What are the differences in costs for processing via touch-tone telephone vs. an electronic terminal?
You are charged two processing rates per transaction. First, a discount rate is charged. This rate is charged by INTRUST Card Center and is based on your average ticket size, annual card volume, type of credit card, and method of processing. This is a set rate; thus it does not vary per transaction. Secondly, an interchange rate is charged. This rate is charged by MasterCard and Visa. It too is based on average ticket size, type of credit card, and method of processing. Method of processing affects both discount and interchange rates because of the risk factor involved. In face-to-face transactions where the credit card is present and is swiped through an electronic terminal, the information embedded in the magnetic stripe on the back of the card will be read by the terminal and directly sent through the dedicated phone line to be processed. This transaction is considered a secure transaction. In other transactions that are key entered either into an electronic terminal, a touch-tone t
