06/04/2026
Quick one for Louisiana business owners, because I get this question constantly:
SB254.net
“Can I charge a fee when customers pay with a card?”
Short version:
✅ Credit cards, YES. Up to 4% (Visa caps you at 3%). You have to disclose it up front, post signage, and put it as a separate line on the receipt.
❌ Debit cards, NO. That’s illegal under federal law, and Louisiana lawmakers just passed a Senate bill to crack down hard with fines up to $500 per violation.
Here’s the part nobody tells you: if you surcharge wrong, YOU eat the fine, not your processor. The liability is on the merchant, every time.
I’ve spent 20 years in this industry making sure business owners do this the right way and actually keep more of their money instead of handing it to the card brands.
If you run a restaurant or retail shop and you’re not sure your setup is compliant, message me. I’ll take a look at your processing statement for free and tell you straight.