Keep more of every sale
Compliant programs that offset or eliminate your card processing costs — set up correctly, disclosed properly, and matched to your business and local laws.
0 programs
Compliant paths
Surcharge, dual-pricing, and cash-discount options.
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Cost to find out
The eligibility review is always free.
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Disclosure-first
Signage and receipts configured correctly.
Three compliant paths to lower (or zero) fees
The right fit depends on your business type, customers, and state rules. We help you choose and implement it correctly.
Surcharge program
A compliant fee applied to credit transactions, disclosed at the point of sale within card-brand and legal limits.
Dual pricing
Show a card price and a cash price so customers choose — clear, transparent, and customer-friendly.
Cash discount
Offer a discount for cash payment while keeping your posted pricing consistent and compliant.
Find the program that fits how you sell
Tap through each approach to see how it works, who it suits best, and what to watch for. We confirm the right fit in your free review.
Pass a compliant credit surcharge
A disclosed fee is added to credit-card transactions to offset processing costs, within card-brand caps and applicable state law. Debit and prepaid cards are charged at your normal price.
Best for
- Businesses with mostly credit-card volume
- Higher-ticket sales where fees add up
- Operators comfortable posting clear notices
- Locations in states that permit surcharging
How the programs compare
A quick side-by-side, with Surcharge highlighted. Availability and exact behavior depend on your business, equipment, state law, and processor approval.
See where your business likely lands
A free review confirms eligibility, but here's a quick gut-check for a Surcharge program — what tends to qualify smoothly versus what needs a closer look.
- Businesses with mostly credit-card volume
- Higher average tickets where fees noticeably add up
- Operators in states that permit surcharging
- Owners willing to post clear, compliant disclosures
- Equipment that can apply surcharges correctly
- Heavily debit-weighted volume (debit can't be surcharged)
- States or card brands with surcharge restrictions
- Setups that can't yet support required signage
- Locations with strict local pricing rules
- Businesses still confirming underwriting or account type
Compliance is the whole game
Zero-fee programs only work when they're implemented to the letter. We handle the details so you stay protected.
- Correct signage and on-screen disclosures
- Card-brand and state-law limits respected
- Proper receipt and statement formatting
- Equipment configured for the program you choose
- American Express handled per its acceptance rules
See if zero-fee fits your business
Tell us a little about your business and we'll review your options for free.
The compliance details, covered
The difference between a program that works and one that creates risk is in the setup. Here's what we make sure is right.
Clear disclosures
Point-of-sale notices and on-screen messaging that meet card-brand and disclosure requirements.
State & brand rules
We help you navigate state laws and card-brand caps that determine what's allowed where you operate.
Equipment configuration
Terminals and POS configured to apply the program correctly and print compliant receipts.
Receipts & records
Receipt formatting and statement handling set up so fees and discounts are itemized properly.
What getting started can look like
Some paths can move quickly for eligible businesses. Timing depends on provider requirements, underwriting, equipment availability, and setup complexity.
- 1
Request review
Tell us about your business and payment needs.
- 2
Confirm needs
We confirm business type, volume, and goals.
- 3
Choose payment path
Pick the program and equipment that fit.
- 4
Submit & verify
Complete any required information as needed.
- 5
Equipment & setup
Configure terminals, POS, and disclosures.
- 6
Start processing
Go live and start accepting payments.
Timeline is illustrative. Actual steps and timing vary by provider, underwriting, business type, equipment, and account configuration.
A partner who sets it up the right way
We don't just flip a switch and walk away. We match the program to your business and make sure it's compliant from day one.
- Honest review before you commit to anything
- Program matched to your customers and state
- Setup handled end-to-end with your equipment
- A real rep you can reach after you're live
"The goal isn't to surprise your customers — it's to set up a clear, compliant program that protects your margin and still feels fair at checkout."
The Transactra Team
Merchant Services
Zero-fee processing questions
Is zero-fee processing legal?
Compliant surcharge, dual-pricing, and cash-discount programs are legal in most states when implemented and disclosed correctly. Rules vary by state and card brand, which is exactly what we help you navigate.
Will customers be upset by a surcharge?
Most customers are familiar with surcharges and cash/card pricing. Dual pricing in particular tends to feel fair because the choice is theirs. We help you present it clearly.
Can I surcharge debit cards?
Generally no. Debit and prepaid cards typically cannot be surcharged. Those transactions are charged at your normal price, and we configure your equipment to handle that automatically.
What about American Express?
American Express has its own acceptance rules that must be followed. We make sure your program treats Amex correctly as part of setup.
Can I switch back later?
Yes. Program structure can be adjusted based on what works for your customers and your goals.
How fast can it be set up?
Some eligible businesses can move quickly, but timing depends on underwriting, business type, equipment, and configuration. Your review will give you a realistic picture.
Zero-fee, surcharge, cash-discount, and dual-pricing programs must be configured properly and may not be available for every merchant. Debit and prepaid cards generally cannot be surcharged. Merchants are responsible for complying with applicable laws, card-brand rules, disclosures, and processor requirements.
Program availability depends on business type, state law, processor/acquirer approval, equipment/POS capability, card-brand rules, disclosures, and signed merchant agreement. This information is general and not legal advice.
Information on this page is general and not legal advice. Program availability depends on business type, processor approval, applicable rules, laws, disclosures, and signed agreement.
Find out if you qualify for zero-fee
A quick, free review tells you what's possible — no obligation.