Payment rules and notices
Credit Card Surcharge Sign Template
A credit card surcharge sign template helps you explain an added credit card charge before a customer pays. Treat this wording as a starting point, not permission to begin charging.
Short answer
What should a credit card surcharge sign cover?
Confirm that surcharging is permitted for your business before posting signs. Ask your processor about advance notice, applicable caps, debit exclusions, and required disclosures. Put clear notices where customers enter and pay, and show the surcharge separately on receipts. State requirements may add other obligations.
Where notices usually go
Place an entrance notice where customers can read it before shopping or ordering. Add a notice at the register or point of sale before payment begins. A receipt line documents the charge but does not replace advance disclosure.
For online orders, show the notice before checkout is completed. Confirm that the customer can see the charge before submitting payment, including on a phone screen.
Confirm card network requirements
Card network rules generally expect notice to your processor before you start, a cap on the surcharge amount, and no surcharge on debit cards. Debit remains debit even when processed without a PIN. Ask your processor to confirm current rules and required wording.
Check state law before posting
Rules vary by state and can change. Some states restrict or ban surcharges. Check current state law and confirm card network rules with your processor before using these samples. This is general information, not legal advice.
Surcharge or cash discount
A surcharge adds a charge for credit card payment. A cash discount reduces the posted price for paying cash. They are not interchangeable labels. See our cash discount guide for the distinction.
Request a free statement review. We read every line of one recent statement and explain each fee so you can discuss acceptance costs with your processor.
Sample surcharge sign wording
Plain text you can adapt. Fill in the brackets. Have your processor confirm it before you post it.
A surcharge of [surcharge rate] applies to credit card payments.
The surcharge applies to credit cards only, not debit cards or cash.
It is not more than our cost of accepting credit cards.
Credit card payments include a surcharge of [surcharge rate].
The surcharge applies to credit cards only, not debit cards or cash.
It is not more than our cost of accepting credit cards.
Credit card surcharge at [surcharge rate]: [surcharge amount]
Shown as its own line, after the sale total and before the final total.
Before completing payment, review the credit card surcharge of [surcharge rate].
The surcharge applies to credit cards only, not debit cards or cash.
It is not more than our cost of accepting credit cards.
Common questions
Still not sure? Ask us directly.
Can I surcharge debit cards?
No. Card network surcharge rules exclude debit cards. Ask your processor how your checkout identifies debit before enabling any fee.
Is a receipt notice enough?
No. Customers need disclosure before payment. Confirm entrance, checkout, online, and receipt requirements with your processor.
Can I post this wording unchanged?
Fill in the brackets and obtain processor confirmation first. Your business location and payment setup may require different wording.
Is a cash discount the same thing?
No. A cash discount reduces a posted price for cash payment rather than adding a credit card surcharge.
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