Last updated: August 22, 2025

Swipe4Free Review

Merchant Services USA Advisor

Staff Editor

Overview

Swipe4Free is a dual pricing and surcharging program designed to remove or offset credit card processing costs for small businesses. The company markets itself as “The Nation’s #1 Dual Pricing & Surcharging Platform,” with claims of keeping “100%” of your card sales by displaying both a cash price and a card price, or by adding a separate surcharge line (Visa-capped at 3%). It provides same‑day approvals, next‑day funding windows, and a broad menu of terminals and POS options including PAX, Dejavoo, and Clover.

Best for

Merchants who want a compliant way to pass credit card costs to customers or run clear dual pricing (cash vs. card) with ready‑made signage, device programming, and card‑brand registration handled.

Key takeaways

Dual pricing or surcharging can legally reduce your effective processing expense to near $0 if implemented correctly. Visa caps credit‑card surcharges at 3% (not debit), and New York requires posting the total credit price or dual prices as of Feb 11, 2024.
Swipe4Free publishes a “3% max” guidance, no surcharges on debit/gift, and signage requirements. Its onboarding materials still reference state prohibitions—confirm current state law before enabling a program.
Next‑day funding is available for batches closed by late cutoff, and the company supports popular smart terminals (e.g., PAX A920) and integrations.

Pros

Eliminate up to 100% of your processing fees
Fully legal and compliant surcharge model
No upfront costs or hidden fees
Free modern terminals and POS hardware
Excellent customer service based in the U.S.
Fast onboarding (1–2 business days)

Cons

Some customer pushback on surcharges (though minimal in most cases)
Not available in states where surcharging is restricted (e.g., Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts)
Not ideal for high-end luxury brands where surcharge optics matter more

Swipe4Free for Different Business Types

Cash Discount & Dual Pricing for Retail Businesses

Swipe4Free specializes in dual pricing (cash discount/surcharge model), enabling retailers—like grocery stores, clothing shops, and convenience stores—to display both cash and card prices. Customers who pay cash receive a discount (typically 4%), while card users pay the full amount without hidden fees. This strategy helps retailers retain full profits and manage margins more effectively.

Dive deeper in our guide to merchant services for retail businesses with cash discount models.

Dual Pricing Solutions for Restaurants & Hospitality

Restaurants, bars, and cafés benefit from Swipe4Free’s approach by clearly showing both cash and card prices on menus and receipts. This compliance-friendly dual pricing eliminates processing fees while maintaining transparency. It supports efficient POS systems, including antimicrobial screens and contactless payments—ideal for high-touch hospitality environments.

Explore tailored options in our article on cash discount merchant services for restaurants.

E-Commerce Integration with Convenience Fee Capabilities

Swipe4Free also supports online businesses through e-commerce-ready payment gateways that add a convenience fee at checkout, mirroring the surcharge model in brick-and-mortar settings. Compatible with platforms like WooCommerce, this empowers online merchants to offset processing costs while remaining compliant.

See how this compares in our breakdown of merchant services for e-commerce stores.

High-Risk or Cost-Sensitive Service Providers

Businesses in sectors such as salons, spas, professional services (e.g., medical, legal, HVAC), or automotive services can preserve their margins by passing card fees to customers through a dual pricing setup. Swipe4Free’s approach is often the most accessible option for industries with tight margins or frequent small-ticket transactions.

Swipe4Free by Business Goals

Goal: Eliminate Processing Fees with Clear Dual Pricing

If your primary goal is to eliminate credit card processing fees, Swipe4Free delivers by implementing dual pricing or surcharging, allowing you to keep 100% of your revenue. Merchants display cash and card prices, with card users covering the processing cost. It’s one of few models that entirely removes monthly processing fees.

Goal: Fast Setup & Equipment That Works

Swipe4Free provides free POS equipment—including EMV-capable terminals, mobile devices, and antimicrobial contactless readers—with same-day approvals and a high acceptance rate (~99%). The hardware integrates seamlessly with your existing infrastructure, letting you get started quickly and at zero cost.

Goal: Transparency & Legal Compliance in Pricing

Swipe4Free's model is compliant with federal and state laws regarding surcharging and dual pricing. Signage and price display must adhere to network rules (e.g., visible cash vs card prices, surcharge caps like Visa’s 3% limit). Swipe4Free also provides compliance guidelines to help merchants stay on the right side of regulations.

Pricing and fees

Program approach: Dual pricing (display cash and card prices) or surcharging (separate line item up to 3% on credit only). No surcharge on debit or prepaid/gift.
Card‑brand cap: Visa 3% maximum on credit card surcharges (lower limits can apply in some states).
Other costs: Ask about monthly program fees, PCI fees, and any equipment or cancellation terms specific to your agreement (Swipe4Free resells/leases devices from multiple providers).

Contract and onboarding

Same‑day approvals, next‑day funding cutoff windows advertised; confirm your exact funding times in your merchant agreement.
Registered ISO/MSP relationships (Elavon, Wells Fargo, Esquire Bank, Synovus, etc.). Your actual processing bank and agreement may influence fees and terms.

Hardware and integrations

Terminals/POS: PAX A920 and others; upgrades and pay‑at‑table options; Clover support.
Virtual POS and eCommerce gateways available.

