Cash discount
A cash discount program posts one price and reduces it for customers paying cash. The posted price is the card price, and the discount is applied at the register.
Because the adjustment is a reduction from the posted price, the mechanics differ from adding a fee, and so do the disclosure requirements.
Surcharging
A surcharge adds a fee to credit card transactions on top of the posted price. Card network rules govern how it must be disclosed, how it must appear on the receipt, and what it may not exceed.
Surcharging rules distinguish credit from debit. Debit and prepaid transactions are generally excluded, which means your equipment must be able to tell the difference at the point of sale.
Rules and requirements to confirm first
Both programs depend on correct signage, correct receipt presentation and correct device configuration. Requirements also vary by state and by card network, and they change over time.
Signage
Clear notice at the entrance and at the point of sale, in the form your program requires.
Receipt presentation
The adjustment must appear on the receipt as required, not be silently folded into the total.
Card type handling
Programs that apply to credit must not be applied to debit or prepaid where excluded.
Network and state rules
Requirements differ by jurisdiction and by network, and must be confirmed for your location before launch.
Operational reality
Programs succeed or fail on staff communication. Customers accept a clearly posted, consistently explained policy and react badly to a surprise at the terminal.
BSV Solution configures the device, the receipt output and the signage together, and confirms current program rules for your state before you go live. Eligibility remains subject to underwriting approval and processor review.
Frequently asked questions
Is surcharging allowed everywhere?
No. Rules vary by state and by card network and they change. Requirements must be confirmed for your location before launching a program.
Can I surcharge debit cards?
Debit and prepaid transactions are generally excluded from surcharge programs, so equipment must identify card type correctly at the point of sale.
Which program is better for my business?
It depends on your customer base, ticket size and how visible pricing is in your category. A specialist can walk through both against your setup.
Does my current hardware support these programs?
Many modern terminals do, but configuration and receipt output must be set up correctly. Compatibility is confirmed before any program is enabled.
Want a second opinion on your setup?
Tell us how you take payments today and a BSV Solution specialist will walk through the options with you. Eligibility and processor selection are reviewed individually, subject to underwriting approval.