Most vacation‑rental managers assume 3 % card fees are the cost of doing business. In reality, what you’re classified as, your SIC/MCC code, can inflate or slash those fees overnight. Reboarding from hotel‑style codes to SIC 6513, the industry code for real-estate managers, used by card networks to set fees, often trims 10-30 % off interchange. Clearview’s Traditional Optimized plan does it without contracts, hidden mark‑ups, or funding holds.
- Quick take: A 1 000‑unit Florida manager dropped from 2.89 % to 1.98 % after switching to SIC 6513, saving $87 000 in year one.
Why Your Current Code Is Costing You
| Common Code | Card‑Brand Category | Typical Rate* | Hidden Pain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7011 | Lodging (Hotels) | 2.70–3.10 % | Premium‑travel rewards points baked into cost |
| 4722 | Tour Operators | 2.55–2.95 % | High fraud reserve adds basis points |
| 6513 | Real‑Estate Agents & Managers | 1.75–2.10 % | Lower risk → cheaper interchange |
*Rates sourced from Visa/Mastercard Q2 2025 interchange tables.
Hotel codes (7011) mark bookings as travel, which triggers costly card-holder reward programs. Those perks are funded by your higher fees. Reclassifying to 6513 removes that travel‑perk overhead because property managers are closer to real‑estate services than nightly hotels.
The Clearview Traditional Optimized Advantage
Direct Processor — We control underwriting; no aggregator reserves or 5‑day payouts.
Lifetime Rate‑Lock — Margin never creeps up once you’re reclassified.
Month‑to‑Month Terms — You can switch to Reverse My Fees at the end of any billing cycle. We request 30 days’ notice so your bookkeeping stays clean.
Next‑Day Funding — Full rent hits your bank account the following business day.How It Works (48‑Hour Timeline)
Upload two recent statements → free savings audit.
E‑sign the Traditional Optimized addendum (no long contract).
We reclassify your account under 6513, lowering your interchange rate, and we provide the credentials your PMS needs to connect.
Clearview programs Authorize.Net/NMI; $1 test runs.
PMS switch‑over—our setup takes under 30 minutes, though your PMS may take 1–2 days to process the update.
Next‑day funding resumes; savings appear in first batch report.
Example Savings Calculation
| Metric | Before (7011) | After (6513) |
|---|---|---|
| Effective rate | 2.95 % | 2.05 % |
| Monthly fees | $14 160 | $9 840 |
| Monthly savings | — | $4 320 |
| Annual savings | — | $51 840 |
Unlock 30 % Card-Fee Savings
Swap to SIC 6513 or pair it with our Zero-Fee RMF, your numbers, no fluff. Upload two statements and see real dollars back in your pocket by next month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an SIC or MCC code?
A four‑digit industry code that card brands use to set base interchange and risk rules.
Will reclassifying affect my taxes?
No, SIC codes influence card fees, not tax categories.
Is 6513 compliant for vacation rentals?
Yes. Vacation-rental managers are classified as real-estate managers, since they collect and disburse rent on behalf of owners.
Does this change my PMS or bank account?
No new software, no new bank. Only gateway credentials update.
Can I combine 6513 with RMF?
Absolutely, use Traditional Optimized on OTA bookings and RMF on direct reservations for maximum yield.
How long does reclassification take?
Typically under 48 hours on our side. Allow 1–2 business days if your PMS needs to apply the update.
Will owner statements look different?
Just the fees: you’ll see lower basis‑points; rent amounts and memo lines stay exactly the same.
Is there any risk of funding holds?
No. As a direct processor, Clearview underwrites VRM accounts individually, avoiding aggregator freezes.
Can I roll back if I’m unhappy?
Yes, you can roll back at the end of a billing cycle with 30 days’ notice.
What if I manage properties in multiple states?
SIC 6513 applies uniformly; no state‑by‑state codes needed.
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