Which Payment Program Is Right for Your Shop?

Payment technology is only part of the equation. The way your shop handles processing costs can also make a significant difference.

Depending on your business and how you want to handle payment acceptance, there are different program options to consider.

With traditional processing, your shop generally absorbs the cost of accepting card payments as part of the normal cost of doing business.

This can be a straightforward approach for shops that want a simple, familiar payment experience for their customers.

Dual pricing gives your customers a clearly presented choice between paying with cash or using a card, with the applicable prices displayed upfront.

For shops that qualify and implement the program properly, this can provide an alternative approach to managing payment acceptance costs.

Another option may be a compliant surcharge program that applies an additional fee to eligible credit card transactions, where permitted.

Because payment-program rules can vary by card brand, transaction type, and location, it's important to understand the requirements before choosing a program.

A Hybrid Program combines two payment approaches in one solution.

Credit card transactions can use a dual-pricing structure, while PIN-debit transactions are processed through traditional debit processing.

This gives your customers another way to pay—and can provide an attractive option for both your customers and your business.

When a customer uses a credit card, the dual-pricing structure applies the appropriate displayed price.

When a customer chooses to use a PIN debit card, the transaction is processed through traditional debit processing instead.

That means customers who prefer using their PIN debit card can choose that option and potentially avoid the higher credit price, while your business benefits from the typically lower cost associated with PIN-debit processing compared with credit card transactions.