Save Thousands on Credit Card Fees with Surcharging in Canada
Credit card surcharging is now legal in Canada! Stop paying high processing fees and pass them to customers legally.
What Is Credit Card Surcharging
Credit card surcharging allows businesses to pass credit card processing fees to customers, reducing operational costs. Instead of paying 2-3% in transaction fees, you can legally add a surcharge when customers choose to pay with a credit card.
100% Legal & Compliant in Canada
Credit card surcharging is fully legal in Canada as of 2022. Businesses can now pass processing fees to customers while staying compliant with Visa, Mastercard, and government regulations. We ensure you follow all necessary guidelines so you can start saving immediately.
Save Thousands Per Year on Processing Fees
Stop letting credit card fees eat into your profits. With surcharging, businesses can recover up to 2.4% per transaction, significantly reducing costs. Whether you run a retail store, restaurant, or online business, this strategy helps you maximize revenue without raising prices.
Easy to Implement for Any Business
Surcharging is simple to set up with the right tools and guidance. Whether you use a POS system or a standalone terminal, we help you integrate surcharging seamlessly. Our step-by-step approach ensures compliance and ease of use, so you can start saving in no time.
Latest Blogs On Credit Card Surcharging
Stay informed with the latest insights, tips, and updates on credit card surcharging in Canada. Learn how to save on processing fees and maximize your business profits.
Surcharging FAQs
Introduction:
Canadian businesses are starting to adopt this strategy of adding surcharges to their goods and services. We will discuss the most common questions asked about the program. If you' like to see if it would work for your small business, drop us your information over at Dough
Can I surcharge any payment?
No. The business may only apply surcharge on credit card transactions. If you're looking to eliminate all processing fees, you'd look to implement a cash discount program through Dough
Can I add a surcharge today?
No. Your business must register with the card brands and notify them 30 days before implementation date. If you do not know how to do this or your current company isn't helping you, we'd like to throw our hat in the ring and help your business offset all credit card processing fees with new technology like the Clover, Pax or Newland POS devices.
Is surcharging just for in store transactions?
No. The business may apply the surcharge in person, over the phone or online. If you're looking for help implementing this type of program with a company that does it exclusively, reach out to us over Dough
Can I just apply the surcharge myself?
Yes you can. The question we'd ask is, "why would you want to?". With the laws and regulations being very specific, you'd most likely work with an expert to implement it (since it's no cost to you). Say you do choose to implement the surcharge yourself and try to reprogram your existing terminal (very likely it cannot be done), if you do it incorrectly, you open yourself up to the possibility of account closure and fines from the card brands. The risk is not worth it in that scenario.
If you're looking for help implementing this type of program with a company that does surcharging and cash discount implementation every day, reach out to us over Dough
Interested in a quote?
Dough is one of the first providers in Canada to assist small businesses get started with Surcharge or Cash Discount programs. Having sold the same program in the states as well, we have a unique set of experience helping businesses like yours get started today saving 90% of their annual processing expenses.
We'd love to learn more about your business and provide a quote for these programs (while also updating your processing equipment)!
Leave us your information over at getdough.co in the form. We will reach out with more details and look to set up a time to chat (we like meeting merchants, call us old school).
Is Credit Card Surcharging Legal in Canada?
Yes! As of 2022, businesses in Canada can legally surcharge. There are some requirements for the business to start surcharging:
Must notify credit card companies 30 days before implementation
Surcharge cannot exceed 2.4% (Visa & Mastercard rules)
Surcharging does not apply to debit transactions
The surcharge amount must be clearly disclosed to customers
Curious about your savings?
Try our free savings calculator
Find out how much you can save on credit card fees in just seconds! Enter your processing amounts and see your potential savings instantly.
Who Can Benefit from Surcharging?
Credit card surcharging is a game-changer for businesses that frequently deal with high processing fees. Brick-and-mortar businesses such as restaurants, retail stores, auto repair shops, medical clinics, law firms, and professional service providers can significantly reduce costs by passing credit card fees to customers.
If your business relies on in-person transactions and faces shrinking profit margins due to rising processing costs, surcharging is a smart way to keep more of your revenue while maintaining compliance with Canadian regulations.
How Does Credit Card Surcharging Work?
A customer chooses to pay with a credit card at POS.
The business applies a small surcharge (2.4%).
The customer pays the transaction fee, NOT the business.
The total amount of purchase is automatically calculated.
How Much Can You Save?
Many businesses in Canada are paying thousands of dollars each year in credit card processing fees. With surcharging, you can recover up to 2.4% on every credit card transaction—meaning a business processing $500,000 in credit card sales annually could save up to $12,000!
Whether you own a restaurant, retail store, or service-based business, surcharging helps protect your bottom line and keeps more of your hard-earned revenue where it belongs—in your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read More FAQs About Credit Card Surcharging
Is surcharging legal in all provinces?
Credit card surcharging is legal nationwide with the exception of Quebec
Can I apply a surcharge on debit card transactions?
No. Surcharging only applies to credit card payments, not debit.
How much can I charge as a surcharge?
The maximum surcharge is 2.4%, as per Visa & Mastercard rules.
Will customers be upset about surcharges?
Most customers understand why businesses implement surcharges and will often choose debit or cash to avoid the fee. Introducing a surcharge is a way to cut costs while not having to raise prices on every type of customer.
© 2025 Surcharging.ca. This site is owned and operate by Dough Payments Inc, a payment processing brokerage that successfully helps small business owners in Canada implement compliant surcharging - All Rights Reserved