This guide explains what surcharging is, why more franchises are adopting it, and how MyTime implements a scalable, compliant solution that works at every location.<\/p>\n
What Is Surcharging? (Simple Definition for Franchise Operators)<\/strong><\/h1>\nSurcharging is the practice of adding a small, clearly disclosed fee to a transaction when a client pays with a credit or debit card. The fee offsets the card processing cost that businesses otherwise absorb.<\/p>\n
Why Surcharging Matters More in 2026 and Beyond<\/strong><\/h3>\nProcessing fees have risen industry-wide due to several converging trends:<\/p>\n
\n- Higher interchange rates<\/li>\n
- Increased card-not-present transactions<\/li>\n
- Greater adoption of digital wallets and tap-to-pay checkout<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
For single-location businesses, fee increases are painful.<\/p>\n
For\u00a0franchises and multi-location operators<\/strong>, they are exponential.<\/p>\nWithout surcharging, operators face:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Shrinking margins<\/li>\n
- Pressure to raise service prices<\/li>\n
- Unpredictable month-end financials<\/li>\n
- Franchisee frustration when fees vary by region<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Surcharging protects margins at scale without forcing price increases.<\/strong><\/p>\nHow MyTime Implements Surcharging for Multi-Location Brands<\/strong><\/h1>\nMyTime treats surcharging as a configurable payment feature that applies automatically at checkout based on how rules are set per location. Once enabled, surcharge behavior is handled by the system across POS and online payments, rather than by staff at the counter<\/p>\n
![\"Surcharging](\"https:\/\/go.mytime.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Surcharging%20Settings%20(1).gif?width=1920&height=1080&name=Surcharging%20Settings%20(1).gif\")
<\/p>\n
1. Granular, Location-Level Surcharge Rules<\/strong><\/h2>\nOperators can define surcharge behavior across key dimensions that determine how fees are applied at checkout, giving brands precise control without adding operational complexity.<\/p>\n
Payment Type<\/strong><\/h3>\nDefine which card types are eligible for surcharges:<\/p>\n
\n- Credit cards only<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Debit cards only<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Both credit + debit<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Transaction Type<\/strong><\/h3>\nApply surcharge rules based on how the payment is taken:<\/p>\n
\n- Card-present<\/li>\n
- Card-not-present (online, in-app, call center)<\/li>\n
- All transactions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Fee Structure<\/strong><\/h3>\nChoose how surcharge amounts are calculated:<\/p>\n
\n- Percentage-based (e.g., 2.5%)<\/li>\n
- Flat fee (e.g., $0.50 per card transaction)<\/li>\n
- Hybrid options for specific payment categories<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This flexibility allows brands to align surcharge configuration with local requirements , franchise agreements, and margin goals.<\/p>\n
![\"Surcharge](\"https:\/\/go.mytime.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Surcharge%20on%20Ticket.gif?width=1920&height=1080&name=Surcharge%20on%20Ticket.gif\")
<\/p>\n
2. Complete Transparency for Clients<\/strong><\/h2>\nOne of the biggest risks in surcharging is confusing clients.<\/p>\n
MyTime prevents this by showing surcharge details\u00a0before<\/em>\u00a0payment across:<\/p>\n\n- POS checkout screens<\/li>\n
- Client-facing terminals<\/li>\n
- Online booking and in-app flows<\/li>\n
- Membership, package, and gift card purchases<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Clients see exactly what they\u2019re being charged, why, and how it works\u2014reducing confusion, callbacks, and chargebacks.<\/p>\n
Transparency is a competitive advantage, not a cost.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n3. Fully Automated Execution at Checkout<\/strong><\/h2>\nOnce enabled, MyTime:<\/p>\n
\n- Calculates and applies the correct surcharge automatically<\/li>\n
- Applies it as a separate line item<\/li>\n
- Displays it compliantly before payment<\/li>\n
- Includes or excludes it during refunds (based on operator rules)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
No manual intervention.<\/p>\n
No staff scripting.<\/p>\n
No risk of inconsistency across locations.<\/p>\n
This is essential for franchise brands where front desk workflows must stay clean and predictable.<\/p>\n
![\"SUNDAY](\"https:\/\/go.mytime.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/SUNDAY%20(3).png?width=2000&height=769&name=SUNDAY%20(3).png\")
<\/p>\n
Benefits of Surcharging for Franchise & Multi-Location Operators<\/strong><\/h1>\nSurcharging isn’t just a payment tactic \u2014 it’s a strategic tool that protects margins and improves financial clarity at every location.<\/p>\n
