Guide
Both programs pass some card costs to customers, but they work differently and come with different rules. Check the rules that apply to you before you start either.
✓ Installed by our team and supported by phone. Rates and equipment are quoted to your business.
Merchant Fund Express explains payments in plain English so owners can make better decisions about equipment and processing.
Both programs pass some card costs to customers, but they work differently and come with different rules. Check the rules that apply to you before you start either.
A surcharge adds a fee to a card purchase. Card brands have rules about surcharging, such as registration, disclosure at the entrance and register, limits on the amount and not surcharging debit cards, and some states restrict or prohibit surcharging.
A cash discount program shows one price and gives a discount to customers who pay with cash. It must be a genuine discount off the posted price, clearly disclosed. Because rules from card brands and states change, confirm the current requirements for your state and business before using either program. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
An added fee on card payments, subject to card-brand rules and state law.
A real discount for paying cash, off a clearly posted price.
Both require clear signs and receipts that show the customer what is happening.
Some customers dislike fees; think about how your regulars will feel.
| Surcharge | Cash discount | |
|---|---|---|
| What the customer sees | A fee added when paying by card | A discount when paying by cash |
| Debit cards | Generally not allowed to be surcharged | Discount applies only to cash |
| Main rules | Card brands and state law | Disclosure and genuine discount |
| Check before starting | Yes | Yes |
A family restaurant considers passing card costs to customers. It checks its state rules, learns the card-brand registration and disclosure requirements, and talks with regulars. In the end it decides to keep prices simple and review its processing costs first.
A device or pricing decision looks bigger on paper than it is in practice. Most owners are well served by choosing for their busiest ten minutes, keeping the first setup simple and adding pieces as volume proves the need.
If you would rather hear it from us, call (305) 384-8391. We will walk through the decision with you, quote the equipment and processing for your business and look at your statement while we are at it.
As explained by Merchant Fund Express. Updated 2026.
No. Some states restrict or prohibit it, and card brands have their own rules. Confirm the current rules for your state.
Card-brand rules generally do not allow surcharging debit cards, even when run as credit.
Some will. Clear signs and a consistent explanation help.
We can explain the options and how they would display on your receipts. Confirm the legal requirements with your own advisor.
Yes. A free statement review shows what you pay today and where a Clover setup would differ, with no obligation to change anything.
No. Our installer sets up the network, devices and menu with you in the room and trains your staff on the real screens, so nobody has to read a manual or call an IT person.
Call Merchant Fund Express. We install it, train your staff and stay on the line after launch. Ask for a free rate review while you are at it.
