Surcharging allows you to add a percentage-based fee to credit card transactions. This fee is charged to the customer to recoup or offset your credit card processing fees. Our surcharge program helps eligible US businesses reduce payment processing costs by applying a 3% surcharge to eligible credit card transactions. 

Before you begin

Before you request that surcharging be enabled, be aware of the following restrictions and requirements:

• Surcharging is not the same as using Clover service charge or taxes & fees features. Do not use service charges as a ‘credit card surcharge fee’ to recover processing costs. Using a service charge to recoup credit card fees violates card network rules and may result in non‑compliance fines.

• Surcharging is prohibited in some US states, and certain transactions may not be eligible for surcharging. Check your state laws for eligibility.

• You can apply a surcharge to:

  • Credit card transactions.

  • Both card-present and card-not-present transactions.

• You cannot apply a surcharge to:

  • Debit (Signature, PIN, or PINless) or prepaid card transactions.
    Note: This is prohibited. Running a debit card as a credit transaction does not change its card type and does not make it eligible for a surcharge fee.

  • Card-not-present transactions where the ZIP code of a customer's card is located in a state that doesn't permit surcharging, such as Connecticut, Massachusetts, or Puerto Rico (US territory).

  • Transactions taken in Limited Mode on Clover Go when our systems undergo periodic maintenance or upgrades.
    Note: Your Clover Go device automatically enters Limited Mode during that time and displays a message when full functionality is restored.

  • Transactions on the Clover Go G1 app, and when using audio jack card readers.

Enable surcharging

To add surcharging to your service plan, contact Clover support. Once surcharging is enabled, the surcharge fee is automatically applied to credit card transactions.

Consider whether surcharging is right for your business

Every business is unique, and deciding whether to implement a surcharge program requires careful consideration. Think about how your customers may respond and assess other contributing factors, such as your transaction mix and local regulations. Credit card processing fees can be a significant cost, especially as more customers choose the convenience of paying with cards. Managing or reducing these expenses without compromising service or profitability is key.

To address this challenge, you can explore compliant, customer-friendly strategies such as credit surcharging and cash discounting. Each offers distinct benefits depending on your business model, location, and customer base.

Explore other options

Credit Surcharge

• Description: Clover automatically adds a small additional fee to credit card payments made on your Clover device. Debit cards are excluded, making this ideal for large-ticket purchases where credit cards are most used.

• Benefits: Helps offset card processing costs while maintaining a fully compliant solution, supported by American Express©, Mastercard©, and Visa©.

• Get started: To add surcharging to your service plan, contact Clover support.

Cash Discount

• Description: Set your prices to include card processing fees, then Clover automatically removes those fees when a customer pays with cash, passing the savings directly to them.

• Benefits: Builds trust and loyalty by rewarding customers who pay with cash, while helping your business offset processing costs.

• Get started: Learn how to enable cash discount.