Dual pricing, discounts, and surcharges
What is a credit-card surcharge?
Direct answer
A credit-card surcharge is an additional amount a merchant applies to an eligible credit-card transaction to help offset acceptance cost. Network rules and applicable laws govern eligibility, notice, disclosure, amount, receipts, and card treatment. Debit and prepaid cards must not be surcharged under major network rules, even when the customer selects “credit” at checkout.
- Author
- AMP Payment Systems
- Review status
- Primary sources checked; no named AMP subject-matter reviewer is claimed.
- Published
- Modified
Key facts
- Surcharges generally concern eligible credit cards.
- Debit and prepaid card transactions are excluded under major network rules.
- Advance notice, signage, receipt, and cap requirements may apply.
Before launch
Identify every sales channel and jurisdiction, confirm processor support, complete required notices, and document the permitted amount. Ecommerce disclosures must appear before purchase completion.
At checkout
The system must recognize eligible card types, calculate the amount correctly, and disclose it clearly. Refunds and partial refunds should follow the applicable rules and provider procedure.
When the answer changes
- Network rules and state laws can change.
- Brand-level and product-level surcharge choices can have different requirements.
Common mistakes
- Surcharging debit cards run without a PIN.
- Using a surcharge above the applicable limit.
What to verify
- Check current Visa, Mastercard, processor, and state requirements.
- Test card identification, signs, online disclosure, receipts, and refunds.
Primary sources
Apply the answer to your business
AMP can help organize your payment, POS, or statement questions. Any recommendation, availability, pricing, or approval depends on the final written configuration and provider terms.
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