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Level 3 Credit Card Processing: Benefits, Requirements, and How It Works

Level 3 Credit Card Processing: Benefits, Requirements, and How It Works

Level 3 Credit Card Processing offers lower fees and detailed transaction data, ideal for B2B and government transactions. Learn its benefits, requirements, and more.

Did you know interchange rates account for 80-90% of credit card fees? This shows how vital it is to grasp credit card processing levels, especially Level 3. It's mainly for B2B and B2G transactions. Level 3 lets merchants send detailed info about each transaction.

This info boosts efficiency and lowers fees. For Level 3, you need nearly twenty fields of detail. Mastering this can save a lot on fees. But, you must follow strict guidelines to stay compliant and enjoy the benefits.

Key Takeaways

  • Understanding Level 3 credit card processing can significantly reduce transaction fees.
  • Detailed transaction information helps you qualify for lower interchange rates.
  • Non-compliance with processing rules may lead to standard processing rates, increasing costs.
  • Companies using corporate or government cards can be eligible for Level 3 rates.
  • Partner with payment gateways that support Level 3 processing.
  • Level 3 processing is designed to optimize savings for larger businesses.

What Are Credit Card Processing Levels?

Credit card processing is divided into three levels. Each level adds more details to transactions. Knowing these levels can help merchants save money and make transactions smoother. Here's a quick look at each level.

Level 1

Level 1 processing includes basic info like the transaction date and total amount. It's good for small deals but doesn't always get the best rates.

Level 2

Level 2 processing adds more details. It includes:

  • Sales tax
  • Unit numbers
  • Item descriptions
  • Shipping address

American Express only goes up to Level 2. Using this level can lower fees. Visa's rates are 1.90% + $0.10 to 2.25% + $0.10. Mastercard merchants can save 0.75% per transaction.

Level 3

Level 3 processing needs a lot of data for the lowest fees, especially for business cards. You need:

  • Ship-from and ship-to ZIP codes
  • Invoice and order numbers
  • Item codes and descriptions
  • Freight and duty amounts
  • Product descriptions, codes, prices, and quantities
  • Various taxes and duties

Visa's rate for Level 3 is 1.90% + $0.10, saving 0.8% compared to standard rates. Mastercard also offers a 0.80% savings. Level 3 is best for businesses looking to cut costs.

What Is Level 3 Credit Card Processing?

Level 3 credit card processing is for businesses that deal with B2B and B2G transactions. It lets you share detailed transaction info, like invoice numbers and freight costs. This detailed data can save you over 1% on big transactions.

This processing helps control spending in government contracts. It's mainly for corporate or purchasing cards from Visa and Mastercard. The main part is giving a detailed transaction history. This makes things clearer, lowers fraud risks, and helps with managing expenses.

Level 3 processing needs more info than levels 1 and 2. You must include:

  • Ship-from ZIP/postal code
  • Ship-to/destination ZIP code
  • Order number
  • Item product code
  • Item commodity code
  • Item description
  • Item quantity
  • Item unit of measure
  • Item extended amount
  • Freight amount
  • Duty amount

Businesses with high-value transactions benefit from level 3 processing. It helps track and manage expenses better. Industries with government contracts need this level for rules.

Clearly Payments offers level 3 payment processing. It's simple and affordable. But, check if your payment processor supports it. Meeting their criteria and sharing the right details can save you money.

Level 3 Credit Card Processing with Visa US

Visa level 3 processing helps businesses save money and make payments easier. To get this level, merchants need to follow Visa's rules. This means giving detailed information with each payment request.

With details like the ZIP code and invoice number, businesses can cut fees by up to 1.5%. For Visa Level 3, the rate can be as low as 1.90% + $0.10. This shows how important it is to get the data right.

Many businesses don't get these savings because they don't meet Visa's requirements. About 3 out of 5 don't process payments correctly. Also, breaking Visa and MasterCard rules can lead to higher fees, costing around 65 basis points more per transaction.

Submit payments on time and with all the right information. Missing this can mean not getting the best rates. For big transactions over $8,000, there's a special program that can save even more money.

The following table outlines the potential savings and fees associated with different processing levels:

Processing Level
Interchange Rate
Typical Savings Compared to Standard Rates
Level 1
2.95% + $0.10
N/A
Level 2
2.50% + $0.10
Up to 1%
Level 3
1.90% + $0.10
Up to 1.5%

To get the most from Visa level 3, follow all rules. Giving the right data not only saves money but also helps with fraud prevention.

