The short answer
For convenience and grocery, per-transaction fees dominate. A plan at 2.4% + $0.10 costs more on a $9 basket than 2.9% + $0.04. Check eligibility for small-ticket interchange programs, and price on total cost per basket rather than percentage.
Debit share matters enormously
These formats run heavy debit volume. In Canada that means Interac priced per item; in the US it means regulated debit interchange. Both reward a structure that prices debit separately.
Cash discount fits this format well
Sectors where customers already expect a cash price — fuel, convenience — see almost no friction from a well-signed dual pricing program.
Key takeaways
- Compare total cost per basket, not percentages
- Ensure debit is priced separately and per item
- Dual pricing meets little resistance in this format
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