Compliance Information

Understanding cash discount programs and card network compliance requirements

Important: This page provides general information about cash discount programs. Merchants are ultimately responsible for ensuring their implementation complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as payment card network rules. We recommend consulting with legal counsel familiar with your jurisdiction.

Cash Discount vs. Credit Card Surcharge

Cash Discount Program

What it is: The price shown to customers is the card price. Customers who pay with cash receive an immediate discount.

Allowed by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
Generally permitted in all U.S. states
Requires clear signage and disclosure

Credit Card Surcharge

What it is: An additional fee added to the base price when a customer pays with a credit card.

•Subject to caps (typically 3-4%)
•Prohibited in some states (CT, MA, CO, KS, ME, OK, TX, others)
•Requires advance registration with card networks

ZeroPointPay implements cash discount programs, not credit card surcharges.

Compliance Requirements

1
Required Signage

Clear, conspicuous signage must be displayed at the point of entry and point of sale stating that a discount is offered for cash payments. The signage must be visible before the transaction begins.

2
Receipt Disclosure

Receipts must clearly show both the total amount charged (card price) and the discount amount for cash payments. The Clover system can be configured to display this information properly.

3
Point-of-Sale Display

The POS system must clearly communicate both the card price and cash discount to customers before they complete their transaction.

4
State-Specific Rules

Some states have additional requirements for cash discount programs. Merchants must comply with their specific state's regulations.

Card Network Guidelines

Visa

Visa allows merchants to offer discounts for different payment methods, including cash. The discount must be offered to all customers and clearly disclosed.

View Visa merchant rules →

Mastercard

Mastercard permits cash discount programs when properly disclosed and applied consistently to all payment card transactions.

View Mastercard merchant rules →

American Express & Discover

Both American Express and Discover allow cash discount programs with proper disclosure and implementation.

How Clover Supports Compliance

The Clover POS system can be configured to support compliant cash discount programs:

Automatically calculates and applies cash discounts at point of sale
Displays both card price and cash-discounted price to customers
Prints compliant receipts showing discount amounts
Maintains transaction records for reporting purposes

Note: While Clover provides tools to support cash discount programs, merchants remain responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations, including proper signage and state-specific requirements.

Legal Disclaimer

This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Payment card network rules and state regulations are subject to change. Merchants should consult with qualified legal counsel to ensure their specific implementation complies with all applicable laws and regulations in their jurisdiction. ZeroPointPay is not responsible for merchants' compliance with legal or regulatory requirements.

Questions About Compliance?

We're here to help you understand cash discount programs and ensure proper implementation.

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