Do Full-service Restaurants Pay More for Payment Processing?

Payment processing costs are not necessarily determined by whether a restaurant is full-service or counter-service, but rather by the pricing model and transaction volume of the establishment.

Key ways that full-service restaurants manage and potentially reduce these costs include:

• Interchange Plus Pricing: For high-volume, full-service restaurants, this model often yields the lowest net cost. It passes through the wholesale cost of each transaction with a transparent, fixed markup, meaning savings grow as transaction volume increases.
• Restaurant Cash Discount Programs: Both full-service and counter-service venues can use this program to shift credit card processing fees to customers. This can reduce the merchant’s processing costs to nearly zero.
• Provider-Specific Rates: Standard rates vary by provider regardless of service style. For example, Toast (often used in full-service) typically charges 2.5% + $0.15 per transaction with a monthly fee, while Square charges 2.6% + $0.10 with no monthly fee.

Most modern processors, such as Clover, Lightspeed, and Revel, offer tailored solutions for full-service venues that emphasize transparency through interchange plus models and competitive wholesale rates to protect the business’s bottom line.

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