How MasterCard's POS Rates Compare

  (based on a $40 purchase)
  Debit MasterCard
  New Current Cost Prior
  Retail Cost* Cost To 8/03
  Tier I 43 cents 48.8 cents 66 cents
  Tier II 48.2 cents 48.8 cents 66 cents
  Tier III 53 cents 48.8 cents 66 cents
  Default 57 cents 48.8 cents 66 cents
  Supermarket 35 cents** 29 cents*** 48 cents
  Maestro
  Nonsupermarkets NA 29 cents 29 cents
  Supermarkets NA 17 cents*** 17 cents***
  C-Stores NA 25 cents 25 cents
  *Effective April 4, 2004. **Same rates as nonsupermarket rates, but cost capped at 35 cents per transaction. ***Flat, per-transaction rate.
  Other than for supermarkets, Maestro costs are capped at the retail and convenience-store amounts listed. NA-Not affected by revised debit MasterCard interchange rates. Retailers also may negotiate own rates.
  Source: MasterCard International, ATM&Debit News