Merchants are increasingly looking for ways to offset the rising costs of credit card acceptance. However, as any seasoned business owner knows, the line between a "convenience fee" and a "compliance violation" is razor-thin. As we move through 2026, Visa has maintained strict oversight of how merchants pass costs to consumers. If you are considering Surcharging or Dual Pricing, here is your definitive guide to staying in the clear. 1. Credit Card Surcharging: The "Added Fee" Model Surcharging is the practice of adding a specific fee (a percentage) to a transaction when a customer pays with a credit card. Because this adds to the "advertised price," Visa treats it with the highest level of scrutiny. The Mandatory Checklist: 30-Day Advance Notice: You must notify your merchant acquirer (your processor) at least 30 days before you start surcharging. Credit Cards ONLY: It is a violation of federal law and Visa rules to surcharge debit cards or prepaid cards, even if they are run as "credit" (signature-based). The 3% Hard Cap: As of 2023, Visa lowered the maximum surcharge cap. You may only surcharge the lower of: Your actual merchant discount rate (MDR) for that card. A maximum of 3%. Point-of-Entry Disclosure:…