What’s the Cheapest Way to Accept Credit Cards in My Business?

Short Answer: The cheapest way to accept credit cards is through a zero-cost processing program like EZ Payment’s cash discount solution. It lets your customer cover the processing fee, so you don't have to.

Key Takeaways

• Zero-fee processing is the most cost-effective option for many small businesses

• Cash discounting is a legal, compliant, and customer-transparent method

• Alternatives like Square and Stripe offer simple setups but charge per transaction

• EZ Payment gives you a full-service experience that helps you save more every month

If you’ve ever looked at your monthly credit card processing statement and wondered, “Why am I paying so much just to get paid?”—you’re not alone. Processing fees can feel like a silent tax on your hustle, especially for small businesses running on slim margins.

So what’s the cheapest way to accept credit cards in 2025? From firsthand experience and helping hundreds of business owners, I can tell you: zero-cost credit card processing is the most affordable route for most local businesses.

EZ Payment’s cash discount program makes this easy. Instead of paying 2–4% on every transaction, you implement a dual pricing model. One price for cash, one for credit. The small fee is passed to the customer if they choose to pay with a card, and you keep the full amount of your sale.

This isn’t a workaround—it’s a legal, fully supported method backed by clear signage, compliant tech, and friendly onboarding. We’ll even walk your staff through how to explain it.

Now, you might be wondering about platforms like Square or Stripe. While they do have lower upfront costs and transparent pricing, they still charge per swipe and often aren’t the best deal in the long run. Their simplicity is great for startups—but once you're doing volume, those fees stack up.

We’ve had local shops, salons, contractors, and food trucks tell us they wish they’d switched sooner. Saving hundreds to thousands of dollars a month means more money for payroll, marketing, or simply peace of mind.

Bottom line: If you’re processing $10,000 a month, you could be giving away $300–$400 of that to fees. With EZ Payment, that money stays in your account.

Visit https://ez-payment.com and let’s help you get set up in under 30 minutes.

People Also Ask

What is the least expensive way to accept credit cards?

A: Using a compliant cash discount program like EZ Payment is one of the cheapest options. It allows the customer to cover the fee, and you keep the full amount.

How much does it cost to accept a credit card for a small business?

A: Traditional processors charge 2–4% per transaction. With EZ Payment’s zero-cost program, it can cost you $0.

What is the free way to accept payments?

A: Cash and ACH transfers are free. For card payments, a cash discount program is the best way to eliminate your out-of-pocket cost.

Which payment platform has the lowest fees?

A: Square and Stripe offer competitive rates for startups. But for established businesses doing volume, EZ Payment’s zero-fee model saves more long-term.