What is a dual pricing program?
A dual pricing program lets a business show two prices for the same product or service: one for cash and one for card. The card price accounts for the cost of processing, so the business keeps more of each sale.
What is dual pricing?
Dual pricing means you display two prices for the same item: one for customers paying with cash or debit-style methods, and one for customers paying by credit card. The card price covers the cost of accepting the card. Customers choose how they want to pay, and your fee exposure drops.
It is not the same as a hidden fee. Both prices are shown before the sale, on the menu, the shelf, the invoice, and the receipt.
How the Pine Payments program works
- 1.Tell us about your business. Industry, ticket size, and monthly card volume.
- 2.We build your program. Two-price setup for your POS or terminal, plus receipt and signage guidance.
- 3.You go live. Most businesses are ready to accept payments in 24-48 hours.
- 4.You get paid fast. Next-day funding on eligible accounts.
Why merchants choose dual pricing
- Keep more of every sale. Less of your revenue goes to processing fees.
- Customers stay in control. They see both prices up front and pick how to pay.
- You still accept every major card. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
- Secure by default. PCI-compliant processing with fraud protection.
- No one-size-fits-all. Restaurants, retail, e-commerce, healthcare practices, and professional services all run differently, and so does each setup.
Dual pricing vs. cash discounting vs. surcharging
| Dual pricing | Cash discount | Surcharge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What the customer sees | Two prices shown | One posted price, discount for cash | Card fee added at checkout |
| Who it's built around | Both payment types | Cash payers | Card payers |
| Rules to follow | Show both prices clearly | Present as a discount | Disclosure and percentage caps, banned or limited in some states |
Not sure which fits your business? We'll walk you through it. See our guide: Cash Discount vs. Dual Pricing vs. Surcharging.
Is dual pricing legal?
Dual pricing and cash discount programs are widely used across the U.S., but the rules for how prices are displayed and disclosed depend on your state and your card network agreements. Pine Payments builds your program around those requirements, and we recommend confirming your setup against your state's rules.
Read more: Is it legal to charge a credit card fee?
Who it works for
Restaurants and cafes, retail shops, e-commerce stores, medical and wellness practices, contractors and home services, salons, auto shops, and professional services. If you take cards, it's worth a look.
Prefer to post one price and reward cash? Cash discount program. In a high-risk category? High-risk merchant accounts. More answers on our FAQ page, or contact us.
FAQ
Do I still accept credit cards?
Yes. You accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and more. Customers who pay by card pay the card price.
How is dual pricing different from a surcharge?
A surcharge adds a fee on top of the posted price at checkout. With dual pricing, both prices are displayed before the sale. Surcharging has stricter percentage caps and is restricted in some states.
How long does setup take?
Most merchants are set up within 24-48 hours after approval.
Will I need new equipment?
Often not. We review your current POS or terminal and tell you what's needed.
How much can I save?
It depends on your card volume and how many customers pay by cash. Send us your numbers and we'll estimate it. We don't promise a specific figure.