Leverage AFS Dual Pricing Program to Stay Compliant with Card Brand Guidelines

The Easiest Way to Ensure Your Business Stays Up to Date.

 

The AFS Dual Pricing Program allows merchants to incentivize customers to pay with cash by offering discounts, helping reduce credit card processing fees and save money.


Staying compliant with regulations is crucial to avoid penalties. Key points include:

  • The legality of offering dual pricing

  • Guidelines for displaying cash discounts on posted prices

  • Resources and tips to stay up-to-date on regulations


Benefits of the program include:

  • Lower processing fees and increased profits

  • Better customer experience through transparency in pricing

  • Guidance on implementation and compliance to reduce burden on merchants


Contact us to learn how we can help you implement an effective and compliant AFS' Dual Pricing Program.

As a merchant, it's important to follow the AFS' Dual Pricing regulations to avoid any potential issues. Please use this checklist to ensure that you are following all guidelines accurately.

 

Signage and Disclosure

  • Display clear and appropriate signage with appropriate Dual Pricing language at all entry points to any location where the Dual Pricing Program is available.

  • All posted pricing should show a Cash Price and a Credit Price.

  • If only showing one price, that price should be your Credit Price.

Discount Rates and Transaction Fees

  • Clearly communicate to customers that payments made with cash or check will receive a discount.

  • Ensure all changes to your discount rate have been made by contacting AFS Support or your agent.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations

  • Review any specific local, state, or federal laws regarding cash discounts.

  • Verify AFS' Dual Pricing program compliance with Visa's updated rules and regulations.

  • Inform the acquirer of any dual pricing programs being offered at any location.

Potential Consequences of Non-Compliance

  • Failure to follow compliance will result in fines from Visa that will be passed directly through to the merchant.

  • Do not charge any additional fees or surcharges for payments made with electronic payment methods.

  • Review any potential penalties or fines for non-compliance with AFS' Dual Pricing Program.

Additional Notes

  • Update your credit card processing device to a Dual Processing application.

  • Ensure the card brand guidelines are followed regarding credit card processing. You can visit the AFS Dual Pricing Resources site for resources to keep both you and your employees informed.

By following this checklist, you can ensure that you remain aligned with AFS' Dual Pricing regulations and avoid any potential issues. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our AFS Support Team or your agent for assistance.



 

Cardbrand Links

Mastercard:

What Merchant Surcharge Rules Mean to You

The webpage article outlines the guidelines that merchants must follow when imposing surcharges on transactions made with Mastercard.

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MASTERCARD:

Mastercard Rules for Merchants

The article explains the general rules and regulations merchants must follow regarding the acceptance and processing of Mastercard transactions.

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AMERICAN EXPRESS:

Being an American Express Merchant

The webpage article outlines the regulations that merchants must follow when accepting American Express payments, including guidelines on surcharging, card acceptance, and compliance with laws and regulations.

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VISA:

Merchant Surcharge Q&A

This document provides a comprehensive Q&A on merchant surcharging, which is the practice of adding an extra fee to Visa card transactions.

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VISA:

5 Important Rules for Merchants 

This document outlines five important rules for merchants to follow when accepting Visa card payments.

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Blog (3)
Visa:

Merchant Surcharging Considerations and Requirements 

This article discusses the considerations and requirements for merchants who want to implement surcharging on Visa card transactions. 

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Visa:

Visa Rules and Policy

The Visa Rules page summarizes key guidelines and protections that apply to consumers using Visa cards. It covers topics such as unauthorized transactions, zero liability policy, and cardholder dispute resolution.

Read More
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Downloadable Resources

 

 

Have Questions and Want to Learn More?

 

Email your questions to our AFS Support Team and they will be happy to help you find the answers you need.