You wrote: "I’m focused on trying to buck the cashless trend by setting up merchants on a cash discount program. It is now legal for merchants to offer this program, which basically incentivizes customers to pay cash by charging a 3.99% service fee on all credit card purchases."
I've come across some businesses that do charge extra if you pay with a card. For example, some gas stations charge more $$ per gallon if you pay with a card. A few small businesses do it, too. And, yes, as a customer, I do view it more as a discount for paying in cash than as a penalty for paying with a card.
“I’ve come across some businesses that do charge extra if you pay with a card. For example, some gas stations charge more $$ per gallon if you pay with a card. A few small businesses do it, too. And, yes, as a customer, I do view it more as a discount for paying in cash than as a penalty for paying with a card.”
Yeah cash discounting is starting to gain traction, but as of now, less than 5% of small businesses are doing it. I think you’ll see it more and more in the next few years. Of course, Visa/MC don’t like it, and they are trying to put up hurdles for companies like ours who offer it. But at the end of the day, the law is on our side - for now anyway.