Level 3 Credit Card Processing with Mastercard US

Mastercard level 3 processing helps merchants save money and make transactions clearer. It's for big companies doing lots of B2B and B2G deals. To qualify, businesses need to share detailed info about each transaction, more than Levels 1 and 2 ask for.

The key fields for Mastercard level 3 include item description, product code, unit cost, quantity, and unit of measure. Following these rules can save up to 0.80% on Mastercard transactions. This is great for businesses with $20,000 to one million Mastercard and Maestro transactions a year.

Mastering level 3 data can also lower risks. Businesses that use level 3 data are often targeted by fraudsters. But, Mastercard level 3 offers better security and reporting, making transactions safer for everyone.

Transaction Type
Interchange Rate
Transaction Requirements
Mastercard Commercial Cards
1.90% + $0.10
Must meet level 3 data requirements
Mastercard Business Cards
2.05% + $0.10
Must meet level 3 data requirements

Using Mastercard level 3 processing can save your business a lot of money. It makes transactions smoother and safer. This boosts your business's efficiency and makes customers trust your payment methods more.

Benefits of Using Level 3 Credit Card Processing

Level 3 credit card processing offers many benefits for businesses, especially those in B2B or B2G. It helps you make better choices for payment processing. Here are the main advantages that can help your business grow.

1. Lower Transaction Fees

Level 3 credit card processing offers substantial savings on transaction fees, as it provides additional data to payment processors. The detailed information—such as item descriptions, product codes, and tax details—qualifies businesses for lower interchange fees, which are set by the card networks (like Visa and MasterCard). 

These fees typically decrease as more detailed transaction data is provided, reducing the overall cost per transaction. This is especially advantageous for businesses that process large transaction volumes or high-ticket items.

2. Improved Reporting

Level 3 processing goes beyond just basic transaction data (such as the amount and merchant details). It includes detailed line-item information, including the specific items purchased, quantities, unit prices, tax amounts, and shipping charges. This level of detail allows businesses to:

  • Track spending patterns in greater detail.
  • Understand product-level profitability.
  • Prepare better for tax reporting, financial audits, and compliance checks.
  • Manage inventory more effectively with specific item-level data. This comprehensive reporting capability helps businesses optimize their operations, as it provides clear insights into sales trends, expenses, and customer behavior.

3. Enhanced Fraud Prevention

One of the major advantages of Level 3 processing is its ability to help identify and prevent fraudulent activity. The additional data captured during the transaction (such as tax amounts, item descriptions, and invoice numbers) provides an added layer of authentication. Payment processors can use this detailed information to cross-check with other transaction patterns, making it easier to spot unusual or suspicious transactions. 

For businesses that deal with high-value or B2B transactions, preventing fraud is especially important, as these transactions are more likely to be targeted by fraudsters. With increased fraud detection capabilities, Level 3 processing offers businesses enhanced security and peace of mind.

4. Better Compliance

Level 3 processing ensures compliance with the requirements set by various industries, particularly in government and corporate sectors. Many government contracts and large corporations require vendors to provide detailed transactional data for auditing and reporting purposes. Level 3 processing ensures that businesses can meet these standards, making them more competitive and compliant in these markets. 

For example, government contracts often demand a level of transparency in payment transactions that can only be provided through detailed Level 3 data. Businesses that implement Level 3 processing are better positioned to secure these types of high-value contracts.

5. Increased Client Trust

Transparency in transactions builds trust, and Level 3 processing provides a higher degree of visibility into purchases and payments. Clients, especially those in the B2B and B2G (business-to-government) sectors, prefer working with businesses that can offer full disclosure on pricing, tax calculations, and product details. 

When businesses offer this level of transparency, they can foster stronger, more trusted relationships with clients. For example, government agencies or large enterprises often rely on the detailed transaction data provided by Level 3 processing to ensure pricing accuracy and verify the legitimacy of the transaction. Building this trust can lead to longer-term business relationships and repeat contracts.

6. Eligibility for Large Contracts

For businesses aiming to secure large contracts, particularly in government and enterprise sectors, using Level 3 processing is often a requirement. Many government agencies and large corporations mandate the use of Level 3 data as part of their procurement process. This ensures that the payment systems they use are fully compliant with their standards, allowing for greater accountability and visibility. 

When businesses adopt Level 3 processing, they can qualify for these larger contracts, enhancing their potential for growth. Also, Level 3 processing can help businesses comply with contractual reporting requirements and provide essential data when bidding for contracts.

