Protect your margins. Stop paying to get paid.

Pass the true cost of credit card processing directly to the cardholder — automatically, and fully compliant with card network rules. Debit cards are never surcharged.

You’ll be redirected to our secure Iris 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 automatically apply a standard 3% fee to credit card transactions at the point of sale — no manual math.

Compliant by design

Debit stays fee-free

Debit cards process at cost with zero added surcharges, keeping 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

1. Apply online

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

2. Verify instantly

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

3. 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 card transactions is legal in most U.S. states, subject to card network rules (surcharges capped around 3-4%, with Visa capped at 3%) and disclosure requirements — clear signage at checkout and on the receipt. PayWavez's smart terminals handle the required disclosures and rate limits automatically.

What about debit cards?

Debit card surcharges are treated differently under federal card network rules and a growing number of state laws. For example, Louisiana's Act 751 bans surcharges on debit card transactions starting August 1, 2026, with civil penalties up to $500 per violation. PayWavez's compliant surcharging program never applies a surcharge to debit — debit transactions always process at cost, which keeps you 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 Iris 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.