Running a small business means watching every expense, and card processing is one that grows with every sale. Cash discount payment processing changes who covers that cost. Tap Simple offers a cash discount program: you set a cash price, the card price covers the cost of processing, and each customer chooses how to pay. For tradespeople, retailers and other small businesses on tight margins, that can mean keeping more of each sale.
What is cash discount payment processing?
Cash discount payment processing is a way of pricing so the business does not absorb the full cost of each card payment. The price you set is the cash price. Customers who pay by card pay the card price, which covers the cost of processing. Customers who pay cash get the lower cash price.
It is not the same as a surcharge. Card network rules, disclosures and state rules differ between the two, and the Tap Simple program is built on cash discounting. Our guide to cash discount vs surcharge explains the difference.
How cash discount payment processing works
- Set your cash price. This is the amount you intend to earn on the sale.
- Show the card price. Your terminal shows the card price next to the cash price, so customers see both before they pay.
- Let the customer choose. Cash customers pay the cash price. Card customers pay the card price.
- Keep the cash price you set. The card price covers the cost of processing, so it does not come out of your cash price.
Clear signs at the counter and a one-sentence explanation for staff keep it simple: “Here is the cash price, and this is the card price.”
Ready to see what it looks like for your business? Start your application or see pricing.
Who cash discount payment processing fits
Tradespeople. Electricians, plumbers and other trades often take large card payments on the job. A cash discount program means those payments do not shrink the price you quoted.
Retailers. Small shops with many card sales a day can protect their margins without raising their cash prices. See how it works in our guide to credit card processing for retail.
Restaurants, cafés and bars. Busy counters and tables take card payments all day. Our guide to the benefits of a cash discount program walks through worked examples.
Ready to take cards?
What a cash discount program does not change
A cash discount program changes who covers the cost of each card payment. It does not make every cost disappear. Devices, software and account fees still apply, and they are listed on the Tap Simple pricing page. Card network and state rules also apply to cash discount programs and can change, so confirm the current rules for your state.
Getting started with Tap Simple
- Apply online. Start your application at app.tapsimple.com.
- Choose your device. The 3-in-1 Reader works with your phone or tablet, the Smart Terminal is a handheld with a built-in printer, and the Smart Flex adds a customer-facing display for the counter.
- Prepare your signs and your team. Post the cash and card prices clearly and give staff a one-sentence explanation.
- Start taking payments. The Tap Simple support team can help with questions along the way.
Tap Simple makes cash discount payment processing straightforward for small businesses. Start your application or see pricing.
Cash discount payment processing FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Does cash discount payment processing mean there are no costs?
No. The card price covers the cost of processing each card payment, so that cost does not come out of your cash price. Devices, software and account fees still apply, and they are listed on the Tap Simple pricing page.
Is a cash discount the same as a surcharge?
No. A cash discount program sets a cash price and a card price, while a surcharge adds a fee to card payments. Card network rules, disclosures and state rules differ between them, and the Tap Simple program is built on cash discounting.
Will customers accept a cash price and a card price?
Customers see both prices before they pay and choose how to pay. Clear signs and a short explanation from staff help the conversation go smoothly.
How do I start with Tap Simple?
Start your application at app.tapsimple.com, choose the device that fits how you sell, and the Tap Simple team will help you get your cash discount program running.
