Assessments

Assessments are specific types of processing fees that merchants are required to pay to Card Associations, such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and others. These fees are levied to support the Card Associations in their various roles, which include operating the payment network, setting network rules, determining pricing structures, and conducting research and development. Additionally, assessments fund marketing and branding efforts that promote the card network's brand and services. The fees are calculated as a set percentage of each sale and are typically collected either daily or monthly from the merchants. This fee structure ensures that Card Associations can maintain and enhance the efficiency, security, and competitiveness of their payment systems.