> How should payment processing be funded if not per transaction? reply

Taxes? Do you pay a toll to use each and every road for your car?

Do something like what India has done.

The "road toll" may not be the best example.

At least in New York, you pay a toll every time you cross most bridges and every time you enter/exit a thruway (aka "freeway" in other parts of the country)

So in New York do you have to pay a toll for each and every road, if not then its a good example.

It only made sense when banks were much smaller and we didn’t have smartphones and cheap internet.

You’re paying for a network that’s lost value. You’re paying for a brand at this point. It’s a scam.

Even a flat fee would be better. Cost doesn't really increase with higher dollar transactions; cash doesn't physically move just because a card was used.