Surcharging - Compliance · Gravity Payments

Q: Is surcharging legal?

Yes, surcharging is legal in most U.S. states when done correctly and in compliance with state laws and card brand rules (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). Gravity Payments ensures your surcharging setup follows all legal and regulatory requirements.

Q: What happens if I don’t follow the compliance rules?

Improper surcharging can lead to fines, chargebacks , or even loss of processing privileges . That’s why it’s critical to work with experts. Gravity handles all compliance aspects to protect your business.

Q: What types of cards can I apply a surcharge to?

Surcharges can only be applied to credit cards . It is not permitted to surcharge debit or prepaid cards .

Q: How much can I surcharge?

The surcharge amount can be up to 3% , but not more than your actual processing cost. (Colorado: Caps surcharges at 2%) Gravity will help you calculate and apply the correct rate to remain compliant.

Q: Can I surcharge in-store and online?

Yes, you can surcharge in both physical and online environments , provided the setup is done correctly. Gravity offers fully compliant solutions for in-person, online, and mobile payments.

Q: What technology do I need to surcharge?

You’ll need a payment terminal or POS system capable of surcharging in a compliant way. Gravity provides certified devices and software with built-in surcharging support.

The compliant way to save up to 90% on your dealership processing fees

Surcharging lets you reduce payment processing costs the right way—and we’ll make sure it’s done legally and hassle-free. Book a meeting to learn how much your business could save.

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Fully Compliant Setup

We handle all the registration and compliance steps so you can start surcharging legally and confidently.

Improve your Margins

Offset up to 3% of your payment processing fees related to credit cards (excludes debit cards).

Personalized Support

Work one-on-one with a Gravity Payments rep to customize your setup and see how much you could save.

Upgrade to a Surcharge-Enabled Device!

Choose from either wireless handheld or countertop options to accept payments your way.

PAX A920 Pro

The A920 combines the full features of an Android tablet with a powerful payment terminal, all in a sleek and compact design. The A920 delivers an integrated camera, high-speed thermal printer, and high-capacity battery to meet the daily demands across all dynamic dealerships.

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Surcharging Resources

a man paying with a credit card at a tractor dealership

Cutting Costs, Not Corners: How Surcharging Helps OPE Dealers Save Big

As costs soar, surcharging is becoming essential for OPE manufacturers and dealerships who need to protect their revenue.

man paying with a credit card at an OPE dealership

OPE Industry Surcharging: The Essential Guide to Compliance and Profit Recovery

A smart, compliant surcharging program, powered by the right payment processor, can be a game-changer. Protect your bottom line!

Start Surcharging

Frequently Asked Questions

What is surcharging?

Surcharging is the practice of adding a small fee to a customer’s total when they choose to pay with a credit card. This helps businesses recover some of the processing costs associated with credit card transactions.

Is surcharging legal?

Yes, surcharging is legal in most U.S. states when done correctly and in compliance with state laws and card brand rules (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). Gravity Payments ensures your surcharging setup follows all legal and regulatory requirements.

What happens if I don’t follow the compliance rules?

Improper surcharging can lead to fines, chargebacks, or even loss of processing privileges. That’s why it’s critical to work with experts. Gravity handles all compliance aspects to protect your business.

What types of cards can I apply a surcharge to?

Surcharges can only be applied to credit cards. It is not permitted to surcharge debit or prepaid cards.

How much can I surcharge?

The surcharge amount can be up to 3%, but not more than your actual processing cost. (Colorado: Caps surcharges at 2%) Gravity will help you calculate and apply the correct rate to remain compliant.

How will my customers know I’m adding a surcharge?

Clear, compliant signage is required at the point of entry and point of sale. Gravity provides guidance to help you inform customers properly and meet all requirements.

How does the surcharge appear on receipts?

The surcharge must appear as a separate line item on the receipt—clearly labeled, such as “Credit Card Surcharge.” Gravity’s systems ensure this is automatically included and compliant.

Can I surcharge in-store and online?

Yes, you can surcharge in both physical and online environments, provided the setup is done correctly. Gravity offers fully compliant solutions for in-person, online, and mobile payments.

Will surcharging hurt my customer relationships?

Most customers understand that small card fees help local businesses manage rising costs. Gravity provides training to help you explain the change clearly and keep customer trust.

What technology do I need to surcharge?

You’ll need a payment terminal or POS system capable of surcharging in a compliant way. Gravity provides certified devices and software with built-in surcharging support.

Why should I choose Gravity for surcharging?

We take care of everything—from compliance, registration, to training and ongoing support. Our team ensures your surcharging setup is legal, seamless, and fully supported, so you can focus on running your business with confidence.

Surcharging – Compliance