Get even better rates with Level 2 and Level 3 processing.
Automatically lower the fees you pay on credit card transactions from other businesses and government clients. Helcim takes care of the details, so you can enjoy the savings.
Automatically lower the fees you pay on credit card transactions from other businesses and government clients. Helcim takes care of the details, so you can enjoy the savings.
Transaction type
Standard for any business selling directly to consumers (B2C). It's the baseline transaction with standard rates because it contains the minimum data required to run a charge.
Best practice to access rate
Basic sale information like the Transaction Amount, Date, and Merchant Name.
Transaction type
Used for business-to-business (B2B) or government sales, this level provides extra data that helps the purchasing company with their accounting and expense tracking. This added detail lowers the risk for the card issuer, so you get a better rate.
Best practice to access rate
All Level 1 data, plus key identifiers like a Sales Tax Amount and a Customer Code or Purchase Order (PO) Number.
Transaction type
Gold standard for B2B/B2G transactions and offers the lowest possible rates. It requires submitting invoice-level details, giving the card issuer maximum transparency. This nearly eliminates their risk of fraud or disputes, so they pass the savings on to you.
Best practice to access rate
All Level 2 data, plus line-item details like Shipping Zip Codes, Invoice Number, Item Descriptions, Quantities, and Unit Prices.
An example of Interchange reduction by Level 2 / 3 Interchange Optimization
Helcim automatically retrieves and optimizes the data needed to qualify for Level 2-3 Interchange rates. Putting more savings back in your pocket without any additional steps.
Save up to 25% on your processing fees with Helcim Level 2-3 Interchange Optimization—reducing rates from 2.7% to as low as 1.45%, including Helcim’s optimization fee.
You don’t need to apply or set up anything for L2-L3 eligibility. Just create detailed invoices—our system automatically takes care of the rest to secure your savings.
Reduce your fees from 2.7% up to 1.45%. By getting you the best possible rate on every transaction, we help you keep more of your hard-earned money.
This service is available for businesses in both Canada and the US.
The difference is the amount of detail you provide with a transaction:
Level 1: The most basic transaction type, requiring minimal data. It is the most common for consumer transactions.
Level 2: Requires more detailed information than Level 1, such as tax details and a customer code. It is often used for B2B transactions.
Level 3: The most detailed level, requiring line-item details about the purchase. This level offers the greatest potential for interchange savings.
Visa’s Commercial Enhanced Data Program (CEDP) raises standards for Level 2 and 3 data starting October 2025. Transactions must include complete, accurate data to qualify for the best rates. Helcim users are unaffected, as our system automatically submits the correct data to meet these new requirements. There is also a verification process of 30 to 90 days for newly registered businesses. Until your account is verified, you may not be getting the Level 3 rates on Visa transactions.
No. Helcim's interchange optimization is automatic. The system pulls the necessary details—like tax amounts and line items from your invoices—and includes them with the transaction behind the scenes. There is no additional form or setup required on your part.
Helcim's L2 L3 Optimization is a value-added service. For providing the service and technology that helps you achieve these savings, Helcim retains a 30% fee on the savings generated. You only pay a fee if the optimization successfully saves you money on a transaction. To know more about our fees, head over to our fee disclosure page.
You can view your exact savings from interchange optimization on your monthly statements. The Fee Breakdown section shows both your savings and the 30% optimization fee retained. However, for newer merchants there may be an initial delay for Visa transactions due to their new Commercial Enhanced Data Program (CEDP) as Visa requires a 30-90 day verification period for all new accounts. During this time, your account may not see the Level 3 rates but will begin automatically once your account is verified. This delay does not affect Mastercard transactions.
Yes, Helcim’s Level 2 and Level 3 interchange optimization is available for both Canadian and US businesses.
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