Surcharge & Cash Discount Calculator
Work out a compliant credit card surcharge (what the customer pays) and the equivalent cash discount, with a US state restriction guide. Free, nothing stored.
Surcharge & cash price
See the card-payer total and the equivalent cash discount side by side.
Stays within the cap
Warns you if the rate goes above the 3% card-network limit.
State restriction guide
Flags the states that ban or cap surcharging before you set it up.
More PAYATE tools
Frequently asked questions
What is a credit card surcharge?
A surcharge is an extra fee a merchant adds when a customer pays by credit card, to offset the processing fee. Visa and Mastercard cap the surcharge at 3% of the sale (and you can never charge more than your actual processing cost). Debit cards can never be surcharged.
What is the difference between a surcharge and a cash discount?
A surcharge raises the price for card payers; a cash discount lowers the price for cash payers. They reach a similar result but are treated differently legally — cash discounts are allowed everywhere, while surcharging has rules and a few state restrictions.
Which states restrict surcharging?
Surcharging is allowed in most US states, but Connecticut and Massachusetts prohibit it, and Colorado caps it (the lower of 2% or your cost). Several older state bans (California, Florida, New York, Texas) were struck down by courts. Always confirm your current state law — this tool is a guide, not legal advice.
What are the rules for surcharging legally?
The common requirements: surcharge credit cards only (never debit or prepaid), stay at or below the 3% / your-cost cap, notify the card networks in advance, and disclose the surcharge clearly at entry, at the point of sale and on the receipt.
Does this tool store my numbers?
No. Every calculation runs in your browser. Nothing is sent anywhere or stored.