EDGE dual pricing and credit card surcharging are both legal ways to offset processing fees, but they work very differently. EDGE offers a cash discount — the card price is the standard price and cash customers get a discount. Surcharging adds a fee on top of the advertised price for card users. EDGE is legal in all 50 states. Surcharging is banned in some states and requires specific disclosures. For most Pennsylvania businesses, EDGE is the preferred approach.
EDGE Program
EDGE Program vs. Surcharging: What's the Difference and Which Is Right for Your Business?
By Robert Staschak · Owner, Custom Payments LLC · Merchant Services Specialist · Published 2026-07-31 · 7 minute read
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Map the advertised price, terminal display, receipt language, payment-method treatment, staff workflow, current written terms, and applicable requirements before selecting a customer-pricing process.