What Is a Cash Discount Merchant Services Program?
A cash discount program allows you to reduce or even eliminate your credit card processing fees by offering customers a discount for paying with cash. Many merchants using this model pay little to nothing for card processing—and you might be wondering, “How does this work?”
Here’s how: The cash discount model typically uses dual pricing at the point of sale. Thanks to the Durbin Amendment, merchants are legally allowed to offer a lower price for cash payments. This approach isn’t new—gas stations have used cash vs. credit pricing for years. Unlike surcharging, which adds a fee for using cards, dual pricing simply gives customers a choice between two clear options.
With the help of a smart terminal or POS system, implementing cash and card pricing is seamless and compliant. It’s a powerful way for many businesses to lower expenses—though it may not be the right fit for every industry.
How a Cash Discount Program Works:
With a cash discount program, your credit card terminal automatically displays both cash and card (dual) pricing. The card price includes the processing cost, allowing you to offset or eliminate those fees entirely. This setup can greatly reduce—or in many cases, completely eliminate—your monthly processing expenses, helping your business save money with every transaction.
Is a Cash Discount Right for Your Business?
Cash discount programs tend to work better for some business types than others. It often depends on how your customers will react to paying a slightly higher amount for using a card. As the business owner, you're in the best position to judge whether this type of program aligns with your customer base and overall strategy. Many service-based industries—such as automotive repair, HVAC, landscaping, electrical services, and contractors—have seen great success implementing dual pricing and cash discount systems.
The Right Fit for Your Business
This model isn’t one-size-fits-all, but we believe in offering flexible solutions. Whether you prefer traditional interchange-plus, dual pricing, or compliant surcharging, we’ve got you covered—online or in-store.
Is a Cash Discount Program the Same as Surcharging?
No, they’re not the same—though they may seem similar, the differences matter. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Surcharging:
Surcharging adds a fee to a customer’s total when paying with a credit card. This is compliant when done properly and is available through approved programs like the Fiserv Surcharge Solution and certified third-party providers for Clover and Fiserv platforms.
Cash Discount:
With a cash discount program, dual pricing is shown upfront—cash and card prices. Smart terminals or POS systems handle this automatically. Customers paying with cash or check get a lower price, while the card price includes processing costs—shifting the expense away from the merchant. It incentivizes cash without adding a fee.
Can E-Commerce Use Cash Discounts?
Yes, they can! While cash discount programs are most commonly used for in-person payments, many online platforms support similar models. Since physical cash isn’t possible online, e-commerce stores can offer a discount to customers who pay via ACH or electronic checks (eChecks). This mirrors the savings of in-person cash payments. Ask us for more details.
💳 What else do I get with a Dual Pricing Processing Account
🥇 White-Glove Customer Service
When you call for Merchant Support, a real person answers—usually within 3–4 rings. No hold queues. No call trees. Just fast, friendly, and knowledgeable support from people who care about your business. That’s the PDQuick difference.
⚡ Fast Approvals & Quick Setup
Get approved and processing usually in under 2 business days. No long waits, no red tape—just a smooth start so you can keep your operations running without interruption.
⚙️Equipment Programs
Own your equipment outright. We offer flexible financing options that get you up and running—without the inflated costs. Skip the so-called “free equipment” programs that bury the price in a five-year processing contract (it’s never really free). Skip the leases, skip the never ending monthly extra fees. We’ll ship you brand-new, fully compliant hardware that’s yours to keep and ready to process from day one.
💰 Next-Day Funding
Stop waiting for your money. With next-day deposits, your funds land in your account faster, giving you better cash flow and more flexibility to focus on growth.
🧾 No-Term, No-Hassle Agreements
We believe in earning your business, not locking it in. That’s why all of our accounts are month-to-month with no cancellation fees. Our merchants stay because they want to—not because they’re forced to.
🌐 24/7 Online Account Access
Your merchant dashboard is always open. View transactions, track deposits, access statements, and manage your account anytime, anywhere. Transparency and control—at your fingertips.
❤️ Satisfaction Guaranteed
We don’t just promise great service—we deliver it. Our MSP's 98% merchant retention rate says it all. Our customers stay because they’re genuinely happier here than anywhere else.
💳 Modern Payment Acceptance
All our terminals are fully equipped for EMV, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and contactless payments. You’ll be ready for every customer—no matter how they choose to pay.
Get to know us. You'll be glad you did.
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