Average Monthly Volume

Average monthly volume (AMV) measures the total dollar amount of transactions a merchant processes each month, averaged over a set period (typically one year). It’s a way to gauge a merchant's level of transaction activity.

That’s something banks and payment processors want to know for multiple reasons. Using the AMV, financial institutions can assess business risk, set processing rates, and determine if account reserves are necessary.

Monthly sales volume can also uncover sales fluctuations over the year, and is often considered an overall  indicator of the health and stability of a business. Merchants with higher AMVs are often more established, which may qualify them for more favorable transaction fees. While providers have a stake in knowing your AMV, it’s also a good idea for each merchant to keep an eye on their average sales.