These three labels get used interchangeably in sales decks. They are not the same. Mixing them up creates compliance risk and confused customers.
General education—not legal advice. Verify current state and card-brand rules before you change pricing.
Surcharging An amount added when the customer pays by credit (often with different treatment for debit/prepaid). Disclosure and caps matter. Implementation must match how your POS prints receipts.
Dual pricing Separate cash and card prices shown up front. The customer sees two prices before they choose a tender. Still needs clear disclosure and careful training.
Cash-discount style Framed as a discount for cash or debit versus a higher card price. The economics can look similar to dual pricing; the labeling and disclosure path differ. Ask how your provider implements it—not what the brochure calls it.
How to choose - Can your team explain it in one sentence? - Does every channel (counter, online, phone) stay consistent? - Have you compared total cost against staying on transparent cost-plus pricing?
More: <a href="/pricing.html">Pricing education</a> · <a href="/zero-fee-program.html">Zero Fee program</a> · <a href="/blog/new-jersey-credit-card-surcharge-law-guide">NJ surcharge guide</a> · <a href="/compare.html">Compare</a>
Quick answers
What is the difference between surcharging and dual pricing?
A surcharge is a fee added to credit card payments only, capped at your cost. Dual pricing posts a card price and a lower cash price, and covers every card type.
Does dual pricing apply to debit cards?
Yes. Under dual pricing every card pays the posted card price, including debit.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Card brand rules and state laws change; confirm your setup before you launch a pricing program.