A scheme deal is one of the most valuable commercial agreements a card issuer ever signs — yet many are negotiated without the analytical firepower the schemes themselves bring to the table.
Our Scheme Deal Support service gives issuers a genuine commercial edge when it matters most — at the negotiating table. Whether you're approaching the end of an existing agreement, migrating a portfolio to a new scheme, or simply want to ensure you're not leaving value on the table, we bring the analytical firepower, benchmarking intelligence, and real-world negotiation experience to secure the best possible deal with the schemes.
What Scheme Deal Support covers
End-to-end engagement designed around the only outcome that matters: walking away with a measurably better commercial deal than you would have negotiated alone.
End-to-end support from baselining through to final contract signing
Every stage of the process is covered, from the first numbers on the page to the final signature — we're alongside you throughout.
Full net cost of trading analysis — fees, incentives, and interchange combined
The headline rate is never the whole story. We build the full P&L picture so you can compare offers on the metric that actually matters.
Custom forecasting models built around your portfolio
Bespoke models built to reflect your specific portfolio, mix and growth scenarios — not generic templates with your numbers dropped in.
Benchmarking of proposed terms against comparable deals
We know what's been agreed elsewhere. That intelligence is the difference between accepting an offer and improving it.
Evaluation of trade-offs across performance and issuance scenarios
Every deal contains conditions, clawbacks and targets. We stress-test how each one plays out in the scenarios your portfolio might actually face.
Support for both deal renewals and fresh scheme selection
Whether renewing a long-standing relationship or moving to a new scheme, the analytical rigour is the same.
Our approach
Structured, data-driven, and relentlessly focused on the numbers — because that's where deals are won or lost.
The process begins with a deep baseline of your current position and works through a disciplined multi-phase engagement that keeps you in the driver's seat while we do the heavy analytical lifting.
Kick-off workshop and stakeholder interviews
To define objectives, constraints, and red lines — making sure everyone is aligned before the first piece of analysis begins.
RFP drafting and issuance to the schemes
With Pinnacle managing the process end-to-end — drafting, issuance, clarifications, and timelines.
Quantitative offer analysis
Across unlimited issuance and performance scenarios — modelling every offer under the conditions your portfolio might realistically face.
Side-by-side scheme comparison
Using Pinnacle's proprietary Net Cost of Trading model — the only way to compare offers on a like-for-like basis.
Structured negotiation support
In writing, via calls, and through multiple offer rounds — bringing experienced negotiators with scheme-side backgrounds to the table.
Contract review
To ensure final agreement terms align precisely with the negotiated offer — closing the loop and protecting the value you've fought for.
The results
Clients who engage Pinnacle for Scheme Deal Support consistently achieve materially better commercial outcomes than they would negotiating alone. The combination of deep market benchmarking, rigorous financial modelling, and experienced negotiators with scheme-side backgrounds delivers results that speak for themselves.
Significant improvement in overall deal value
One client secured more than 75% uplift over the term of a renewed agreement — value that compounds year after year.
Onerous targets and clawbacks eliminated or mitigated
Volume targets and clawback clauses that create long-term financial exposure are removed or softened during negotiation — protecting the deal on the downside, not just the upside.
Better deal composition — cash optimised, fewer strings
Cash incentives optimised alongside non-cash components, delivering greater flexibility, certainty and value to the client over the life of the agreement.
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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