Dual pricing is legal — but only when it's set up correctly. Here's the complete checklist to keep your program compliant with network and state rules.
Follow these six rules and your dual pricing program stays fully compliant.
Display the cash price and the card price (or the service fee) where customers can see them before they pay — at the register, on menus, and online.
Place compliant signage at your entrance and checkout informing customers that a cash discount / dual price applies.
Any card service fee must appear as a separate, clearly labeled line item on the customer's receipt.
When a fee is applied to cards, keep it within Visa and Mastercard limits (generally up to 3%) and never exceed your actual cost of acceptance.
The program must be applied uniformly to all card brands — you can't single out one network.
A few states (e.g., New York, Colorado, Maine) have extra disclosure or cap requirements. Connecticut and Massachusetts prohibit surcharging but allow cash discounts.
Labeling a credit card surcharge as a "cash discount," or failing to post signage, is the fastest way to trigger fines or chargebacks. The structure and disclosure must match. SwipeSaving sets this up correctly so you don't have to worry about it.
We handle terminals, signage, and receipt formatting to keep you compliant with every rule.