The Truth About Dual Pricing vs. Surcharging in Dental Payments

Payment processing fees are one of those hidden costs that silently drain revenue from dental practices. On every transaction, a percentage goes to the card processor, and over time it adds up to thousands of dollars per year. Many offices accept these fees as an unavoidable cost of doing business, but that is no longer the case.

Two models are gaining traction in dentistry: Dual Pricing and Surcharging. At first glance they sound similar, but the differences matter for both compliance and patient experience.

What is Dual Pricing?

Dual Pricing is exactly what it sounds like: you display two prices for the same service. One price applies if the patient pays with cash, the other (slightly higher) applies if they use a card. The higher price includes the processing fee. Patients can decide how they want to pay, and the choice is transparent.

What is Surcharging?

Surcharging adds the processing fee on top of the listed price when a patient uses a card. For example, if a filling is $100, a patient paying with a credit card might see a 3% surcharge added at checkout. This model passes the cost directly to the cardholder while keeping posted prices consistent.

Compliance Matters

Regulations differ by state, and card brands impose their own rules. That is why practices should not try to manage surcharging on their own. Using a compliant system ensures that fees are applied legally and transparently, avoiding fines or patient backlash.

Where Quanta Pay Fits

Quanta Pay gives practices the flexibility to choose between Dual Pricing and surcharging, while handling compliance automatically in the background. Patients see clear pricing, offices keep more revenue, and collections stay smooth.

The Bottom Line

Whether you choose Dual Pricing or surcharging, the goal is the same: reduce unnecessary costs while staying compliant. With the right system, practices can reclaim thousands of dollars every year without compromising patient trust.