Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is a surcharge?

Surcharges are fees that a merchant/retailer adds to the cost of a purchase when a customer pays for services with a credit card. A surcharge is percentage of the actual sale. For example, if a traveler books a vacation home for $1,000, the merchant may add a surcharge of 3% to the total purchase (as long as that percentage is not larger than the merchant’s actual cost of acceptance).

FAQ Topics

Other Topics in
AscentZeroCost

• How does AscentZeroCost work?
• What is the AscentZeroCost Program?
• Why should I consider AscentZeroCost?
• How do I communicate to my customers why I’m doing this?
• Can I utilize AscentZeroCost on both credit and debit card purchases?
• What is the process that a merchant must follow in order to utilize AscentZeroCost? How hard is the process to start?
• Am I required to disclose the surcharge to my customers?
• What happens if there is a cancellation- is the surcharge refunded?
• When processing any chargebacks can the surcharge amount be included?
• Can I choose which types of cards I add a surcharge to?
• I operate offices in multiple states. I understand state laws prohibit me from surcharging in some states where I operate, but not others – does that mean I can still surcharge in the states where allowed?
• Why should I trust ASCENT?
• What is a surcharge?

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