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Credit Card Processing Fee Calculator
Enter a sale and your processor's rate to see the card fee and what you keep. Turn on pass-to-customer to get the surcharged price that leaves you exactly the original amount, with a warning when it exceeds the surcharge cap.
Last updated:
$
Optional, for monthly totals
%
$
%
Warns when the surcharge exceeds this (0 = no check)
Enter your values to see the result.
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How to use the Credit Card Processing Fee Calculator
- Enter the sale amount.
- Enter your processor's rate and fixed fee, or pick a preset.
- Choose whether to pass the fee on with the surcharge checkbox.
- Press Calculate to see the fee, your net and the surcharged price.
- Check the cap warning and the table before setting your prices.
Credit card fee and surcharge formulas
- Processing fee = sale × rate + fixed fee
- Net if you absorb the fee = sale − processing fee
- Surcharged price that nets the original amount = (sale + fixed fee) ÷ (1 − rate)
- Surcharge % = (surcharged price − sale) ÷ sale × 100
Why not just add the rate? The processor also takes its percentage from the surcharge itself. At 2.9% + $0.30, charging $102.90 on a $100 sale leaves you $99.62. Charging ($100 + $0.30) ÷ 0.971 = $103.30 leaves exactly $100.00.
Surcharge needed to break even
| Processor rate | On a $20 sale | On a $100 sale | On a $1,000 sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.6% + $0.15 | $20.69 (3.45%) | $102.83 (2.83%) | $1,026.85 (2.69%) |
| 2.9% + $0.30 | $20.91 (4.55%) | $103.30 (3.30%) | $1,030.18 (3.02%) |
| 3.0% + $0 | $20.62 (3.10%) | $103.10 (3.10%) | $1,030.93 (3.09%) |
| 3.5% + $0.15 | $20.89 (4.45%) | $103.79 (3.79%) | $1,036.43 (3.64%) |
On small sales the fixed fee pushes the break-even surcharge above a 3% cap, so you may only be able to recover part of the cost. Alternatives include a cash discount, a minimum card amount where allowed, or building the average fee into your prices.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate a credit card surcharge?
Divide the sale plus the fixed fee by one minus the rate: (sale + fixed) ÷ (1 − rate). For $100 at 2.9% + $0.30 that is $103.30, a 3.30% surcharge, and you keep exactly $100 after fees.
Why doesn't adding 2.9% cover a 2.9% fee?
The processor charges its percentage on the whole amount, including the surcharge. Adding 2.9% to $100 gives $102.90, but the fee on $102.90 is $3.28, leaving $99.62.
Is it legal to add a credit card surcharge?
It depends on where you are. In the US, card network rules cap surcharges (Visa's cap is 3%), require advance notice to customers and generally ban surcharges on debit cards, and some states restrict them. Check local law and your processor's rules.
What is the difference between a surcharge and a convenience fee?
A surcharge is added for paying by credit card. A convenience fee is a flat charge for using an alternative payment channel, such as paying online instead of in person. The two have different card network rules.
What is a typical credit card processing fee?
Many flat-rate processors charge about 2.6% to 3.5% plus a fixed 10¢ to 30¢ per transaction, depending on whether the card is present, online or keyed in. Interchange-plus pricing varies by card type.
Can I use a different currency?
Yes. Pick your currency at the top; the formulas work the same for any currency, as long as you enter your processor's rate and fixed fee in that currency.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.
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