Dual pricing & cash discount

Let card-paying customers cover the cost of the card

A dual pricing program shows two prices, cash and card, so processing costs are paid by the customers who choose to use a card. Set up with compliant signage and receipts.

How dual pricing works

With dual pricing, every item has two clearly posted prices: a cash price and a slightly higher card price. The difference covers the cost of processing the card. Customers choose how to pay, and the receipt shows both amounts.

Because card-paying customers cover most or all of the processing cost, many merchants cut their monthly processing costs to near zero. The exact result depends on how your program is set up and how your customers pay.

Dual pricing vs. cash discount vs. surcharging

ProgramWhat the customer seesKey point
Dual pricingTwo prices for every item, cash and card, on the menu, shelf or displayBoth prices are visible before the customer decides how to pay
Cash discountA posted price, with a discount applied when paying cashThe discount must be offered to every cash-paying customer
SurchargingA fee added at checkout when paying by credit cardGoverned by card-brand rules and state law; can’t be applied to debit cards

Staying compliant

These programs are legitimate when they’re set up correctly, and risky when they aren’t. Card brands and some states have specific rules about disclosure, signage, receipt wording and which cards a fee can apply to, and those rules change. We set up the program on your terminals and provide the signage and receipt formatting, so you’re not guessing.

Rules differ by state and by card brand. Before launching any fee-offset program, we review your setup with you, and you should confirm anything you’re unsure of with your own legal or tax advisor.

Is dual pricing right for your business?

It tends to work well where customers expect it or where margins are tight: auto repair shops, restaurants, smoke shops, convenience stores and many service businesses. If most of your customers pay by card and price is their main deciding factor, we’ll talk through whether a traditional low-rate setup makes more sense.

What setup includes

  • Program configured on your POS or terminals
  • Counter, door and register signage
  • Receipts that show both prices
  • Staff training on how to explain it to customers
  • A named contact if a customer asks a question you can’t answer
Dual pricing FAQ

What owners ask before switching

Is dual pricing legal in Florida? +
Dual pricing and cash discount programs are used widely by Florida businesses. What matters is that the program follows card-brand rules for disclosure and pricing. We set it up to those rules and walk you through them.
Will my customers be upset? +
Most customers don’t comment, especially when both prices are clearly posted. Clear signage and a one-sentence explanation from staff handle the rest. We’ll train your team on what to say.
Do I really pay nothing for processing? +
Many merchants get close to zero, but it depends on your program design and customer mix. We’ll show you the expected cost from your actual statement before you commit.
Can I go back to regular pricing? +
Yes. We can switch your program back if it isn’t a fit for your customers.
Free statement audit

What would dual pricing save you?

Send one statement. We’ll show your current cost and what it would be with a compliant dual pricing program.

Get my free statement audit →Prefer to talk? (800) 962-5908 — yes, a person answers.