How to pass credit card fees to customers on Shopify
A step-by-step guide for merchants researching a shopify surcharge app: what to disclose, how to structure the fee, and how to keep the customer experience transparent.
Decide your approach
If you want the fee to apply only when a customer chooses a credit card, you’re in surcharge territory. If you raise prices for everyone, you’re not surcharging—but you may lose price competitiveness.
Confirm your compliance baseline
Rules vary by jurisdiction and card network. Start with your state overview and consult counsel for your situation.
Choose a transparent UX pattern
Avoid surprise fees. Clearly label what changed and show how to avoid the fee via ACH.
Implement as a line item with rules
Most implementations add a fee line item at cart/checkout with conditions tied to payment method or configuration.
Offer ACH as the alternative
Best-performing setups pair surcharging with an easy bank-payment option.