Frequently Asked Questions

Dual pricing displays two prices at checkout: a cash price and a slightly higher card price. The difference between the two prices covers the cost of card processing. Customers who pay by card cover the processing fee themselves. Customers who pay cash get the lower price. The result for your business: zero processing costs regardless of how customers pay.

A cash discount program lists your standard price — which already includes the processing fee — and then offers customers a small discount (typically 3–4%) when they pay with cash. The business eliminates processing costs because card payments cover the fee, while cash customers are rewarded with a lower price.

Dual pricing shows two separate prices (cash and card) upfront on menus, price tags, or signage. Surcharging adds an extra fee at checkout after the customer sees the original price. Dual pricing is fully legal in all 50 states, while surcharging is restricted or prohibited in several states and has more complex card brand rules. Real Merchant Services only implements compliant dual pricing and cash discount programs.

Most merchants find customers accept it with no issue — especially when the pricing is displayed clearly. Consumers are accustomed to seeing cash and card prices at gas stations, which have used dual pricing for decades. Transparent signage and proper setup make a significant difference, and our team ensures your setup is done right.

Yes. Dual pricing and cash discount programs are 100% legal in all 50 states and fully compliant with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover card brand rules — when implemented correctly through an approved processor. Real Merchant Services ensures every account is set up in compliance with all applicable regulations.

No. Cash discount programs are legal and compliant in all 50 states. Some states have restrictions on credit card surcharging specifically, but cash discount programs (our primary offering) are fully permitted nationwide.

Yes — proper signage is required for compliance. We provide all required signage with your terminal setup at no additional cost. The signage clearly informs customers of the cash and card prices, which is the key requirement for a compliant program.

Most merchants are approved and processing within 24–48 hours. Equipment is shipped same-day or next-day for qualifying accounts. Our team handles the programming and configuration before shipping so your terminal arrives ready to use.

In most cases, yes — dual pricing requires a terminal that supports the program. The good news: qualifying merchants receive a free terminal pre-programmed and ready to go. We carry Clover and Dejavoo terminals suited for all business types, from countertop retail to mobile and restaurant environments.

Most businesses qualify, including retail stores, restaurants, service businesses, auto shops, salons, medical offices, contractors, and many more. The free terminal program has specific qualification criteria — a free savings analysis will confirm whether your business qualifies and how much you can save.

No long-term contracts and no monthly fees. Our programs are month-to-month with no cancellation penalties. You only pay a small per-transaction fee (typically a flat rate), which is covered by the card price differential — meaning your net cost remains zero.

100% free, with zero obligation. Submit your last merchant statement and we'll show you exactly how much you'd save — line by line. No sales pressure, no commitment required.