Your posted price covers the cost of card acceptance, and customers who pay cash get a discount. Processing fees are offset, so more of every sale stays in your business.
Legal in all 50 states · Signage guidance included · Works on your terminal or POS
Illustrative example.
We set it up on your terminal or POS, and help you put up the signage you need to stay compliant.
A small non-cash adjustment is built into your regular price, so card sales cover their own processing fees.
Anyone paying cash pays less. Your terminal applies it automatically, so there's nothing to calculate at the counter.
Card fees are effectively covered, and the savings go back into your business: better pricing, services and growth.
Move the sliders to match your business.
Total monthly fees ÷ card sales, from your processing statement.
That's about $1,400 a month back in your business.
Get my exact numbersEstimate only. Actual savings depend on your processor's pricing, card mix and how the program is set up.
Card fees are offset from the day your program goes live, so you start saving on every card sale.
Reinvest what you used to pay in fees into sharper pricing, better service and marketing.
Customers who pay cash save money, which can build loyalty and repeat visits.
They sound alike, but the rules are very different. Here's how they compare.
| Cash discount | Dual pricing | Surcharge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Posted price includes card costs; cash payers get a discount | Two prices shown for every item: cash and card | A fee is added on top when a customer pays by credit card |
| Where it's legal | All 50 states | Broadly legal, treated like a cash discount | Banned in some states; capped or limited in others |
| Fee limit | No surcharge cap applies | No surcharge cap applies | Capped by card networks (3% in practice) and never above your actual cost |
| Debit cards | Program applies normally | Program applies normally | Debit and prepaid cards can't be surcharged |
| Setup | Signage + terminal settings | Both prices on every menu, shelf tag and webpage | Advance notice to card networks, signage and receipt line |
A true cash discount is legal across the US. What matters is how you present it. We set up your program so it follows card-network rules and your state's laws.
Tell us about your business and send a recent processing statement if you have one.
We show you exactly what you're paying now, and what the cash discount program would save.
Your terminal is set up, your signage goes up, and you start keeping more of every card sale.
Book a free 15-minute call. We'll review your current fees and show you what a cash discount program would save.
Direct-Merchant.org provides consulting and application support only. We are not a bank, payment processor or acquirer, and we do not hold or move funds. Examples and calculator results are illustrative estimates, not guarantees; actual savings depend on your processor's pricing and card mix. Cash discount and dual pricing programs must follow card-network rules and applicable state and local law; surcharging is banned or restricted in some states. This page is general information, not legal advice. Approval and account terms are decided solely by the processor or acquiring bank.