Compliance · Minnesota
Credit Card Surcharge Laws in Minnesota (2026 Guide)
Credit card surcharging is legal in Minnesota, but state rules add requirements on top of the card network baseline.
Is it legal to surcharge credit cards in Minnesota?
Yes, with Minnesota-specific rules (Minn. Stat. § 325G.051). Minnesota's statute allows a surcharge of up to 5% if the customer is told orally at the time of sale and by a conspicuous sign, or by a posted notice during an online sale. In practice the lower card network caps govern. Never surcharge your own store card. Source: Nickel 2026 state surcharge table, Payment Review, 2026 surcharge rules.
The rules you must follow
Card network rules set the baseline in every state: Visa caps surcharges at 3% or your actual processing cost, whichever is lower; you must notify your processor and the card networks 30 days before you start; disclose the surcharge at the point of entry and the point of sale; show it as a separate line on the receipt; and never surcharge debit or prepaid cards.
Minnesota cap: 5% by statute; card network caps (3% for Visa) govern in practice.
The alternative most merchants use: dual pricing
Dual pricing (also called cash discounting) shows two prices, a card price and a lower cash price. Because it is structured as a discount for paying cash, it is legal in all 50 states, including Minnesota. See the Minnesota dual pricing guide.
How PayWavez keeps this compliant
PayWavez sets up surcharging or dual pricing for Minnesota merchants with the right caps, signage, receipt lines and processor notice, so you recover card fees without compliance risk.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to add a credit card surcharge in Minnesota?
Yes, with Minnesota-specific rules (Minn. Stat. § 325G.051). Minnesota's statute allows a surcharge of up to 5% if the customer is told orally at the time of sale and by a conspicuous sign, or by a posted notice during an online sale. In practice the lower card network caps govern. Never surcharge your own store card.
What is the maximum credit card surcharge in Minnesota?
5% by statute; card network caps (3% for Visa) govern in practice. Visa limits surcharges to 3% or your actual processing cost, whichever is lower.
Can I surcharge debit cards in Minnesota?
No. Debit and prepaid cards can never be surcharged under card network rules.
Is dual pricing legal in Minnesota?
Yes. Offering a lower price for cash (dual pricing or cash discounting) is legal in Minnesota.
Related guides
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