Protect your margins. Stop paying to get paid.

Automatically pass the true cost of credit card processing to the cardholder — fully compliant with card network rules. Debit cards are never surcharged.

You’ll be redirected to our secure application to finish signup — identity and bank verification happen there.

Why merchants pick this program

The compliant surcharging advantage

Keep 100% on credit

3% surcharge, credit only

Our smart terminals add a standard 3% fee to credit card sales automatically — no manual math for you.

Compliant by design

Debit is never surcharged

Debit cards are never surcharged — they process at standard interchange rates, which keeps your program compliant with card network rules and state law.

Zero extra hardware cost

Free smart terminals

We provide the terminals that calculate and apply surcharges automatically — no manual entry, no guesswork.

Cash flow

Next-day funding

Funds you earn today are deposited into your business bank account by the next business day.

Fast approval

2-minute application

Apply online with your EIN, banking details, and estimated monthly volume — most applications are approved in minutes.

Dedicated MID

Your own Merchant ID

You get a real, dedicated Merchant ID in your business's name — not a shared or aggregated account.

How signup works

From application to accepting cards

Apply online

Click Sign Up Now and complete the secure application with your business, banking, and volume details.

Verify instantly

Identity and bank verification happen inside the application — most merchants are approved in about 2 minutes.

Start surcharging compliantly

Your free smart terminal arrives pre-configured to apply the 3% surcharge to credit only, never debit.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Is credit card surcharging legal?

Yes. Surcharging credit cards is legal in most U.S. states. Card networks cap surcharges at around 3-4% (Visa caps it at 3%) and require clear signs at checkout and on the receipt. PayWavez's smart terminals handle those disclosures and rate limits automatically.

What about debit cards?

Debit cards are treated differently under federal rules and a growing number of state laws. For example, Louisiana's Act 751 bans debit card surcharges starting August 1, 2026, with fines up to $500 per violation. PayWavez never surcharges debit — those transactions always process at their standard interchange cost (never marked up), so you stay compliant automatically, in Louisiana and everywhere else.

How much does the terminal cost?

Smart terminals are provided free for qualifying merchants on the compliant surcharging program — no upfront hardware cost.

How fast do I get paid?

Funds settle to your business bank account by the next business day with next-day funding.

Do I need a sales call to sign up?

No. The application is fully self-service through our secure portal — you can apply any time, day or night. If you'd rather talk it through first, our team can also apply on your behalf — just reach out.

Ready to stop paying to get paid?

Apply in about 2 minutes. Free smart terminal, next-day funding, and a compliant program that never surcharges debit.

Not sure which pricing model fits your business? Compare all three or apply with help from our team.