CBA enables network routing choice for merchants

Merchant Choice Routing is an optional feature for CBA and Bankwest merchant customers which, when enabled, allows contactless payments made with multi-network debit cards to be processed through either the domestic eftpos network or the multi-network debit card schemes.

CBA’s solution adds another level of flexibility and control by enabling businesses to choose different routing options and use a combination for multi-network debit cards. For example, a business can set a transaction threshold limit to route payments to their chosen primary network (eftpos, Mastercard or Visa) and transactions up to and above the threshold limit will be processed by their secondary network of choice.

Depending on the card and transaction mix, Merchant Choice Routing could offer businesses cost savings on interchange and merchant service fees.

CBA’s General Manager, Commerce Solutions, Sam Itzcovitz, said: “Merchant Choice Routing gives businesses the flexibility to choose which network and transaction threshold to set depending on their own business transaction volumes and card mix.

“It’s another example of our commitment to delivering simpler, easier payment experiences and that includes giving our business customers more choice and control in how they receive payments,” Mr Itzcovitz said.

Executive Director of the Australian Retailers’ Association, Russell Zimmerman, said: “The Australian Retailers Association congratulates the Commonwealth Bank on its decision to give the retail sector what it wants by offering Merchant Choice Routing, and we look forward to working with CBA in promoting and rolling out this initiative. The Commonwealth Bank’s solution offers amongst the richest functionality in the market, making it a big win for Australian retailers that has been a long time coming.”