Zero-Cost Processing, also called Cash Discount or Surcharge-Compliant Pricing, is a pricing model where the cost of card acceptance is passed transparently to card-paying customers, while cash customers pay the advertised price. ✔ No monthly processing expenses ✔ Transparent customer pricing ✔ Fully compliant with card brand rules ✔ Legal in most U.S. states

1. You set your standard price (cash price) 2. A small service fee is added when a customer chooses to pay by card 3. Card networks and processors are paid using that fee 4. You keep 100% of your sales Transparent interchange reporting: Every transaction shows the card brand, interchange rate, network fees, and any applicable discounts. This is the baseline cost of acceptance. Optimization & routing: Best-path routing/qualification reduces effective cost. Funding the cost: Use a convenience fee, membership, or blended model to cover interchange + network charges so the merchant’s net cost is zero. Compliance & disclosure: Customer-facing fees are disclosed at checkout with templated receipts and notices. Reconciliation & settlements: Daily settlements show gross receipts, fees collected, and net payouts.

✔ Businesses with thin margins ✔ High ticket or high-volume merchants ✔ Cash-friendly industries ✔ Owners tired of rising processing and bank fees

Yes. Zero-Cost Processing can be disabled or adjusted at any time.

To remain compliant, merchants must display: • Point-of-sale signage • Checkout notices • Receipt disclosures Example: “A service fee is applied to credit card purchases. Cash prices reflect a discount.”

Yes, when implemented correctly with proper disclosures and card-network rules.

Yes. When set up properly with compliant disclosures and limits.

Debit cards are typically excluded from service fees and processed at standard rates.

Most customers are already familiar with card fees. Clear signage and communication minimize pushback.

No. Cash prices remain unchanged. Only card users pay the processing cost.

When the fee is small and explained honestly, many merchants see little impact.

No hidden processing markups; platform/chargeback/hardware fees may apply.

Refunds reverse the purchase and any convenience fee per your policy; some interchange fees may be non-refundable.

High-volume, low-margin, or small-ticket businesses.