EBizCharge

JUNE 19, 2025

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s legal to add a surcharge when someone pays with a debit card, you’re not alone. No, debit card surcharging isn’t legal in the U.S. The rules behind it come from a mix of card network policies, federal law, and state regulations. Can you surcharge a debit card?

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EBizCharge

JUNE 19, 2025

Step 1: Understand the Basics Before you begin, it’s important to know exactly what a credit card surcharge is—and what it’s not. A surcharge is an added fee for customers who choose to pay with a credit card. They differ from blanket fees and don’t apply to cash, checks, or debit cards. Regulations can change.

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EBizCharge

JUNE 18, 2025

Surcharges are only applicable to credit cards, meaning they can’t legally be applied to debit or prepaid card transactions. Why Card Network Rules Matter Each card brand has its own set of credit card surcharge rules. Visa even provides a portal for this notification.

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Stax

JULY 7, 2025

You Can’t Opt Out of Credit Card Payments Opting out of credit card processing altogether is not a viable option. Competitive pricing: Surcharging lets business owners offer competitive pricing to customers who choose to pay with alternative methods, such as cash or debit card transactions.

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EBizCharge

JUNE 24, 2025

They’re treated differently under both state laws and card network rules. Others allow it but require specific steps like formal notification, prescribed signage, or capped surcharge amounts. In a few states, laws are in flux or under legal challenge, making the rules a bit harder to pin down. Not usually.

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EBizCharge

JUNE 17, 2025

At EBizCharge, we help businesses implement surcharge programs that reduce costs without violating card network rules or state laws. What Is a Credit Card Surcharge? Used by merchants who want to keep prices competitive without absorbing card processing costs. Do surcharges apply to debit card payments?

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EBizCharge

JUNE 26, 2025

We do not surcharge debit cards.” From understanding the rules to selecting the right technology partner, every step matters in ensuring a seamless rollout. Notify Credit Card Networks Inform Visa, Mastercard and other applicable networks at least 30 days in advance Maintain documentation of your notification 3.

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