7. Simplified Tax Management

Level 3 processing simplifies the complexities of tax reporting, because it includes detailed tax breakdowns in the transaction data. For businesses operating in multiple states or countries with varying tax rates, this feature is invaluable. The detailed tax data makes it easier to:

  • Ensure compliance with tax regulations with precise reporting of sales tax, VAT, or other applicable taxes.
  • Accurately calculate taxes owed, reducing the risk of tax audits and penalties.
  • Automate tax calculations during the checkout process, reducing the chances of human error.
  • Streamline the preparation of tax returns with pre-filled data on sales tax amounts. In this way, Level 3 processing helps businesses manage their tax obligations efficiently, saving time and reducing errors.
benefits of using level 3 credit card processing

Gateways for Level 3 Credit Card Processing

Many payment gateways offer special services for Level 3 credit card processing. They help merchants use detailed transaction data to improve their payment solutions. Here are some top payment gateways for Level 3 processing, each with its own strengths.

DepositFix

DepositFix provides payment processing solutions for businesses wanting to use Level 3. It makes managing transactions easier and helps meet government rules. It's great for big companies and contractors.

CardPointe

CardPointe makes Level 3 credit card processing easy with its simple interface. Businesses get better reports and lower fees. It's perfect for handling lots of transactions safely and efficiently.

MX Merchant

MX Merchant is known for its tools for Level 3 processing. It supports detailed transaction data, which can lower costs for B2B and B2G. Its strong features make payment processing easier for merchants.

PayTrace

PayTrace focuses on credit card processing for government contractors. It lets merchants send detailed transaction data. This helps lower interchange rates and meet strict government rules.

Gateway
Key Features
Best For
DepositFix
Efficient processing, compliance support
Corporations, contractors
CardPointe
User-friendly interface, enhanced reporting
Businesses with high transaction volumes
MX Merchant
Extensive data entry, cost reduction
B2B and B2G transactions
PayTrace
Tailored solutions for government contracts
Government contractors

Choosing the right Level 3 processing gateway can boost your payment efficiency and cut costs. Each gateway meets different business needs, offering various features for smooth transaction management.

When to Choose Level 3 Credit Card Processing?

Choosing Level 3 credit card processing can save a lot of money and make things more efficient. It's best for certain business situations. Knowing when to use it can really help.

1. B2B or B2G Transactions

Level 3 processing is most commonly used by businesses involved in business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-government (B2G) transactions. These types of transactions often involve large volumes, high-ticket items, and detailed invoicing. 

Government agencies and large enterprises frequently require detailed transaction data for compliance, fraud prevention, and auditing purposes. If your business serves these clients or deals with government contracts, Level 3 processing helps you meet their payment data requirements.

2. High-Volume Transactions

If your business processes a large number of transactions, switching to Level 3 credit card processing can result in significant cost savings due to lower interchange rates. The more transaction data provided, the greater the chance of qualifying for lower fees. 

High-volume merchants, especially those processing hundreds or thousands of transactions per month, can benefit from these cost reductions and increase their profitability.

3. Large Ticket or High-Value Transactions

For businesses that deal with large-ticket items or high-value transactions, such as wholesalers, manufacturers, or contractors, Level 3 processing is highly beneficial. The detailed transaction data, including item descriptions, quantities, and tax breakdowns, ensures more accurate pricing and offers the transparency needed for large purchases. 

With these types of transactions, fraud prevention becomes even more critical, and Level 3 processing offers enhanced security features to reduce risk.

4. Government or Corporate Procurement

Businesses looking to work with government agencies or large corporations should consider Level 3 processing, as many of these entities require Level 3 data for payment verification and compliance. These institutions may not work with vendors who cannot provide the level of transactional detail that Level 3 processing offers. 

With Level 3, your business becomes more eligible for large contracts and procurement opportunities with these clients.

5. Need for Detailed Reporting and Analytics

If your business requires detailed reporting for tracking purchases, inventory, tax amounts, or sales trends, Level 3 processing is a good choice. The level of detail captured through Level 3 (such as item descriptions, quantities, unit prices, and tax information) allows for improved financial analysis, tax reporting, and inventory management

This can help optimize your operations and give you greater visibility into your financial data, which is particularly important for businesses looking to scale.

6. Fraud Prevention and Security Concerns

Level 3 processing provides additional fraud prevention features, because it includes detailed data such as item descriptions, shipping information, and tax details. If your business deals with high-value transactions or is concerned about fraud risks, Level 3 processing can be an effective way to mitigate these concerns. 

