In fact, you’ve already been paying transaction or service fees in your everyday life — often without realizing it.
You already see this every day. Ordering food online, buying event tickets, paying for parking, booking travel, or even making certain government or utility payments with a credit card often includes a small “service,” “convenience,” or “processing” fee built in.
Today, thousands of everyday purchases already include these small convenience fees.
These fees are everywhere — from delivery apps to online ticketing platforms, subscription services and public institutions. When they’re clear and upfront, they feel completely normal.
That’s exactly how Surcharging works: it’s transparent, optional, and respectful. Your customers see small convenience fee for credit card payments, and they can avoid the credit card surcharge by paying with debit or cash.
When the fee is clear and optional, customers simply choose the payment option that works best for them.
When the fee is communicated clearly and presented respectfully, customers understand their payment options. Many simply choose the method that works best for them — credit with a small fee OR avoid the credit card surcharge by paying with debit or cash.
When the process is clear and upfront, customers quickly understand their options and checkout continues as usual.
Surcharging simply gives customers a clear choice at checkout. When paying with a credit card, a small fee is applied. Customers can avoid the credit card surcharge by paying with debit or cash.
Because the options are transparent, the checkout experience remains simple and familiar. Many merchants find that offering this choice helps protect their margins while maintaining the same day-to-day customer relationships.
With clear signage and simple payment options, customers quickly understand how the checkout process works.
Yes — credit card surcharging is legal in Canada, except in the province of Quebec, where it is prohibited by law.
