Restaurant Credit Card Processing
Running a restaurant means tips, debit cards, and tickets of all sizes. CMS builds a clear Flat Rate, Surcharge, or Cash Discount offer around how your guests actually pay—not a one-size rate for every business.
What usually changes what you pay
In restaurants, ticket size, how customers pay, and debit versus credit mix can move your real cost more than a advertised “flat” plan admits. Use the points below as a checklist when you compare options.
- Tips and how checks close
- How often guests use debit vs credit
- Average check size
- Counter vs tableside payments
Good to know
These notes are written for business owners. They explain what CMS looks at before recommending Flat Rate, Surcharge, or Cash Discount for this industry.
- Restaurants often take more debit than offices. Debit should never be surcharged—and your offer should reflect that.
- Tips and how tickets close affect what you really pay. CMS looks at that instead of guessing from a headline rate.
- Surcharge (eligible credit only) and Cash Discount depend on your state and clear guest-facing prices.
- Flat Rate can still make sense when you want one easy number for the whole dining room.
- CMS does not charge PCI fees unless you are Non-Compliant.
Flat Rate · Surcharge · Cash Discount
Many “simple” flat rates treat your dining room like a clothing store. CMS compares Flat Rate, Surcharge, and Cash Discount so you can pick the structure that fits service—and keep modest, believable savings.
- CMS Flat Rate
- CMS Surcharge Program
- CMS Cash Discount Program
Market reference may show verified Square Free and Stripe Terminal published rates when available. Toast stays pending until officially verified. CMS never invents competitor rates.
Pricing only. CMS does not recommend a terminal, POS, gateway, or partner platform on this page.
Compare My Options →Nevada operators
Running a restaurant in Nevada — including Las Vegas Strip and neighborhood spots — means tips, guest mix, and busy nights can change what you really pay. Compare Flat Rate, Surcharge, and Cash Discount with local guidance on the Nevada hub, then start a review with Nevada prefilled.