Credit card surcharges rise as small businesses adapt

Jason Lavery faced a difficult decision last spring. He could raise the price of drinks and food at Lavery Brewing Co. or add a surcharge to all credit card payments. Like many other small business owners across the country, Lavery added a surcharge. Credit card customers now pay an additional 1.75% plus 20 cents. "We paid $40,000 in credit card fees in 2025," Lavery said. "Our operating margins were getting tighter, so the choices were to raise prices across the board or add the surcharge. We didn't th ...