1. Margin Protection Without Raising Prices<\/strong><\/h2>\nInstead of raising service prices across the board, operators recover the processing fee associated with the payment method used.<\/p>\n
At scale, the savings are substantial:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Lower operating expense per transaction<\/li>\n
- More predictable financial performance<\/li>\n
- Stronger unit economics for franchisees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2. More Consistent Fee Handling Across Locations<\/strong><\/h2>\nMyTime allows surcharge rules to be configured by location and standardized using templates, helping brands apply the same approach across their network.<\/p>\n
This ensures:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- More consistent fee recovery at checkout<\/li>\n
- Reduced location-by-location guesswork<\/li>\n
- Predictable guest experiences<\/li>\n
- Alignment with brand-wide financial strategy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Clear Accounting Records for Surcharges<\/strong><\/h2>\nFinance teams get clear visibility into surcharge activity by location.<\/p>\n
MyTime automatically:<\/p>\n
\n- Recordssurcharges as separate line items on POS tickets<\/li>\n
- Displays surcharge amounts consistently on payments and refunds<\/li>\n
- Includes surcharge data as distinct items in accounting exports and journal responses<\/li>\n
- Makes surcharge activity easier to identify during financial review and reconciliation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This is especially valuable for operators managing complex multi-state books.<\/p>\n
4. Better Customer Transparency and Fewer Disputes<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen guests see surcharge details upfront:<\/p>\n
\n- Confusion is reduced<\/li>\n
- Payment disputes are less likely<\/li>\n
- Front desk teams spend less time explaining charges<\/li>\n
- Trust is reinforced at checkout<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
In a world where price sensitivity is rising, transparency matters more than ever.<\/p>\n
5. Easy Adoption for Franchisees<\/strong><\/h2>\nOnce surcharge rules are configured for a location, they are applied automatically at checkout.<\/p>\n
No complex training required.<\/p>\n
No manual steps for staff<\/p>\n
No inconsistent application during payment<\/p>\n
This makes surcharging a repeatable, location-level configuration rather than a manual, staff-driven process.<\/p>\n
Compliance: What Operators Need to Know<\/strong><\/h1>\nMyTime supports surcharge compliance requirements, but operators should understand the basics:<\/p>\n
\n- State laws vary<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 some allow surcharges with caps, while others restrict or prohibit them.<\/li>\n
- Debit and credit rules differ<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 debit surcharges are regulated separately in many regions.<\/li>\n
- Clear disclosure is required<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 card networks mandate upfront transparency before payment.<\/li>\n
- Operators must confirm local requirements<\/strong>\u00a0before enabling surcharging.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
MyTime provides the tools for compliance, but operators remain responsible for confirming and meeting local compliance requirements.<\/p>\n
![\"SUNDAY](\"https:\/\/go.mytime.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/SUNDAY%20(5).png?width=4000&height=2000&name=SUNDAY%20(5).png\")
<\/p>\n
What This Means for Your Franchise Network<\/strong><\/h1>\nMyTime\u2019s surcharging feature helps multi-location brands:<\/p>\n
\n- Protect margins automatically<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Keep service pricing stable<\/strong>\u00a0even as processing fees rise<\/li>\n
- Apply surcharge behavior more consistently across locations<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Reduce guest confusion through clear, upfront fee display<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Maintain clearer financial records for surcharge activity<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Support franchisees with predictable, consistent fee structures<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
For brands facing margin pressure, rising interchange fees, or inconsistent fee handling across locations, surcharging is one of the simplest high-impact levers available.<\/p>\n
How to Get Started<\/strong><\/h1>\nWhether you\u2019re evaluating MyTime or already using the platform, enabling surcharging is straightforward.<\/p>\n
If You\u2019re a MyTime Customer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\ud83d\udc49 Contact Support or your account manager \u2192 Surcharging is currently available to customers on <\/span>Stripe or Global Payments<\/span>. If that’s you, contact Support or your account manager to enable surcharging and configure location-level rules. Not on one of those processors yet? Stay tuned \u2014 we’re working to bring this to more customers soon<\/span><\/p>\n\n
