The benefits that interchange delivers to all parties
Consumers
Consumers derive significant value from electronic payments including convenience and safety when they make a purchase, increased opportunity for financial inclusion, access to rewards or incentives and the choice of thousands of debit, credit and prepaid payment products.
Merchants
Merchants benefit from guaranteed payment; increased sales; fraud protection; lower processing costs than those associated with other forms of payment such as cheques and cash; and the ability to attract and retain customers with a fast, efficient buying experience.
Issuers
By receiving interchange fees from the merchant’s bank, issuers are able to bear the risks and costs associated with extending electronic payments to their customers.
Governments
Governments experience significant efficiencies and promote financial inclusion for their citizens when they choose to distribute social benefits and other programs via electronic payments.
Society
Electronic payments are often the point of entry for new consumers to a formal financial ecosystem. By incentivizing issuers to create innovative payment programs, interchange helps encourage financial inclusion for consumers who could not otherwise participate.
