Keep what you earn. Legally.
Dual pricing is a fully-legal payment program that lets you display two prices for every item — one for cash, one for cards — so you can stop absorbing the 4% on every credit transaction. Most merchants save $200–$20,000+ a month.
Two prices, one honest system.
Dual pricing means you display two prices for every item: a lower cash price and a slightly higher card price. The card price covers what your processor would otherwise charge you on every credit card transaction.
Customers see both prices upfront and choose how they want to pay. There's no surprise fee at checkout, no hidden line item, and no shady math — just transparent pricing that lets your business stop subsidizing the card networks.
Two clear prices, posted right on the board.
Cash and card prices side by side — transparent, fair, and simple. Customers choose how to pay, and you keep more of every sale.
Yes — in all 50 states.
Dual pricing is legally distinct from surcharging. Even in states where credit card surcharges are restricted or banned (like California, Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts), dual pricing is explicitly permitted because both prices are posted upfront rather than added at checkout.
The legal foundation goes back to a unanimous 2017 U.S. Supreme Court ruling (Expressions Hair Design v. Schneiderman), which protects merchants' right to display different prices for different payment methods. Federal courts have consistently upheld this since.
Federal SCOTUS protection
2017 unanimous ruling protects price-display rights nationwide.
Approved by NY State
NY Department of State explicitly lists dual pricing as compliant.
Compliant with Visa & Mastercard
Card-network rules permit dual pricing when properly disclosed.
Works in surcharge-ban states
Legal alternative in CA, CT, MA, ME — where surcharging isn't.
Why merchants are switching now.
Massive monthly savings
A small restaurant doing $30,000/month in card sales typically pays $1,200 a month in processing fees. With dual pricing, that comes back to you. Larger merchants save tens of thousands annually.
Transparent for customers
Both prices are posted upfront — on signage, menus, and shelves. Customers know exactly what they’ll pay before they choose how to pay. No surprise fees at checkout means no awkward conversations.
Customer choice preserved
Customers who want to use a card can still use a card. Those who’d rather save by paying cash get a real, posted discount. Nobody is forced into anything — everyone sees both prices and decides.
Works with any business
Restaurants, retail, salons, gyms, convenience stores, professional services, B2B — if you accept credit cards, dual pricing can work for you. No minimum volume required, no industry restrictions.
Dual pricing vs. surcharging.
Dual Pricing
Two prices posted upfront
- Legal in all 50 states
- No card-network registration required
- Customers see both prices before paying
- Applies to credit and debit equally
- Works in surcharge-ban states
Surcharging
Fee added at checkout
- Banned or restricted in CA, CT, MA, ME
- Requires 30 day notice to card networks
- Customers see surprise fee at checkout
- Cannot apply to debit cards
- Capped at 4% by card networks
From signup to first savings.
Send your statement
Email us a recent processing statement. We'll calculate your exact monthly savings.
Get your setup
We program your terminal, ship signage, and walk your team through implementation.
Go live
Most merchants are running dual pricing within 5 business days of signup.
Keep more revenue
Watch your processing fees drop to near zero. Average payback is under one month.
How Dual Pricing Works
What merchants ask us most.
In our experience across 5,000+ merchants, customer attrition is minimal when dual pricing is properly disclosed. The key is upfront transparency — customers don't feel ambushed because both prices are posted everywhere. Many merchants report customer goodwill improving because cash-paying customers appreciate the discount.
Ready to stop paying swipe fees?
Send us a recent processing statement. We'll come back with an exact savings number for your business — no obligation, no pressure, no commitment.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. State laws and card-network rules change frequently. MTech Distributors works with you to ensure your specific implementation is fully compliant with current regulations in your state.