Processing fees have risen industry-wide due to several converging trends:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Higher interchange rates<\/li>\n
- Increased card-not-present transactions<\/li>\n
- Greater adoption of digital wallets and tap-to-pay checkout<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
For single-location businesses, fee increases are painful.<\/p>\n
For\u00a0franchises and multi-location operators<\/strong>, they are exponential.<\/p>\n
Without surcharging, operators face:<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- Shrinking margins<\/li>\n
- Pressure to raise service prices<\/li>\n
- Unpredictable month-end financials<\/li>\n
- Franchisee frustration when fees vary by region<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Surcharging protects margins at scale without forcing price increases.<\/strong><\/p>\n
How MyTime Implements Surcharging for Multi-Location Brands<\/strong><\/h1>\n
MyTime treats surcharging as a configurable payment feature that applies automatically at checkout based on how rules are set per location. Once enabled, surcharge behavior is handled by the system across POS and online payments, rather than by staff at the counter<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n1. Granular, Location-Level Surcharge Rules<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Operators can define surcharge behavior across key dimensions that determine how fees are applied at checkout, giving brands precise control without adding operational complexity.<\/p>\n
Payment Type<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Define which card types are eligible for surcharges:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Credit cards only<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Debit cards only<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Both credit + debit<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Transaction Type<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Apply surcharge rules based on how the payment is taken:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Card-present<\/li>\n
- Card-not-present (online, in-app, call center)<\/li>\n
- All transactions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Fee Structure<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Choose how surcharge amounts are calculated:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Percentage-based (e.g., 2.5%)<\/li>\n
- Flat fee (e.g., $0.50 per card transaction)<\/li>\n
- Hybrid options for specific payment categories<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This flexibility allows brands to align surcharge configuration with local requirements , franchise agreements, and margin goals.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n2. Complete Transparency for Clients<\/strong><\/h2>\n
One of the biggest risks in surcharging is confusing clients.<\/p>\n
MyTime prevents this by showing surcharge details\u00a0before<\/em>\u00a0payment across:<\/p>\n
- \n
- POS checkout screens<\/li>\n
- Client-facing terminals<\/li>\n
- Online booking and in-app flows<\/li>\n
- Membership, package, and gift card purchases<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Clients see exactly what they\u2019re being charged, why, and how it works\u2014reducing confusion, callbacks, and chargebacks.<\/p>\n
Transparency is a competitive advantage, not a cost.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n3. Fully Automated Execution at Checkout<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Once enabled, MyTime:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Calculates and applies the correct surcharge automatically<\/li>\n
- Applies it as a separate line item<\/li>\n
- Displays it compliantly before payment<\/li>\n
- Includes or excludes it during refunds (based on operator rules)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
No manual intervention.<\/p>\n
No staff scripting.<\/p>\n
No risk of inconsistency across locations.<\/p>\n
This is essential for franchise brands where front desk workflows must stay clean and predictable.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nBenefits of Surcharging for Franchise & Multi-Location Operators<\/strong><\/h1>\n
Surcharging isn’t just a payment tactic \u2014 it’s a strategic tool that protects margins and improves financial clarity at every location.<\/p>\n
1. Margin Protection Without Raising Prices<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Instead of raising service prices across the board, operators recover the processing fee associated with the payment method used.<\/p>\n
At scale, the savings are substantial:<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- Lower operating expense per transaction<\/li>\n
- More predictable financial performance<\/li>\n
- Stronger unit economics for franchisees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2. More Consistent Fee Handling Across Locations<\/strong><\/h2>\n
