Scheme fee

The fee paid by the acquirer to the card network (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) on every transaction. Separate from interchange (which goes to the issuer) and from the acquirer markup. Itemised under IC++ pricing; bundled into the all-in rate under blended pricing.

In practice.

Scheme fees are the charges the card networks levy for themselves, the second cost layer between interchange and acquirer markup. They are numerous, small individually and meaningful in aggregate, especially cross-border. Under IC++ they pass through at cost, which is the only way to see what you actually pay.

Related terms: Interchange · IC++ · Card scheme