What does zero fee processing mean?
A claim to examine carefully
Processing still has a cost. Programs advertised as zero fee usually change how a merchant recovers some costs from customers or prices purchases. They do not establish that equipment, software, refunds, disputes, or every monthly charge is free. Request a written list of remaining costs.
Available programs
We offer cash discount and dual pricing program reviews through our processing relationship. The right setup depends on your business, location, payment methods, customer disclosures, equipment, and account terms. We do not promise that every merchant pays zero.
Cash discounts, dual pricing, and surcharges
Cash discount and displayed prices
A cash discount reduces an appropriately displayed price for an eligible alternative payment method. Dual pricing presents the applicable prices to the customer. Ask for a demonstration showing shelf or menu prices, checkout screens, receipts, online prices, and refunds.
Credit card surcharges
A surcharge adds a fee for an eligible credit card payment and follows different rules. Visa prohibits surcharging debit and prepaid cards. Its U.S. guidance caps a credit surcharge at the lower of the applicable merchant discount rate or 3% and requires advance acquirer notice and disclosures. Other networks and applicable laws must also be checked.
Confirm implementation
Do not add a fee to debit transactions and assume a cash discount label makes it acceptable. Review the exact program with the acquirer and qualified legal guidance where needed. See Visa’s merchant guidance.
Compare what the program changes
Your costs and customer experience
Request a proposal showing expected customer charges, remaining merchant fees, software costs, and equipment obligations. Consider customer questions, staff training, refunds, and whether checkout conversion could change.
A test before launch
Test credit, debit, prepaid, cash, split payments, and refunds where supported. Check displayed prices against the receipt. Confirm that the approved setup covers your location and every sales channel.
A documented pricing program review
Provider setup and signage
Blackstone’s pricing program page describes cash discounts, dual pricing, and credit surcharging as separate approaches, with equipment setup and customer notices. Program availability still needs review for your location and payment flow.
Keep the written cost comparison
Do not treat a provider calculator or example receipt as your merchant quote. Confirm remaining account fees, equipment costs, refund handling, posted prices, and debit treatment. The network requirements explained above still apply.