Shopify surcharge app guide
A practical guide to surcharging on Shopify: what it is, how it differs from convenience fees, legal considerations, and implementation patterns.
What is a credit card surcharge?
A surcharge is an additional amount applied when a customer chooses to pay with a credit card, intended to offset processing costs. It’s tied to the payment method, not the product price.
Surcharge vs convenience fee
A surcharge is card-specific. Convenience fees are often tied to a specific “convenience” channel or method. The difference impacts disclosure and sometimes legality.
Common Shopify implementation patterns
- Line-item fee: add a fee product/line item in cart/checkout flows.
- Clear messaging: disclose the fee and how to avoid it (ACH).
- Steering: pair surcharging with an ACH option for best results.