EBizCharge

JUNE 18, 2025

This guide breaks down the differences between networks and outlines the necessary steps to ensure compliance. Whether you’re just getting started with credit card surcharging or reviewing your current setup, this article will give you a clearer picture of how to do it right.

Credit Cards

Stax

JULY 7, 2025

That’s why businesses are increasingly implementing a surcharging program to offset the costs of credit card processing, essentially enabling merchants to benefit from “free” credit card processing. In this post, we’ll explore what surcharging entails and how it helps you tap into zero percent credit card processing.

Credit Cards

EBizCharge

JUNE 30, 2025

Card brand rules Notification requirements: Before implementing credit card surcharging, businesses are required to notify the major card networks—typically at least 30 days in advance. Signage requirements: Businesses must post clear and visible signage informing customers about the surcharge.

Credit Cards

EBizCharge

JUNE 24, 2025

They’re treated differently under both state laws and card network rules. You should also check in with your payment processor, as many keep updated state-by-state compliance maps and can help you navigate the finer points of local laws. Also, many business owners ask: “Is a credit card surcharge taxable?”

Credit Cards

EBizCharge

JUNE 30, 2025

They help you configure your POS system or eCommerce platform so it can automatically detect when a customer uses a credit card—and then apply the correct charge only to those qualifying transactions. For example, if a customer buys a $50 item using a credit card, the system might apply a 3% surcharge—adding $1.50 to the bill.

Credit Cards

EBizCharge

JUNE 23, 2025

One option on the table is adding a credit card surcharge—a small extra fee to help cover your costs. But here’s the catch: surcharge rules are a patchwork of federal guidelines, state laws, and card network rules. And the card networks like Visa and Mastercard have their own rulebooks.

Credit Cards

EBizCharge

JUNE 27, 2025

It’s worth noting that while many payment processing solutions now support no-cost credit card processing, not all do so in a compliant way. Businesses should be cautious about choosing a provider and ensure that the software they use follows current state regulations and card network rules.

Credit Cards

EBizCharge

JUNE 17, 2025

Two popular options—credit card surcharges and convenience fees —can help recover some of these costs. But understanding the key differences and legal requirements for each is crucial for compliance and customer trust. Debit card surcharges are prohibited by card brand rules. When to Use a Convenience Fee?

Credit Cards

EBizCharge

JUNE 19, 2025

Compliance and Legality Before you roll out a surcharge program, you need to understand the rules that govern how it must be implemented. You need to check state laws and card network rules. Visa, Mastercard and other networks require merchants to register their intent to surcharge.

Credit Cards

EBizCharge

MAY 5, 2025

Additional charges can result from various circumstances, such as chargeback fees, Payment Card Industry (PCI) non-compliance fees , monthly minimum fees, and gateway fees. In a surcharge setup, the business adds a fee to the customers total only when a credit card is used, making the cost of card acceptance visible at checkout.

Credit Cards

EBizCharge

JUNE 25, 2025

Legal and Card Network Rules Here’s where things get serious. For example, small business credit card surcharge rules in states like Connecticut and Massachusetts prohibit or heavily regulate this practice. You need to make sure your payment processor supports compliance and updates your systems accordingly.

Credit Cards

EBizCharge

JULY 1, 2025

Searches like “how to add service charge on Square” or “Square service fee” often lead to forum posts and workarounds, not official guidance. Are you unsure whether your fees are compliant with state laws and card network rules? More importantly, it gives you back control over your margins.

Process

Stax

JANUARY 15, 2024

Credit card surcharging can help offset these expenses, but it can be tricky. Learn how to achieve payment processing compliance when surcharging to improve your company’s financial stability and reputation. Conduct regular internal audits—preferably on an annual or biannual basis—to assess ongoing compliance with federal regulations.

Credit Cards

Stax

JULY 30, 2024

TL;DR A credit card surcharge program can be particularly beneficial for small businesses to offset the cost of accepting credit card payments. However, before implementing it, you must know all the state, federal, and card network rules surrounding it. Non-compliance can result in a $1000 fine.

Credit Cards

Payment Savvy

JULY 12, 2024

Complexity of Implementation: Ensuring compliance with various card network rules and state laws can be complicated. Legal Considerations for Convenience Fees Before implementing convenience fees , it’s crucial to understand the legal landscape and card network rules that govern these charges.

Card Network Rules

Clearly Payments

SEPTEMBER 18, 2024

Legal Advisor: The Protector In complex or high-value disputes, the legal advisor ensures compliance with regulations and assists in developing a robust defense during the representment process. Collaboration with the Analyst: Advises on handling complex chargeback cases and navigating card network rules.

Disputes

Payment Savvy

JULY 3, 2024

Other Fees In addition to the main types mentioned above, businesses may encounter other fees such as monthly service fees, PCI compliance fees (for maintaining data security standards), chargeback fees (for disputed transactions), and terminal rental fees (if applicable). How Can I Lower My Debit Card Processing Fees?

Debit Card

EBizCharge

JUNE 28, 2024

It’s imperative for merchants to calculate these fees accurately and ensure that any surcharge reflects the true cost of processing to remain compliant with card network rules and avoid the appearance of price inflation. The post Can I Legally Charge a Credit Card Fee? appeared first on EBizCharge.

Credit Cards

Clearly Payments

FEBRUARY 8, 2024

Its primary objectives encompass safeguarding consumers, maintaining financial stability, promoting market integrity, preventing fraud and security breaches, and ensuring legal compliance. It oversees compliance with federal banking laws, including those governing payments.

Regulations

Segpay

FEBRUARY 28, 2024

Learn how to fortify your finances through diligence, compliance flexibility, and developing trustworthy payment processing partnerships. Non-Compliance Fees Breaking processor terms for excessive chargebacks or returns, late batches, invalid data, or other violations generates non-compliance fees from $25 on up.

IRS