2026 Dual Pricing and Surcharge Updates
Clearpay Processing: Dual Pricing
You will need to list both the cash and card price for your customers to see. This includes any place where your prices are advertised. If you want to only advertise one price, it must be the higher (card) price. Then cash paying customers get their transaction discounted. If you’re advertising both prices, this is called “Dual Pricing”. If you’re advertising only the higher card price, this is called “Cash Discount”
It is important to be aware that if you only advertise the lower (cash) price, and then raise it at checkout, this is called “Surcharging.” And there are many regulations governing surcharging. Violation of these rules can lead to fines from the card brands. So be sure to ask your ClearPay representative if you are doing it the right way.
Clearpay Processing: Merchant Surcharge Program
Welcome to Clearpay Processing’s Merchant Surcharge Program! Our program ensures full compliance with applicable regulations while allowing merchants to effectively manage transaction costs. Below, you will find key information about our program, its benefits, and how to get started.
What is a Merchant Surcharge?
A merchant surcharge is an additional fee that a merchant may apply to credit card transactions. This fee helps cover processing costs while complying with legal requirements.
Key Features of Our Program
Compliance-First Approach
– Our program adheres to all card brand and federal regulations related to surcharging. We ensure that the program is designed to meet the stringent requirements established by card networks and federal laws.Transparent Fee Structure
– Clearpay stands for transparency. All surcharges are disclosed clearly upfront, allowing customers to make informed decisions before completing their purchases.Simple Implementation
– The surcharge is established at 3% and only applies to true credit cards. Your credit card machine will do all of the thinking for you. It will suppress the surcharge to debit cards, as required by law.
Things to Be Aware Of
In order to remain compliant on this program, there are a couple of things you would need to do.
You must post signage at the entrance to your business and at the checkout counter that advises customers of the 3% surcharge to credit cards only
You must register with Mastercard by going to https://www.mastercard.com/us/en/business/support/merchant-surcharge-rules/form.html
State Regulations
Many state also have their own laws regarding surcharging. These laws can change over time, so its important to know where your state stands at any given time. Currently, the below states either do not allow merchant surcharging:
Connecticut
Maine
Massachusetts
New York
Some other states have additional regulations, such as Colorado and Oklahoma, where businesses can surcharge, but only at a maximum rate of 2%. California also has regulations only allowing surcharge in restaurants.
Conclusion
Clearpay Processing’s Merchant Surcharge Program is designed to help businesses navigate the complexities of transaction fees while remaining compliant with all regulations. Start taking control of your transaction costs today by joining our program!
For further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to assist you on your journey to efficient payment processing.