Credit card processing and merchant services in Hamilton, ON
Hamilton merchants pay very different amounts depending on how customers pay. We show you the real cost of debit next to credit, and help you take payment on the job.
A $1,200 furnace repair can cost a Hamilton contractor $24 to accept, or about a dime. The difference is the card the customer hands over.
Interac says Interac Debit costs merchants around 10 cents a transaction, a single flat fee whatever the purchase price, and that interchange on Interac Debit is currently set at zero. Credit card interchange is a percentage, so the fee grows with the ticket. The $24 in that example assumes an all-in credit card cost of 2%; your own rate may be higher or lower. Both cards are worth accepting, but the gap is big enough to know about.
If you run a trade or home service business, take payment on the spot instead of sending an invoice and waiting. Our mobile payments setup covers tap to pay and mobile card readers, and our terminals accept Interac as well as Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Ontario also lets you surcharge credit cards within the network caps, though never debit.
Hotels and short-term rentals in Hamilton charge a 4% Municipal Accommodation Tax on eligible overnight stays, according to the City of Hamilton. That's lower than Toronto's 6%, so a group with properties in both cities needs a separate tax setup for each.
We price on interchange-plus with no long-term contract, and a free statement review will put your debit and credit costs side by side. For the rules that apply across the province, see our Ontario page.
Payment services we provide
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Common questions
Is Interac debit cheaper than credit cards for a Hamilton business?
Usually, yes. Interac says Interac Debit costs merchants around 10 cents per transaction as a flat fee, with interchange on Interac Debit set at zero, while credit card costs are a percentage of the sale. The bigger the ticket, the bigger the gap. Your processor sets the price you actually pay, so check both lines on your statement.
Can I charge customers a fee for paying by credit card in Hamilton?
Yes, under Visa and Mastercard's Canadian rules: credit cards only, up to 2.4% or your cost of acceptance, whichever is lower, with 30 days' notice and disclosure at the entrance, the point of sale and on the receipt. You can't add a fee to Visa or Mastercard debit or prepaid cards, or apply one yourself to Interac Debit.
What is the accommodation tax in Hamilton?
The City of Hamilton charges a mandatory 4% Municipal Accommodation Tax on eligible overnight accommodation stays. If you also run a property in Toronto, the rate there is 6%, so set up each property's tax rules separately.
How do I take card payments on a job site?
Use a mobile card reader or tap to pay on a phone, so the customer can tap or insert their card when the work is done. For bigger jobs, send an invoice or payment link from a virtual terminal and get paid without a second visit.
Disclaimer: general information, not professional advice
This page is general educational information, not legal, tax, accounting or financial advice. Rules and rates vary by place and change, so confirm them with the official source and a qualified professional before you act. Full terms are in our Terms of Service.
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