What should a cash discount sign say?
A cash discount sign should state that a discount is available for paying with cash, show the discount amount or how it's applied, and be visible before payment. Use plain, consistent language.
Sign 1: Cash discount (single posted price)
CASH DISCOUNT
Prices shown are card prices.
Pay with cash and receive a [X]% discount.
Discount applied at checkout.
Sign 2: Dual pricing (two prices shown)
TWO PRICES: YOUR CHOICE
Cash price and card price are shown on every item.
The card price applies to all card payments, credit and debit.
Ask us if you have questions.
Sign 3: Door or window notice
We accept all major credit cards.
A cash discount is available.
See register for details.
Credit card surcharge signs and notice templates
If you add a surcharge to credit card payments instead of running a cash discount or dual pricing program, your notice has to be posted before the customer pays. Fill in the bracketed parts to match your program.
Sign 4: Credit card surcharge (entrance and register)
CREDIT CARD SURCHARGE
We add a [X]% surcharge to purchases paid with a credit card.
This surcharge is not greater than our cost of accepting credit cards.
No surcharge on debit cards, prepaid cards or cash.
Sign 5: Surcharge notice (checkout, online checkout page or invoice)
NOTICE: A [X]% surcharge applies to credit card payments. It will appear as a separate line on your receipt. Debit cards, prepaid cards and cash are not surcharged.
Sign 6: Fee wording examples (receipts, menus, invoices)
- Receipt line: "Credit card surcharge ([X]%): $[amount]"
- Menu or price list: "A [X]% surcharge applies to credit card payments. No surcharge for debit or cash."
- Invoice: "Paying by credit card adds a [X]% surcharge. Pay by debit card, check or cash to avoid it."
Before you post a surcharge sign: surcharges are not allowed on debit or prepaid cards, card network rules cap the amount and require disclosure, and some states ban surcharges or require specific wording or the full card price to be posted. Check the state-by-state table in our guide, Is it legal to charge a credit card fee?, before you start. Prefer one posted price for every card, including debit? See our dual pricing program.
Where to post your signs
- At the register or terminal, at eye level and easy to read.
- On the door or window, so customers know before they walk in.
- On menus or price tags, wherever a price is shown.
- On your website and online menu, if you sell or list prices online.
- On receipts, with the discount or price difference itemized.
Sign checklist
- Use plain language and a large, readable font.
- Show the discount amount or both prices before payment.
- Make sure the signs match how your POS and receipts describe the program.
- Keep the wording consistent across signs, menus, website, and receipts.
- Replace worn or faded signs.
- Train staff to explain the program in one sentence.
A short staff script
"We offer a discount when you pay with cash. Prices you see are the card prices, and the discount comes off at checkout. Would you like to use cash today?"
Sign wording depends on your program
The right sign depends on whether you run a cash discount program, dual pricing, or something else, and on your state. If you are not sure, or you want signs matched to your equipment, Pine Payments can help you set up a program and signs that fit.
Questions? Read our FAQ or contact us.
Related
FAQ
Where should I put cash discount signs?
Post them at the register, on the door or window, on menus or price tags, and on your website. Customers should see the information before they pay.
Do I need a different sign for dual pricing?
Yes. Dual pricing signs should explain that two prices are shown and that the card price applies to card payments. The wording differs from a cash discount sign.
Is the sign template free?
Yes. Download it, edit the wording to fit your program, and print as many as you need.
Can Pine Payments set up my program and signs?
Yes. We can help you choose a program, configure your equipment, and match your signs to your setup.
What should a credit card surcharge sign say?
It should state the surcharge amount or percentage, say that it applies only to credit cards (not debit, prepaid or cash), and be posted at the entrance and at checkout, or shown before payment online. The surcharge should also appear as its own line on the receipt. Some states have extra rules, so check your state first.