Customers help cover eligible credit.
With a compliant surcharge program, you keep cash prices the same. Where your state allows, eligible credit purchases can include a clearly disclosed surcharge — typically up to 3% under Visa rules — so processing cost is not coming entirely out of your pocket. Debit and prepaid are never surcharged. For many merchants, this is the path to the biggest monthly savings.
What customers see
National published market average on eligible credit is a flat 3.00% (percentage only). Debit and prepaid stay out of the surcharge entirely.
What business owners should know
Surcharge is a regulated program, not a blank check. It applies to eligible credit cards only. It cannot include profit, and it cannot exceed network or state limits. Customers must see clear disclosures at the point of sale. CMS confirms your operating state and program fit before anything goes live.
- Eligible credit only — never debit or prepaid
- No profit: covers cost of acceptance, capped at 3% for Visa
- State law may lower the cap or prohibit surcharge
- Clear customer disclosures are required
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Start a review so CMS can check eligibility for your location and show estimated monthly savings beside Flat Rate and Cash Discount. You stay on CMS pages for next steps.
Start My Review →What merchants usually ask
Can debit cards be surcharged?
No. Debit and prepaid cards are never surcharged under any circumstances. Debit stays on the proposed Debit rate.
Can the surcharge include a profit?
No. Card-network rules require the surcharge to cover the actual cost of accepting the credit card — not exceed it — and Visa caps the surcharge at 3.00%.
Do all states allow the same surcharge?
No. Some states cap surcharge lower or prohibit it entirely. Use Payment Rules by State in the footer, then confirm your operating state during intake.
Will the website show my exact surcharge rate?
Your customer-facing review focuses on estimated costs offset and monthly savings. The approved rate is confirmed during enrollment.