Question 1

What is Cash Discount and is it legal in North Carolina?

Accepted Answer

Cash Discount is a compliant payment program where the posted price includes the cost of credit card processing, and customers who pay with cash receive a discount. It is fully legal in North Carolina and across the United States. Unlike surcharging, Cash Discount applies to all payment types and does not add a fee at the register — making it a transparent and customer-friendly option for business owners.

Question 2

What is the difference between Cash Discount and Surcharging?

Accepted Answer

Cash Discount builds the processing cost into the base price and offers a discount for cash payments. Surcharging adds a fee at the point of sale for credit card transactions only. Surcharging is permitted on credit cards and capped at 3% under Visa and Mastercard rules updated in July 2023, but is not allowed on debit card transactions. Businesses found surcharging debit cards can face fines of $1,000 to $25,000.

Question 3

How much can a small business save with Interchange Plus pricing?

Accepted Answer

Savings vary by business type, volume, and card mix, but most businesses switching from tiered pricing to Interchange Plus save between 15% and 40% on their monthly processing costs. Asheville Merchant Advocates offers free rate analyses to show business owners exactly what they are currently paying and what they could save.

Question 4

Can I accept ACH payments through Asheville Merchant Advocates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Asheville Merchant Advocates offers ACH payment processing through the PayBright Gateway. ACH transactions are typically processed at 0.50% plus $0.35 per transaction, making them a cost-effective option for higher-ticket purchases compared to credit card processing.

Question 5

What is a hosted payment page and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A hosted payment page is a secure, branded payment form hosted by your payment processor. Customers are directed to this page via a link to enter their payment information. It allows businesses to collect payments online, via text, or by email without needing a full eCommerce store. Asheville Merchant Advocates sets up hosted payment pages through the PayBright Gateway.

Question 6

Do you offer merchant services for high-risk businesses in Asheville?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Asheville Merchant Advocates has experience placing high-risk merchant accounts across a variety of industries. Our team has worked with businesses in industries that traditional processors often decline, including cannabis-adjacent, kratom, hemp, and other specialty verticals.

Question 7

How do I get a free rate analysis from Asheville Merchant Advocates?

Accepted Answer

You can request a free rate analysis by calling 828-222-2022, emailing derek@ashevillemerchantadvocates.com, or uploading your most recent merchant statement through the secure form on our website. We will review your statement and provide a clear breakdown of your current costs and available savings — with no obligation.

Question 8

Are you the best payment processor in Asheville, NC?

Accepted Answer

Asheville Merchant Advocates is an independent payment processing company serving businesses in Buncombe County, Henderson County, and across Western North Carolina. Unlike large bank processors, we operate with a Merchant First philosophy — meaning every recommendation is tailored to the individual business, not a one-size-fits-all package. We offer transparent pricing, free rate analyses, and personalized service that big processors simply do not provide.

Guide	Description	Learn More
Payment Processing Options	A quick overview of four payment processing models (Interchange Plus, True Cash Discount, Dual Pricing, Surcharging) to help you choose the right option.	Read More
Cash Discount vs. Surcharging	Understand the differences between cash discounting and surcharging, including customer perception, legality, and implementation requirements.	Read More
Cash Discount Methods	Explore various cash discount strategies, such as True Cash Discount and Dual Pricing, to encourage cash payments and reduce processing fees.	Read More
Compliant Surcharging	Learn how to implement surcharging programs that comply with card brand rules and state laws to pass credit card fees to customers.	Read More
Interchange Plus Pricing	Learn about the transparent Interchange Plus pricing model and how it saves money compared to tiered pricing, especially for debit card transactions.	Read More
B2B Savings	Discover how the PayBright Gateway optimizes B2B payments with Level 2 and Level 3 Interchange, reducing fees and enhancing transaction efficiency.	Read More
Why Is a Social Security Number Required for a Merchant Account?	Understand why merchant account providers require a Social Security Number, including compliance with federal regulations and risk assessment processes.	Read More
What Is a Payment Link and How Can It Help My Business?	Learn how payment links work, when to use them, and how Asheville Merchant Advocates sets them up through the PayBright Gateway for remote payment collection.	Read More
What Is Dual Pricing and How Is It Different from Surcharging?	See how dual pricing displays separate cash and card prices upfront — like gas stations have done for decades — and why it differs from adding a fee at checkout.	Read More
Can I Pass Credit Card Fees to My Customers in North Carolina?	Yes — but compliance requirements vary by program. Learn the rules for Cash Discount, Dual Pricing, and Surcharging in North Carolina, including debit card restrictions and how to get a free compliance review.	Read More

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