Kaarditasud

Kaarditasud, also known as interchange fees, are charges applied by banks to merchants when a customer makes a payment using a credit or debit card. These fees are a crucial part of the card payment ecosystem, compensating the issuing bank for the risks and costs associated with processing a transaction. When a consumer uses a card, the acquiring bank (the merchant's bank) pays the issuing bank (the customer's bank) a fee for each transaction. This fee is a percentage of the transaction amount, often combined with a small fixed fee.

The exact amount of the kaarditasu can vary significantly depending on several factors. These include the type of card used (credit cards typically have higher fees than debit cards), the country where the transaction takes place, the industry of the merchant, and the specific card network involved (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.). Regulatory bodies in many regions have introduced caps or regulations on interchange fees to limit their impact on businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. Merchants often pass on a portion of these costs to consumers through slightly higher prices for goods and services. The debate surrounding kaarditasud centers on striking a balance between ensuring the security and efficiency of electronic payments and keeping costs manageable for businesses and consumers alike.