The short answer
Multi-currency acceptance lets customers pay in their own currency, which lifts conversion. You then choose whether to settle in that currency or convert. The conversion spread is where the cost sits, and it is frequently larger than the entire processing rate.
Settlement currency choice
Settling in the customer's currency into a matching bank account avoids conversion entirely. If you must convert, compare the processor's spread against your bank's — differences of 1-2% are common.
Cross-border assessments still apply
Even with local currency pricing, a foreign-issued card carries cross-border assessments. Interchange-plus makes that visible; blended pricing hides it.
Key takeaways
- Local-currency pricing raises conversion rates
- The FX spread often exceeds the processing rate
- Settle in-currency where a matching bank account exists
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