Security and compliance

Follow card‑brand rules: 3% Visa cap, no debit surcharges, visible signage at entry and POS, and proper receipt disclosure. Keep documentation for card‑brand registration.
State law highlights: New York requires the posted total credit price (or dual prices) and caps the fee at your actual processing cost; consult counsel in states with complex rules (e.g., California Civil Code §1748.1 remains on the books).

Real‑world cost example (illustrative)

If your average credit ticket is $40 and you enable a 3% surcharge, on a $10,000 credit‑card month you collect ~$300 in surcharges from card customers, offsetting typical processor costs. Your net savings depends on your actual interchange and non‑interchange fees and compliance choices.

Who it’s best for

Restaurants, retail, services, automotive, and B2B shops comfortable with dual price displays or clear surcharge signage who want to eliminate most processor expense.

Who should consider alternatives

Businesses in jurisdictions with tight surcharge restrictions, or brands that want all‑in blended rates without passing fees to customers.

How to negotiate and implement

Ask for: written confirmation of monthly program fees, hardware terms, next‑day funding eligibility, and a compliance checklist.
Train staff to explain dual pricing, update menus/tags with both prices, and verify debit transactions never incur a surcharge.

Reputation and trust signals

Public claims: “Nation’s #1 Dual Pricing & Surcharging Platform,” “99% approval.” Reviewers report mixed experiences—read the contract.

FAQs

What is Swipe4Free and how does its “$0 processing” model actually work?

Swipe4Free is a dual‑pricing and surcharging program designed to offset credit‑card processing costs. With dual pricing, you display a cash price and a card price; with surcharging, you add a clearly disclosed fee to credit‑card transactions only. Debit and prepaid/gift transactions cannot be surcharged. The program also includes signage, device programming, and rules guidance so your receipts, menus, and checkout screens disclose the right information. Always verify card‑brand rules and your state’s requirements before going live.

Is surcharging legal with Swipe4Free in my state, and what rules do I have to follow?

Surcharging is permitted in most U.S. states but must follow card‑brand limits and state disclosure laws. You typically must: (a) surcharge credit only (never debit), (b) cap the surcharge at or below allowed limits, (c) show the fee before payment, (d) print it on the receipt, and (e) post signage at entry and at the point of sale. Some states require dual prices or “total credit price” displays. Because rules change, ask for written guidance and keep a compliance checklist on file.

How does dual pricing differ from surcharging for Swipe4Free merchants?

Dual pricing shows two prices up front—one for cash, one for card—so customers choose transparently at the shelf, menu, or invoice. Surcharging, by contrast, adds a separate fee line for credit payments at checkout. Dual pricing can reduce pushback because the credit price is visible before ordering; surcharging is more flexible for invoices and online checkouts. Both require clear disclosures; debit is never subject to a surcharge, and you should train staff to explain the policy politely.

What equipment and software does Swipe4Free support?

Swipe4Free programs commonly support popular smart terminals and POS options (e.g., PAX/Dejavoo, plus compatibility with select Clover deployments), along with mobile readers, virtual terminals, and e‑commerce gateway integrations. Ask which devices are certified for your processor and whether the surcharge or dual‑price logic is embedded at the terminal, POS, or gateway level. Clarify device costs, warranty, and replacement SLAs, and confirm if you’re renting, buying, or leasing.

Can I use Swipe4Free with online stores and invoices?

Yes—many merchants implement compliant credit‑card surcharges or dual pricing on hosted payment pages, shopping carts, and invoice links. The key is disclosure: show the total credit price or the surcharge amount before the customer pays, ensure the receipt captures the fee correctly, and exclude debit transactions. Confirm how your specific cart or gateway displays the fee and test edge cases (refunds, partial captures, card‑on‑file, and split tenders).

How quickly will I receive my funds with Swipe4Free?

Funding speed depends on your underlying processor/ISO and banking program. Many merchants qualify for next‑day or two‑day funding when batches are closed by a cut‑off time. Ask for your exact batch cut‑off, holidays/weekend handling, and whether accelerated or instant deposit options are available. Also confirm whether reserves could be placed for high‑risk MCCs or chargeback spikes.

What are the typical fees with Swipe4Free and are there cancellation penalties?

Program fees vary by ISO/processor. Clarify in writing: monthly program fees, PCI/compliance fees, gateway/virtual terminal fees, chargeback fees, and any statement or network fees. Ask about contract term, auto‑renewal, and the early‑termination fee (ETF), if any. If equipment is “free,” determine whether it’s a loaner, rental, or a non‑cancelable lease. Ensure you receive a complete fee table before activation.

How should I train staff and communicate Swipe4Free pricing to avoid customer pushback?

Create a simple script and visuals. At the door and register, post clear signage. On shelves and menus, show dual prices or note that a credit‑card fee applies. At checkout, ensure the display shows the credit total before the customer taps or inserts. Train staff to mention that debit and cash are not subject to the fee. For invoices, include a one‑line explanation and link to your payment policy page.

Can I use Swipe4Free in a mixed environment (in‑store plus field service or online)?

Yes—many businesses run a mix of countertop, mobile, and online flows. Coordinate your surcharge/dual‑pricing logic across terminals, invoice templates, and e‑commerce to keep disclosures consistent. Verify how refunds and partial charges handle the fee and ensure recurring billing and card‑on‑file flows remain compliant. Document your policy centrally so managers can train new staff quickly.