MyTime allows surcharge rules to be configured by location and standardized using templates, helping brands apply the same approach across their network.<\/p>\n
This ensures:<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- More consistent fee recovery at checkout<\/li>\n
- Reduced location-by-location guesswork<\/li>\n
- Predictable guest experiences<\/li>\n
- Alignment with brand-wide financial strategy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Clear Accounting Records for Surcharges<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Finance teams get clear visibility into surcharge activity by location.<\/p>\n
MyTime automatically:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Recordssurcharges as separate line items on POS tickets<\/li>\n
- Displays surcharge amounts consistently on payments and refunds<\/li>\n
- Includes surcharge data as distinct items in accounting exports and journal responses<\/li>\n
- Makes surcharge activity easier to identify during financial review and reconciliation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This is especially valuable for operators managing complex multi-state books.<\/p>\n
4. Better Customer Transparency and Fewer Disputes<\/strong><\/h2>\n
When guests see surcharge details upfront:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Confusion is reduced<\/li>\n
- Payment disputes are less likely<\/li>\n
- Front desk teams spend less time explaining charges<\/li>\n
- Trust is reinforced at checkout<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
In a world where price sensitivity is rising, transparency matters more than ever.<\/p>\n
5. Easy Adoption for Franchisees<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Once surcharge rules are configured for a location, they are applied automatically at checkout.<\/p>\n
No complex training required.<\/p>\n
No manual steps for staff<\/p>\n
No inconsistent application during payment<\/p>\n
This makes surcharging a repeatable, location-level configuration rather than a manual, staff-driven process.<\/p>\n
Compliance: What Operators Need to Know<\/strong><\/h1>\n
MyTime supports surcharge compliance requirements, but operators should understand the basics:<\/p>\n
- \n
- State laws vary<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 some allow surcharges with caps, while others restrict or prohibit them.<\/li>\n
- Debit and credit rules differ<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 debit surcharges are regulated separately in many regions.<\/li>\n
- Clear disclosure is required<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 card networks mandate upfront transparency before payment.<\/li>\n
- Operators must confirm local requirements<\/strong>\u00a0before enabling surcharging.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
MyTime provides the tools for compliance, but operators remain responsible for confirming and meeting local compliance requirements.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nWhat This Means for Your Franchise Network<\/strong><\/h1>\n
MyTime\u2019s surcharging feature helps multi-location brands:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Protect margins automatically<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Keep service pricing stable<\/strong>\u00a0even as processing fees rise<\/li>\n
- Apply surcharge behavior more consistently across locations<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Reduce guest confusion through clear, upfront fee display<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Maintain clearer financial records for surcharge activity<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Support franchisees with predictable, consistent fee structures<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
For brands facing margin pressure, rising interchange fees, or inconsistent fee handling across locations, surcharging is one of the simplest high-impact levers available.<\/p>\n
How to Get Started<\/strong><\/h1>\n
Whether you\u2019re evaluating MyTime or already using the platform, enabling surcharging is straightforward.<\/p>\n
If You\u2019re a MyTime Customer<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\ud83d\udc49 Contact Support or your account manager \u2192 Surcharging is currently available to customers on <\/span>Stripe or Global Payments<\/span>. If that’s you, contact Support or your account manager to enable surcharging and configure location-level rules. Not on one of those processors yet? Stay tuned \u2014 we’re working to bring this to more customers soon<\/span><\/p>\n
\n - Keep service pricing stable<\/strong>\u00a0even as processing fees rise<\/li>\n
- Debit and credit rules differ<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 debit surcharges are regulated separately in many regions.<\/li>\n
- State laws vary<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 some allow surcharges with caps, while others restrict or prohibit them.<\/li>\n
- Debit cards only<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Credit cards only<\/strong><\/li>\n