What Is the EDGE Program?
The EDGE Program (Electronic Data Gathering and Exchange) is a dual-pricing model that allows businesses to offer two prices: a standard price for cash customers and a slightly higher price for customers paying by credit or debit card. The difference covers the cost of processing — meaning the business owner pays little to nothing in processing fees.
This is not a surcharge. It is a transparent, card-network-compliant pricing structure that has been adopted by thousands of businesses across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
How Much Can You Actually Save?
The answer depends on your monthly processing volume and your current effective rate. Here are real-world examples based on businesses Custom Payments has worked with in the Philadelphia area.
Example 1: Chester County Restaurant — $45,000/month
Before EDGE:
- Effective rate: 2.9% (flat-rate Square)
- Monthly processing cost: $1,305
- Annual processing cost: $15,660
After EDGE:
- Monthly processing cost: $0–$45 (minimal program fee)
- Annual savings: approximately $15,400
This restaurant had been on Square for three years. The owner assumed switching would be complicated. The transition took one afternoon.
Example 2: Philadelphia Auto Repair Shop — $28,000/month
Before EDGE:
- Effective rate: 3.1% (tiered pricing through their bank)
- Monthly processing cost: $868
- Annual processing cost: $10,416
After EDGE:
- Monthly processing cost: $0–$30
- Annual savings: approximately $10,200
The shop owner used the savings to purchase a second lift in the first year.
Example 3: Delaware County Medical Office — $62,000/month
Before EDGE:
- Effective rate: 2.4% (interchange-plus through a national processor)
- Monthly processing cost: $1,488
- Annual processing cost: $17,856
After EDGE:
- Monthly processing cost: $0–$60
- Annual savings: approximately $17,700
Medical offices often have high average ticket sizes and consistent card usage, making EDGE particularly effective.
Example 4: Bucks County Retail Store — $18,000/month
Before EDGE:
- Effective rate: 2.7%
- Monthly processing cost: $486
- Annual processing cost: $5,832
After EDGE:
- Monthly processing cost: $0–$20
- Annual savings: approximately $5,700
Example 5: Montgomery County HVAC Contractor — $35,000/month
Before EDGE:
- Effective rate: 2.8%
- Monthly processing cost: $980
- Annual processing cost: $11,760
After EDGE:
- Monthly processing cost: $0–$35
- Annual savings: approximately $11,600
HVAC contractors typically process large invoices by card on-site. EDGE works especially well when average ticket sizes are $500 or more.
Is EDGE Right for Every Business?
EDGE works best when:
- Your customers are accustomed to seeing two-price menus or signs (common in gas stations, restaurants, and service businesses)
- Your average ticket is $50 or more
- You process primarily in-person rather than online
- You want to eliminate processing costs without cutting into margins
It may not be the best fit for businesses with very price-sensitive customers or those operating in markets where competitors do not use dual pricing.
How Does EDGE Compare to a Surcharge?
A surcharge is added to the card price at checkout and must be disclosed. EDGE works differently — the cash price is the baseline, and the card price reflects the full cost of the service. Both are legal and card-network compliant, but EDGE tends to feel more natural to customers because the pricing is posted upfront rather than added at the register.
What Equipment Do You Need?
EDGE works with most modern terminals and POS systems, including:
- PAX A920 (wireless, touchscreen)
- Dejavoo terminals
- Clover Flex and Mini (when reprogrammed)
- Most cloud-based POS systems with dual-pricing support
Custom Payments provides free equipment with every EDGE setup. There is no upfront cost.
How to Get Started
The process is straightforward:
- Submit your current processing statement for a free review
- Receive a side-by-side comparison showing your current cost vs. EDGE
- If EDGE makes sense, we handle the paperwork and equipment setup
- Go live — typically within 3–5 business days
There are contract terms are presented, reviewed, and agreed to in writing. If EDGE does not work for your business, you can switch back at any time.
Ready to See Your Numbers?
Robert Staschak has helped businesses across Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Bucks County, and Philadelphia eliminate processing fees through the EDGE Program. Contact Custom Payments for a free, no-obligation statement review.
Call (484) 393-1576 or visit custompayments.biz.