Cost-Saving Programs
Keep More of Every Sale.
ClearPath Payments evaluates compliant pricing programs that may help eligible merchants reduce or offset payment processing costs — and provides rebates back to merchants for using our services.
Understanding Your Processing Costs Is the First Step.
Most businesses accept that processing fees are just a cost of doing business. But the amount you pay — and how you pay it — is more flexible than most processors let on.
ClearPath Payments reviews your current setup and explains every compliant option available to your business type, transaction mix, and state. We don't push one program over another — we help you understand the trade-offs so you can make the right decision.
Your Cost-Saving Options, Explained Clearly
Every program below is compliant, available through ClearPath, and explained without jargon.
Cash Discount Program
Offer customers a discount for paying with cash, helping offset card-processing costs.
How It Works
A posted price includes a service fee for card payments. Customers who pay with cash receive a discount equal to that fee. The merchant's net revenue stays consistent regardless of payment method.
Best For
Retail, restaurants, service businesses, and other merchants with frequent in-person transactions.
Key Considerations
Must be disclosed clearly at the point of sale. Subject to card-network rules and applicable state laws. Not available in all states or for all merchant types.
Surcharge Program
Pass a compliant surcharge to customers who choose to pay by credit card.
How It Works
A disclosed surcharge is added to the transaction total when a customer pays by credit card. Debit card transactions are not surchargeable. The surcharge offsets the merchant's credit card processing cost.
Best For
B2B merchants, professional services, and businesses where customers are accustomed to surcharges.
Key Considerations
Surcharging is prohibited in some states and restricted by card-network rules. Requires advance registration with card networks. Cannot exceed the merchant's actual cost of acceptance. Debit cards cannot be surcharged.
Interchange Plus Pricing
Pay the actual interchange cost set by card networks, plus a small fixed markup.
How It Works
Your processing cost is the interchange rate published by Visa/Mastercard/Amex (which varies by card type and transaction) plus a fixed markup retained by the processor. You see exactly what the card networks charge and exactly what ClearPath earns.
Best For
Higher-volume merchants, B2B businesses, and any merchant who wants full visibility into their processing costs.
Key Considerations
Monthly costs vary based on card mix. Rewards cards and corporate cards carry higher interchange rates than standard consumer cards.
Flat Rate Pricing
One predictable rate on every transaction — easy to budget and understand.
How It Works
Every transaction is charged the same rate regardless of card type. Simpler to track and budget for, though the flat rate is typically set above average interchange to cover higher-cost card types.
Best For
Lower-volume merchants, new businesses, and those who prioritize simplicity over optimization.
Key Considerations
May cost more than interchange-plus for businesses with a favorable card mix. Best evaluated against your actual transaction data.
Custom & Tiered Pricing
Pricing structures tailored to your specific transaction mix, volume, and business type.
How It Works
Transactions are grouped into rate tiers (qualified, mid-qualified, non-qualified) or a fully custom structure is built around your business. ClearPath analyzes your processing history to recommend the most cost-effective structure.
Best For
Businesses with unique transaction profiles, high volume, or specialized industry needs.
Key Considerations
Tiered pricing can obscure true costs if not explained clearly. ClearPath walks through exactly which cards fall into which tiers and why.
Merchant Rebates
We Put Money Back in Your Business.
Unlike most processors, ClearPath Payments provides rebates back to merchants for using our services. It's one more way we work to reduce the net cost of payment acceptance — not just explain it.
Which Program Is Right for You?
Every business is different. ClearPath evaluates your transaction data and recommends the program — or combination of programs — that makes the most sense for your situation.
Transaction volume
Higher volume generally unlocks better interchange-plus rates.
Card mix
Rewards and corporate cards carry higher interchange — your mix matters.
Average ticket size
Flat fees hit small tickets harder; percentage fees hit large tickets harder.
Business type & state
Some programs are restricted by industry or state law.
Customer base
B2B customers often accept surcharges; consumer-facing businesses may prefer cash discount.
Current processor
We compare your existing rates against what's available to you today.
Important: Cash discount, surcharge, and other cost-offset programs are subject to card-network rules (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), applicable federal and state laws, processor requirements, and individual merchant eligibility. Not all programs are available in all states or for all merchant types. ClearPath Payments does not guarantee that any merchant will eliminate or reduce processing costs. All programs must be implemented in compliance with applicable rules. Consult your legal and tax advisors regarding the implications of any pricing program for your business.
Find Out What You're Actually Paying — and What You Could Be Paying.
Submit a recent processing statement and ClearPath will review your rates, identify eligible programs, and give you a clear comparison. No obligation, no pressure.