Dual pricing · Colorado
Dual Pricing Laws in Colorado (2026 Guide)
Yes, dual pricing is legal in Colorado. Showing a card price and a lower cash price is treated as a cash discount, which federal law and every state allow.
Is dual pricing legal in Colorado?
Yes, dual pricing is legal in Colorado. Showing a card price and a lower cash price is treated as a cash discount, which federal law and every state allow. Colorado's HB25-1090 (effective January 1, 2026) requires mandatory fees to be built into advertised prices, which dual pricing does by showing the full card price. Source: Nickel 2026 state surcharge table.
How dual pricing works
Every item shows two prices: the card price and the cash price. The customer chooses how to pay. Because the lower price is a discount for cash, it is not a surcharge, so surcharge caps and card network surcharge registration do not apply. Receipts should show the price paid and the payment method.
Dual pricing vs surcharging in Colorado
Colorado allows surcharging with extra rules (C.R.S. ยง 5-2-212), so many merchants choose dual pricing to avoid caps and notice requirements. See the Colorado surcharge laws guide for the surcharge rules.
Doing it right
- Show both prices clearly on signs, menus, shelf tags or your website.
- Apply the cash price to every customer who pays cash.
- Keep the difference consistent across items.
- Use a processor and terminal built for dual pricing so receipts and totals stay accurate.
How PayWavez helps
PayWavez's dual pricing program sets up the signage, terminal and receipts for Colorado merchants so card fees are covered and every price shown is compliant.
Frequently asked questions
Is dual pricing legal in Colorado?
Yes, dual pricing is legal in Colorado. Showing a card price and a lower cash price is treated as a cash discount, which federal law and every state allow. Colorado's HB25-1090 (effective January 1, 2026) requires mandatory fees to be built into advertised prices, which dual pricing does by showing the full card price.
Is dual pricing the same as a surcharge in Colorado?
No. A surcharge adds a fee for paying by card. Dual pricing shows two prices and gives a discount for paying cash, which is why it is legal everywhere.
Do I need to show both prices in Colorado?
Yes. Customers should see both the card price and the cash price before they pay.
Can Colorado merchants use dual pricing on debit cards?
Dual pricing treats all card payments the same way: the card price applies to credit and debit, and the discounted price applies to cash.
Related guides
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