Summary
This document is a guide that outlines the rules and requirements for U.S. merchants regarding the assessment of surcharges on credit card transactions. It defines a surcharge as an additional fee added by merchants for specific payment methods and details the conditions under which merchants can apply such fees. The guide specifies that merchants must notify their acquirer 30 days before implementing a surcharge and must adhere to Visa's requirements, including the disclosure of the surcharge to consumers. It also discusses state laws that may restrict surcharging and emphasizes that surcharges can only be applied to credit cards, not debit or prepaid cards. Additionally, the document clarifies the difference between a surcharge and a cash discount, and it explains the limits on the amount that can be surcharged. The guide concludes with a disclaimer advising readers to consult legal professionals for authoritative legal advice.
