Why Credit Card Fees Are a Growing Problem

If you run a business today, you've probably noticed credit card processing fees eating into your profit margins. Every swipe or tap comes with 2–4% in fees, which add up quickly. For some businesses, that can mean thousands of dollars lost each month.

What if there was a way to accept credit cards without paying the fees yourself? That's exactly what Fee-Shift by Servistree delivers.

What Is Fee-Shift?

Fee-Shift is Servistree's zero-fee credit card processing solution that uses surcharging. Instead of the business paying credit card fees, the cost is automatically shifted to the cardholder when they choose to pay with a credit card.

• Credit card transactions → customer pays the surcharge
• Debit card transactions → no surcharge (business pays standard debit rates)
• Cash/check transactions → no surcharge

This way, your business eliminates or drastically reduces processing costs while still offering flexible payment options.

Is It Legal to Surcharge Customers?

Yes — in most U.S. states, surcharging is allowed, provided you follow Visa, Mastercard, and state rules.

Key requirements:

• Credit card surcharges must be clearly shown on receipts and at the point of sale
• Debit card and prepaid card transactions cannot be surcharged
• The surcharge cannot exceed 4%

Servistree ensures compliance by setting up your system correctly, training your team, and keeping you protected from fines or penalties.

Why Businesses Choose Fee-Shift

1. Eliminate Credit Card Transaction Fees Keep 100% of your sales revenue instead of losing 2–4% to processors.

2. Increase Profit Margins A $50,000 monthly processing volume could mean $1,500–$2,000 saved each month.

3. Stay Competitive Customers already pay surcharges at gas stations, utility companies, and government offices — it's a growing standard.

4. Transparency Customers see the surcharge before they pay, reducing disputes and improving trust.

Common Questions Business Owners Ask

1. Will I lose customers if I pass on the fee? Most businesses see little to no resistance. Customers are familiar with surcharges in many industries. Plus, they always have the option to pay with debit, check, or cash without the fee.

2. How is Fee-Shift different from Cash Discounting?

• Cash Discounting: Prices are raised across the board, and a discount is offered for cash payments.
• Fee-Shift (Surcharging): Standard prices remain the same, but only credit card users pay the surcharge.

3. What about compliance and equipment? Servistree provides terminals certified for surcharging and ensures your system meets Visa/Mastercard guidelines. You don't have to worry about technical details.

4. Can I still accept debit cards? Yes — debit transactions run at normal debit rates and cannot be surcharged.

5. What if my business accepts online payments? Fee-Shift can be integrated into your e-commerce checkout or invoice payment links. Customers see the surcharge before completing their transaction.

Who Benefits Most from Fee-Shift?

• Medical & Dental Practices — patients often prefer credit cards for large balances
• Veterinary Clinics — frequent credit card use with minimal pushback
• Professional Services — accountants, attorneys, consultants
• Automotive - body shops, repair shops, tire replacement
• Hospitality & Retail — restaurants, hotels, and specialty stores with tight margins

How to Get Started

1. Consultation: Servistree reviews your business setup and processing volume.
2. Compliance Setup: We configure your terminals or online checkout to handle surcharges automatically.
3. Launch: Start processing and keep 100% of your revenue.

Conclusion: Stop Letting Fees Eat Your Profits

Credit card acceptance isn't optional anymore — but paying the fees doesn't have to be. With Servistree's Fee-Shift service, you can shift the cost to the cardholder, protect your margins, and simplify compliance.

Take Action Now!

Ready to stop losing money on credit card fees? Call Servistree at 866-944-3244 or schedule a consultation below. We'll show you how Fee-Shift can help your business keep more of what it earns.

Adam Weizer | President Servistree.com 

Merchant Services & Insurance

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