Surcharging the Right Way: Why Compliance Matters and How Clearview Protects Your Business
By Christian Parrilla, Clearview Sales Representative
At Clearview, compliance isn’t optional — it’s foundational. When it comes to surcharging (adding a fee at checkout to offset credit card processing costs), doing it wrong can put your entire business at risk.
What you need to know:
● Surcharging is regulated by both Visa guidelines and state laws.
● It’s not allowed everywhere: Prohibited in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Oklahoma.
● You must give 30 days’ notice to your processor and the card networks before starting.
● Credit cards only: Debit and prepaid cards can’t be surcharged even if run as "credit."
● There’s a cap: The surcharge must reflect actual processing costs, usually limited to 3%.
● Clear signage is required: You must disclose it visibly at the entrance, checkout, and on receipts.
Non-compliance = serious consequences: Fines, chargebacks, or even termination of your merchant account.
How Clearview Gets It Right
Our Reverse My Fees program is designed to help businesses like yours save money the right way.
We provide:
● 
Full legal and card network compliance
● Clear state-by-state guidance
● Proper underwriting to protect your account
● Ready-to-use signage and disclosure materials
● Personalized onboarding and ongoing education
Whether you're a campground, vacation rental, hotel, or property manager we offer flexible options that fit your business model.
Want to explore compliant surcharging the Clearview way? Let’s talk: clearviewmc.net/contact-us