Elavon pricing: what determines your rate
Elavon does not publish a fixed rate card publicly, and specific pricing changes over time and by account. Treat this as a framework for the conversation, not a quote — always confirm current numbers directly with Elavon.
What usually goes into a quote
- Monthly processing volume — higher volume generally supports lower per-transaction rates.
- Average transaction size — very small average tickets can shift the balance between percentage and flat fees.
- Industry / risk category — some industries are classified as higher risk and priced accordingly.
- Card-present vs card-not-present mix — in-person transactions are typically priced differently than online or phone orders.
- Contract length and equipment — leased terminals or longer commitments can affect the overall cost.
Common fee types to ask about
| Fee type | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Per-transaction / discount rate | Is it a flat rate or interchange-plus? |
| Monthly account or gateway fee | Is there a fixed monthly cost regardless of volume? |
| PCI compliance fee | Is it charged annually, and what's included? |
| Chargeback fee | What's charged per dispute, win or lose? |
| Early termination fee | Is there a cost to leave before the contract ends? |
| Equipment cost | Buy, lease, or use existing hardware? |
Questions worth asking a sales rep
- Is this a flat rate or interchange-plus pricing structure?
- What is the length of the contract, and is there an early termination fee?
- Are there monthly minimums I need to hit?
- What's included in the PCI compliance fee, and what happens if I don't complete the questionnaire?
- Can I get the full fee schedule in writing before I sign?