdown.
Is there a long-term contract?
Month-to-month agreements are available for most accounts. Some acquiring banks may require a term agreement for very high-risk accounts, but this is always disclosed upfront in your written terms before signing.
How does a rolling reserve work?
When required, a rolling reserve holds a portion of your monthly processing volume for a set period as a chargeback buffer, then releases automatically. Whether a reserve applies, and its terms, is set at underwriting based on your industry, volume, and chargeback history — and disclosed in writing before you sign. Strong chargeback prevention often reduces or removes a reserve over time.
Are there hidden fees?
No. There is no setup fee. Every rate, reserve, and account fee is disclosed in your written agreement before you sign.
Ready for a real number on your account? Get approved or talk to a specialist and we'll prepare your written quote.