If you are a business owner, you know the importance of having the right credit card terminal. Here at Moolah, we have partnered with Poynt and chosen the Poynt Smart Terminal as our credit card terminal of choice. That’s because of its ease of use, flexibility, security, and most importantly, its connectivity. However, if you are just getting into the business of credit card payment processing, you may have some questions about card terminals. Here, we will outline some of the basics that can help you choose your payment terminal.
The traditional, or countertop terminal is something you’ve seen at all types of establishments. It is one of the oldest and most common credit card terminals around. This type of terminal typically sits in a fixed location, on a countertop, and it does not normally move around. It also requires an internet or phone connection in order to process payments. The traditional terminal tends to have the benefit of security, as well as the ability to accept several forms of payment, but it typically lacks portability.
Wireless or mobile credit card terminals do not require a wired internet or phone connection, unlike traditional terminals. The ease this provides may make them an appealing option, especially for people who are accepting payments on the go. However, wireless or mobile terminals may not be as secure as you would like, though there are some efforts you can take to increase security. You’ll want to make sure your business follows the standard PCI guidelines to protect your network.
Another type of credit card terminal is the integrated point of sale (POS) system. Integrated POS systems can be more efficient than other card terminals because they often integrate software and hardware your business already needs, and can be connected directly to your payment processor. With POS systems, information can move directly from the payment processor to POS, saving you the trouble of inputting transaction information yourself. POS systems can significantly simplify the process of accepting credit card transactions.
Another type of credit card terminal is the virtual terminal. These are web pages that allow you to directly input transaction information. This can come in handy for transactions over the phone or online. However, virtual terminals may not be as efficient for in-person transactions, as they require you to input payment information rather than simply inputting or swiping a card.
When choosing a credit card terminal, it is important to consider what is best for you. Here at Moolah, we offer the Poynt Smart Terminal to customers free of charge. The Poynt Smart Terminal is an integrated POS that can serve as a countertop terminal while providing wireless connectivity to aid in the processes that keep your business running. As your business grows, Poynt and Moolah have the ability to stay with you.
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A credit card surcharge is an additional fee added to a transaction when a patient chooses to pay with a credit card. The surcharge is intended to help offset the cost of credit card processing and applies only to eligible credit card transactions.
No. Debit card transactions may not be surcharged under any circumstances, even if the debit card is processed as a credit transaction or entered manually.
Yes. Credit card surcharges may not exceed the merchant’s actual cost of accepting credit cards and are capped at a maximum of 3% of the total transaction amount, in accordance with card-network rules and applicable law.
Yes. Card networks require clear and transparent disclosure of any credit card surcharge. Practices must notify patients through appropriate signage at the practice entrance, point of sale, and anywhere payments are accepted. If payments are accepted online, the surcharge must also be clearly disclosed on the practice’s website.
Yes. Some U.S. states and territories prohibit or restrict credit card surcharging. Practices are responsible for understanding and complying with their state’s specific requirements before implementing a surcharge.
No. While Moolah provides tools and general guidance to support credit card surcharging, compliance with all applicable laws and card-network rules is the responsibility of the merchant. Moolah does not provide legal advice and assumes no liability for a merchant’s compliance.
Most major credit card networks permit surcharging when done in accordance with their rules, but additional requirements or restrictions may apply. Practices should ensure they have completed all required network notifications and disclosures prior to enabling surcharging.
Failure to comply with surcharging rules may result in card-network fines, required refunds, or other enforcement actions. Practices should ensure they fully understand all applicable requirements before applying a surcharge.
Flex does not currently offer built-in support for credit card surcharging. If a practice chooses to enroll in a surcharge plan, payments would need to be processed through Moolah’s payment platform, which is designed to support surcharging and integrates directly with Open Dental.
If you are considering introducing a credit card surcharge for your patients, it is important to understand that there are specific rules and regulations that must be followed when enrolling in and operating under a surcharge plan.
This article provides a general overview of common surcharging requirements. This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is the responsibility of each merchant to review, understand, and comply with all applicable laws, card-network rules, and regulatory requirements, including notification timeframes, signage requirements, surcharge percentage limits, and jurisdictions where surcharging is prohibited.
If you are unsure about the laws or regulations applicable to your practice, you should consult with qualified legal counsel. Moolah assumes no liability for a merchant’s compliance or non-compliance with credit card surcharging rules or regulations.
Transparent Communication
Card networks, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express, require merchants to clearly and transparently disclose when a credit card surcharge is applied.
Practices must clearly notify patients of a credit card surcharge through appropriate signage placed at the practice entrance, at the point of sale or terminal, and anywhere payments are accepted. If payments are accepted online, surcharge disclosures must also be clearly visible on the practice’s website. All disclosures must inform patients that the surcharge applies only to credit card transactions.
Surcharge Limits
Credit card surcharges must comply with both card-network rules and applicable law. The surcharge amount may not exceed the merchant’s actual cost of accepting credit cards and may not exceed 3% of the total transaction amount.
Card-network rules cap credit card surcharges at 3%, meaning that if a merchant’s processing costs exceed this amount, the excess portion cannot be passed on to the patient.
Network and State Restrictions
The major credit card networks, such as Visa and Mastercard, impose specific requirements related to surcharge limits, advance notification, and disclosure.
In addition, several U.S. states and territories regulate or prohibit credit card surcharging. At the time of writing, credit card surcharging is prohibited in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Puerto Rico. Other states, including Colorado, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, and New York, impose restrictions on surcharge amounts or require specific disclosures.
If your practice operates in a state that restricts or prohibits credit card surcharging, you must fully understand and comply with those requirements before implementing a surcharge.
Debit card transactions may never be surcharged, even if the debit card is processed as a credit transaction.
Applicability
Credit card surcharges may be applied only to credit card transactions. Other payment types, including debit cards and alternative payment methods, are not eligible for surcharging.
Regulatory Compliance
Merchants are responsible for maintaining ongoing compliance with all applicable card-network and legal requirements. This includes meeting advance notification obligations, using compliant signage and disclosures, adhering to surcharge percentage limits, and respecting jurisdiction-specific restrictions.
By following these guidelines, dental practices can implement credit card surcharging in a way that aligns with card-network rules and promotes transparency with patients. Clear and upfront communication helps maintain patient trust and supports a positive payment experience.