The fee is withheld before settlement: the buyer pays the full order amount while the merchant account receives it minus the percentage. So the fee belongs in the price rather than as a surcharge for paying by card.
How to calculate
- Use your effective rate rather than one method line: method mixes differ.
- Account for refunds: the fee on a processed operation stays withheld.
- Reconcile against the payout register, not against individual payments.
What you must not do
- Charge the buyer extra for paying by card: payment system rules forbid it.
- Show different prices for cash and card — that is the same surcharge in disguise.
- Promise a refund "minus the fee" — the buyer gets the full purchase amount back.
Whether the fee comes back on a refund is covered separately.
