Stop Overpaying on Card Fees: How Manufacturers and Hardware Suppliers Can Benefit from Level 2 and 3 Payment Optimization
If you’re in the manufacturing or hardware supply business, you already know how slim margins can be. But one area many companies overlook is their credit card processing fees—specifically the hidden savings available through Level 2 and 3 interchange optimization.
This isn’t about switching processors or chasing lower rates. It’s about configuring your systems to qualify for the savings your business is already eligible for.
What Are Level 2 and 3 Interchange Rates?
Every time you accept a corporate, purchasing, or government card, your processor charges interchange fees set by Visa, Mastercard, and other networks. These fees are lower when you provide detailed transaction data.
Level 1: Basic transaction details (amount, card number)—highest fees.
Level 2: Adds tax, invoice numbers, and customer codes—lower fees for corporate cards.
Level 3: Includes full line-item details, quantities, product descriptions, and shipping info—lowest possible fees for B2B and government cards.
If your payments setup doesn’t pass this extra data, you’re getting charged the highest rates—even on transactions where you could qualify for discounts.
Why This Matters for Manufacturing and Hardware Supply
In your industry, a large portion of your payments likely comes from businesses, contractors, and government buyersusing commercial cards. These are exactly the transactions where Level 2 and 3 savings apply.
Without optimization, your finance team is leaving money on the table every month. With it, you could cut interchange fees by up to 30–50 basis points (bps) on qualifying transactions.
That adds up—especially on high-ticket sales.
How We Help You Capture Those Savings
Level 2 and 3 optimization doesn’t happen automatically. PlutosPay helps manufacturers and hardware suppliers unlock these savings by:
✔️ Auditing your current payment systems to check if Level 2/3 is enabled
✔️ Configuring your gateway or terminal to pass the right data fields (we’re processor-agnostic—whether you use Authorize.net, Converge, or another platform)
✔️ Training your team on how to capture and input the necessary data for each transaction
✔️ Integrating your ERP or invoicing system to automate the process wherever possible
✔️ Monitoring your processor statements monthly to confirm that you’re getting the rates you qualify for—and fixing it when you’re not
You Don’t Have to Change Processors
Most companies think the only way to lower fees is to switch processors. That’s not true here.
Level 2 and 3 optimization works with your existing processor—as long as your gateway, system, and payment workflows are set up correctly. We help you configure and maintain that behind the scenes.
The Bottom Line
If you’re a manufacturer, distributor, or hardware supplier accepting B2B or government payments, chances are your payments aren’t fully optimized—and you’re paying for it.
Level 2 and 3 optimization is one of the simplest ways to cut costs without cutting corners.
Ready to stop overpaying?
Let’s take a look at your payments setup and see what you could be saving.