07/23/2026
We have all seen them...
Either the little sign by the register stating that if you pay by credit or debit card that there is an automatic 3% fee, or the additional button at the end of the transaction giving you the "opportunity" to tip the person that took your order.
Well I want to set the record straight about the credit card fees at my shop.
Yes, we pay an exorbitant amount in credit card fees every month. Its more than my rent by a pretty fair margin.
But credit card fees have always been a thing. I have been in business since 1991 and I have always had to deal with them. They arent something new, so why does every company want to point them out now?
Because they can. The law changed a few years back and made it legal for businesses to charge UP TO 4% for the privilege of accepting the cards. (There are requirements and such, but not going to get into it here.)
The problem is that this 3% has simply become a new revenue stream. There is no cash discount. The prices on the items didnt come down. The fee just went up.
Credit card fees are a cost of doing business. Its no different than paying for an SMS program, or a scan tool subscription, or insurance. You include them in your calculations when you are deciding what you need to charge to remain in business.
To that end, let me be clear:
There is not, and never will be, an additional fee for you to use a credit card. The price I give you when I call with an estimate is EXACTLY the price you will pay when you pick up your car. No hidden 3 or 4%.
(But I would entertain a cash discount for those that are so inclined. Its not going to be much, but if you paying cash saves me 3% I am happy to pass some or all of that savings on to you... but its not REQUIRED and thats an important point.)
