Can I pass payment processing fees to my customers in my state?

With Contractor Accelerator Payments, you can accept credit card and ACH payments directly through your account. As part of payment processing, there are fees you should be aware of and rules you must follow when passing costs to customers.

Processing Fees

Contractor Accelerator, in partnership with Propelr and CardPointe, charges standard processing fees for credit card and ACH payments.

Convenience Fees (Passing Costs to Customers)

You may choose to add a convenience fee to offset payment processing costs. However, these fees are regulated at both the state and federal level.

• Credit card surcharges and convenience fees are not permitted in every state.
• Rules vary by state and may be subject to change.
• You are responsible for ensuring compliance with local and federal laws when setting up pass-through costs. Contractor Accelerator is not liable for violations related to fee practices.

Regulations by State

There is no single U.S. government website that lists surcharge rules for all 50 states. Instead, regulations are defined at the state level and enforced in combination with federal rules. Here are a few quick articles to get you started. 

• FTC: Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees (16 C.F.R. Part 464) – Nationwide guidance on fee transparency and disclosure.
• Merchant Cost Consulting: Credit Card Surcharge Laws by State – State-by-state breakdown.
• Wikipedia: Payment Surcharge Overview – Legal background and state history.

Best Practices

• Always disclose fees clearly to your customers before payment.
• Confirm state regulations before adding a surcharge or convenience fee.
• When in doubt, consult a legal or accounting professional for compliance.

✅ Tip: Even if surcharges are legal in your state, credit card networks (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) also have rules you must follow.