As economic pressures continue in 2025—rising labor costs, unpredictable interest rates, and sustained inflation—merchants across the U.S. are making one thing clear:
They’re no longer willing to absorb all the credit card processing costs.
Enter cash discounting and dual pricing, two models that have surged in popularity as businesses look for legal and effective ways to offset card fees without increasing retail prices across the board. At 1 DASH, we help businesses implement these models correctly, so they remain compliant, transparent, and profitable.
What’s the Difference?
Cash Discounting:
A higher posted price includes card fees, and customers paying with cash receive a discount.
Dual Pricing:
Two prices are clearly listed: one for cash, one for card. The customer chooses.
While often used interchangeably, dual pricing is the more transparent and legally sound approach in 2025—and it’s gaining favor with both regulators and payment networks when implemented properly.
Why the Surge in 2025?
- Interchange fees remain high, despite proposed caps and settlements
- Small businesses are facing margin pressure due to inflation and rising operational costs
- Consumer acceptance has increased, especially in gas stations, hospitality, and food service
- More states now explicitly allow or clarify dual pricing as a compliant alternative to surcharging
Is It Legal in My State?
Yes—dual pricing is legal in all 50 states. Surcharging, by contrast, is still restricted in a handful of states and requires strict compliance with Visa, Mastercard, and local laws.
At 1 DASH, we evaluate your state regulations and card brand rules before recommending a program, and ensure signage, receipts, and pricing are all fully compliant.
How 1 DASH Helps You Do It Right
- Tailored program setup based on your business type, volume, and location
- Pre-approved signage and terminal configuration
- Transparent billing and reporting for both cash and card transactions
- Support for POS systems, countertop terminals, and ecommerce platforms
- Ongoing compliance monitoring to keep your program up-to-date
Bottom Line
As merchant costs rise, dual pricing offers a smart and legal way to take control of processing expenses—without increasing sticker prices or losing customer trust.
With 1 DASH, you don’t have to navigate the complexity alone. We deliver Merchant Services with Intelligence, backed by technology, compliance, and real-world experience.
Contact us today for a free pricing model consultation and find out if dual pricing is right for your business.