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How To Set Up And Use Surcharging On Your EFTPOS Terminal

Learn how to process a transaction with a surcharge, customise your surcharging settings, and report on surcharged transactions using Verifone Central.

FREE GUIDE 2026 Surcharge Ban Guide for NZ Businesses This guide outlines what transactions are affected, the expected timeframe, and what it means for your business.  


Process a transaction with a surcharge

If surcharging is enabled on your terminal, the Present Card screen will display 'Surcharge may apply' for all Purchase transactions. To complete a surcharged transaction:

  1. Enter the transaction amount

  2. Tap Purchase

  3. Customer presents their card or mobile wallet

  4. Terminal displays the surcharge and prompts the customer to accept (unless disabled)

  5. Customer enters PIN (if required)

  6. Terminal processes the transaction and displays Approved or Declined

  7. Merchant receipt prints

  8. Customer selects their preferred receipt option

The surcharge prompt can be disabled for contactless transactions during setup

 

Customise your surcharging setup

Eftpos NZ can tailor your surcharging solution to suit your business needs. Options include:

  • Rate by card type
    Apply different surcharges for Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, etc.

  • Surcharge thresholds
    Apply surcharges only for transactions over or under a certain value

  • Min/max surcharge values
    Set minimum and maximum surcharge amounts

  • MOTO Surcharge Override
    Choose whether to apply a surcharge to Manual or MOTO transactions

Call 0800 338 767 (option 3) or contact us to customise your setup

Calculate a weighted surcharge rate

If you accept multiple card types with different MSFs, you may need to calculate a weighted average surcharge. This ensures you’re applying a fair and accurate rate.

Example:

Card Type Monthly Volume MSF Rate Total MSF
Visa $10,000 1.5% $150
Mastercard $15,000 1.8% $270
Total $25,000   $420

Weighted rate = $420 / $25,000 = 1.68%

This rate could be used as your standard surcharge for both card types, as long as it doesn't exceed either MSF.

The Commerce Commission requires your surcharge to reflect actual costs. You can build a  report template in Verifone Central to monitor surcharge amounts and transaction breakdowns.