Merchant fees are charges that businesses incur when they accept payments from customers, typically through credit or debit cards. These fees can include transaction fees, monthly fees, and percentage-based fees that vary depending on the payment processor. The fees are often deducted from the total sale amount before the business receives its funds. These fees are essential for payment processing companies, such as Visa and Mastercard, to cover their operational costs and provide secure transaction services. Understanding merchant fees helps businesses manage their expenses and choose the best payment solutions for their needs.