Card Surcharge
A card surcharge is an extra amount added when a client pays by card, to cover the merchant fee. Local rules and your card processor’s agreement decide whether you can add one.
What it means
A card surcharge moves the merchant fee from you to the client. It shows as its own line at checkout or on the invoice. The client sees it before they choose card over another method. That is the point. A surcharge added after the fact reads as a hidden charge.
The rules differ by country, by state or region, and sometimes by card network. A network can ban a surcharge on its own cards even where the general law allows one. Check your local rules and your processor's merchant agreement before you add one. This page explains the mechanism. It does not say whether a surcharge is allowed where you work.
An invoice for $400 lists a card surcharge of $12 as its own line, apart from the job total. The client sees the extra charge before picking card over bank transfer.
Adding a surcharge because a competitor does, without checking your card network's rules. A network can ban it on its own cards, whatever the general law says.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rates and rules vary by place; check yours. See our terms for the full version of this note.
See also
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