With more data on each transaction, processors are better equipped to identify suspicious activity and protect your business from fraudulent charges.

7. Desire to Streamline Tax Management

For businesses that operate in multiple regions or countries with varying tax rates (e.g., state-to-state or international sales), Level 3 processing offers enhanced tax reporting capabilities. 

If your business needs to simplify the process of managing different tax rates and ensure compliance with sales tax or VAT regulations, Level 3 processing is a smart choice. It helps generate accurate tax breakdowns, making it easier to calculate and report taxes.

8. B2B eCommerce

If your business operates a B2B eCommerce platform where customers make bulk orders or purchase high-value items, Level 3 processing can streamline the transaction process and reduce costs. 

The detailed data helps ensure that each transaction is processed accurately, providing customers with the information they need for purchase validation, and giving businesses the tools they need for accurate accounting.

9. Vendor-Supplier Relationships

In industries where businesses frequently work with vendors and suppliers, Level 3 processing helps maintain transparency and accuracy in payment processes. The invoicing data and item-level details included in Level 3 processing make it easier to track purchases, manage accounts payable, and avoid discrepancies in supplier payments.

10. Long-Term Growth and Expansion

As businesses expand and start dealing with larger clients or more complex transactions, adopting Level 3 processing can be a proactive decision. It helps to set up a robust infrastructure for handling larger contracts, government dealings, and enterprise-level customers. 

Choosing Level 3 credit card processing early on positions your business for future growth and ensures you have the tools to handle larger, more complex transactions.

when to choose level 3 credit card processing

Why Choose DepositFix as Your Level 3 Credit Card Processing Gateway?

Choosing DepositFix as your level 3 gateway options provider is a smart move. It's all about making your business more efficient and saving money. The DepositFix benefits are clear in its easy-to-use design and smooth integration with many ERPs and accounting systems.

This compatibility lets you automate the submission of detailed transaction data. This reduces the chance of mistakes and ensures you get the best transaction processing solutions.

DepositFix stands out because of its wide range of features. It offers strong transaction tracking and compliance support. With DepositFix, you can spend less time on payment errors and more time growing your business.

Many businesses have saved a lot of money with DepositFix. Some have cut their credit card fees by up to $3,000 each month.

  • Automatic submission of transaction data for level 3 processing.
  • Supports multiple payment methods, including credit cards and ACH payment.
  • Extensive third-party integrations allowing for customization and flexibility.
  • Focused on service-based industries, catering to unique payment scenarios.

This approach boosts your business's efficiency and financial management. It lets you handle more transactions easily. With DepositFix, you're ready to use the latest transaction processing solutions. This streamlines your payment processes and boosts your profits.

Conclusion

Level 3 credit card processing offers big benefits, especially for B2B and B2G transactions. It includes detailed transaction info, which can cut costs by up to 40% before extra fees. This level helps manage your spending better and improves how you handle transactions.

Knowing about different credit card processing levels helps you make smart choices for your business. Using tools like DepositFix can make your operations smoother. It ensures you follow rules and helps you get more value for your money.

Switching to level 3 processing has many advantages. It lowers interchange fees and helps prevent fraud. It also gives you better reports and insights into what customers buy. This can really help your business make more money.

FAQs

Who benefits most from using Level 3 credit card processing?

Businesses that handle high-ticket items, B2B transactions, or government contracts benefit the most. Companies in industries like wholesale, manufacturing, and government services, as well as those processing large volumes of transactions, can take advantage of lower fees and enhanced reporting features that Level 3 processing provides.

Do I need special software to implement Level 3 processing?

Yes, Level 3 processing requires a payment gateway or software that can capture and transmit the detailed data needed for these transactions. This often involves integrating your existing system with an advanced point-of-sale (POS) solution or eCommerce platform that supports Level 3 data capture.

How do I know if my business qualifies for Level 3 processing?

If your business processes transactions with detailed data, such as B2B sales, large-volume purchases, or government contracts, you likely qualify for Level 3 processing. Your payment processor can help determine if you meet the requirements based on your transaction volume and type.

Can I switch to Level 3 processing if I’m already using Level 1 or Level 2?

Yes, businesses can switch from Level 1 or Level 2 to Level 3 processing if they start handling more detailed transactions. However, switching may require an upgrade to your payment system or gateway to accommodate the additional data. Your payment processor can guide you through the process of upgrading your system to support Level 3 processing.

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