Many acquirers are paying more interchange than they should — and have no idea how much more.
Interchange rates are governed by a complex matrix of qualification rules, transaction data requirements and scheme-specific fee programmes that very few acquiring teams have the time or expertise to interrogate in depth. A one-off Interchange Fee Review cuts through that complexity — identifying exactly where you're paying more than you need to and giving you a clear, prioritised roadmap to recover the difference.
Where acquirer interchange cost can be reduced
Six areas where Pinnacle systematically identifies recoverable interchange cost — every recommendation grounded in your actual clearing data and quantified in dollars.
Downgrade rate identification
We systematically analyse your clearing files to identify transactions triggering downgrade rates due to missing or incorrect Interchange Rate Designator or Reimbursement Attribute data — quantifying the cost impact and identifying the operational fix.
Qualification optimisation
We review your merchant and product set-up, BIN classifications and scheme configuration to ensure you're correctly positioned to achieve the best available interchange rates across your entire portfolio.
MCC reclassification opportunities
We conduct a rigorous, defensible analysis of your merchant base to identify candidates for reclassification into lower-cost industry fee programme categories — with the evidence needed to support the change with schemes.
Incentive rate analysis
We identify where provision of optional addendum data could unlock lower incentive interchange rates that you are currently not benefiting from — often representing a straightforward and material saving.
Merchant pass-through accuracy
We compare the interchange costs you're incurring against what you're recovering through merchant billing — identifying under-recovery across both blended and interchange++ pricing methodologies.
Airline and cross-border optimisation
Where applicable, we apply first-leg-of-journey routing logic and transaction geography analysis to increase the proportion of lower-cost domestic versus cross-border interchange volumes across your portfolio.
Our approach
Rigorous, remote and designed to minimise the burden on your team.
We have developed a proven methodology for interchange fee reviews that delivers results quickly without diverting your internal resources. The entire review is conducted remotely using data you can readily access, and our deep knowledge of scheme qualification rules, fee programmes and billing mechanics means we know exactly where to look.
We request your clearing files and volumetric data
These form the core analytical input and require minimal effort to extract and share — typically accessible from your existing scheme connections and reporting systems.
We analyse exposure using proprietary models
Our tools map every transaction against the applicable scheme rate table — flagging qualification failures, downgrade triggers and optimisation opportunities with the specificity needed to act on them.
We calibrate findings against your billing files
Cross-referencing clearing data analysis with actual billing ensures every opportunity identified is real, quantified and defensible — not theoretical.
We deliver findings and stay engaged through implementation
Unlike a review that ends with a slide deck, we provide ongoing support to prioritise initiatives, engage with schemes on your behalf where needed, and track the realisation of savings over time.
The results
Tangible, recurring and typically realised within months.
This is not a theoretical exercise. Every opportunity we identify is grounded in your actual transaction data, quantified in dollars and basis points, and accompanied by a clear implementation path. The benefits go beyond a one-time cost reduction.
Immediate and recurring cost savings
Clients typically reduce their interchange cost exposure by 5% or more, with savings that recur every month once the underlying issues are resolved — making the return on a one-off review significant and fast.
A stronger foundation for merchant pricing
With a precise understanding of your true interchange cost at merchant, MCC and channel level, your pricing team can set rates that accurately reflect costs — improving both margin protection and commercial competitiveness.
Reduced operational and compliance risk
By resolving qualification failures, data gaps and misconfigured scheme set-ups, the review eliminates a class of ongoing operational risk that, left unaddressed, comdollars silently over time.
A platform for ongoing control
Clients who complete a review typically move on to our SchemeSense Interchange Fee Tracking service — ensuring the savings identified are fully realised and sustained, and that new issues are caught as they emerge rather than accumulating until the next review.
Ready to take control of your scheme fees, announcements & interchange?
Our team of subject-matter experts is here to help you. Whether you're an issuer or an acquirer, an ISO or a PayFac, let us show you how easily and quickly SchemeSense can help you improve portfolio profitability. Book a demo today, or contact us to discuss our advisory and consultancy services.
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