Also called: Level III data, Level 3 transaction data
What Level 3 data is
Level 3 data is detailed information sent with a credit card transaction, most often for business, corporate, or purchasing cards. It includes standard transaction data and Level 2 details, then adds line items describing what the buyer purchased.
Level 2 details include items such as an invoice number, customer reference number, and sales tax amount. Level 3 adds purchase specifics such as product descriptions, quantities, unit prices, and tax for individual items. This data applies to card transactions, not ACH payments.
Level 3 data can support lower interchange, but only accurate transaction details and the right card category make it useful.
What information it includes
Line-item fields can include a product code, description, unit of measure, quantity, unit price, discount, and tax details. Freight, duty, and invoice information can also be included when relevant to the order.
Data must match the actual sale. If you submit line-item details, each item must include at least a name, quantity, and unit price. For a capture or refund that differs from the original order amount, send the transaction-specific details instead of relying on the original order data.
How it can affect card costs
For an eligible commercial card transaction, complete Level 3 data can support qualification for a lower interchange category. The card network sets interchange categories, and sending more fields does not guarantee a lower rate. There is no single savings amount that applies to every merchant or transaction.
The practical benefit depends on whether the card and transaction meet the network's requirements and whether your payment setup sends the required fields accurately. A payment service provider does not necessarily confirm that submitted data qualifies for a particular rate, so a successful transaction alone does not prove you received the expected interchange treatment.
What you can actually change
You control the quality of the purchase data your business captures and sends. Level 3 data does not replace reviewing your interchange categories or negotiating the processor markup.
- Capture accurate invoice numbers, tax amounts, product descriptions, quantities, and unit prices.
- Confirm your payment system sends Level 3 fields with eligible commercial card transactions.
- For partial captures or refunds, send transaction-specific data that matches the adjusted amount.
- Compare interchange categories for eligible transactions before and after your data process changes.
- Map your fields. Match your invoice and inventory records to the line-item details your payment system can transmit.
- Test a transaction. Run an eligible commercial card payment and confirm its invoice, tax, and item details travel with the transaction.
- Review interchange categories. Compare the qualifying categories on transactions with complete Level 3 data against similar transactions without it.
Frequently asked questions
Does Level 3 data lower processing fees?
Complete Level 3 data can support lower interchange on eligible commercial card transactions. It does not guarantee a lower rate, and no single savings amount applies to every card or sale. Your business still pays network fees and processor markup.
What information is required for Level 3 data?
Level 3 adds item details such as a product description, quantity, and unit price to Level 2 information like an invoice number and sales tax. When you submit line items, each item must include at least a name, quantity, and unit price.
Does Level 3 data apply to ACH payments?
No. Level 3 data describes additional details submitted with credit card transactions. It is used for eligible commercial card payments, not ACH transfers.