For California businesses in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Orange County, and everywhere in between — start here to see how Flat Rate, Surcharge (eligible credit up to 3% with clear disclosures), and Cash Discount (3.5% off card-inclusive posted prices) compare in plain language. California emphasizes honest, upfront pricing — CMS confirms how you show prices before anything goes live.
CMS sells only these three customer programs. Each page below is written for California operators — not a thin copy of the national program pages.
Option 1
One clear blended rate for card sales. Built from your statement or your industry and payment mix — easy to compare with what you pay today.
Option 2
Keep cash prices the same. Where California allows with clear disclosures, eligible credit can include a surcharge — typically up to 3%. Debit and prepaid are never surcharged.
Option 3
Posted shelf or menu prices are card-inclusive. Cash and check get about 3.5% off that posted price. Separate from surcharge — different rules and disclosures.
CMS treats surcharge and cash discount as separate programs and confirms your operating state before activation. California focuses on clear, honest pricing — customers must see any credit-card vs. other price difference up front.
California focuses on clear, honest pricing. Customers must see any credit-card vs. other price difference up front — no hidden fees. CMS reviews how your prices are shown before activation.
Extra disclosure rules apply — CMS confirms current California guidance at enrollment.
California — Available. You can offer a cash discount or dual pricing (cash price vs. card price) when prices are shown clearly. Cash discount is not a surcharge.
CMS confirms the details with you before anything goes live.
National Flat Rate → · National Surcharge → · National Cash Discount →
Local guidance is strongest for Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Sacramento, Oakland, Fresno, Long Beach, Anaheim, and businesses throughout California. You get the same clear Flat Rate, Surcharge, and Cash Discount comparison wherever you operate — plain language, honest disclosures, no jargon.
Upload a recent processing statement if you already take cards, or start with industry, volume, and how customers pay if you are new. You stay on CMS pages for the next steps.
Start My California Review →