Credit card processing and merchant services in Washington, DC

Two dates matter for anyone taking payments in the District. The first is January 1, 2025, when the Cashless Retail Prohibition took effect. Since then a DC retailer can't refuse cash, can't post signs saying cash isn't accepted, and can't charge cash customers more. The code lists exceptions, such as mail, phone and online sales and stores with a fee-free machine that loads cash onto a prepaid card. Some exceptions come from temporary legislation, including one that lets certain on-premises liquor licensees refuse cash if they post a notice, so read the current text before you rely on any of them.

The second date is October 1, 2027. The general sales tax rate is 6% through September 30, 2027, and the Office of Tax and Revenue says the move to 7% was postponed to that later date. Put it on your calendar now. Terminals, online checkout, invoice templates and recurring billing plans would all need the new rate if it goes ahead. Restaurant meals, hotel rooms and some other sales have their own rates, so match each item to OTR's rate list.

The District has no surcharge law of its own, so only the card network rules summarized below limit a credit card surcharge here. If you're weighing one against a discount for cash, our dual pricing vs surcharging guide lays out the trade-offs.

Whatever you sell, we'd start by checking what each transaction costs you today. Clearo prices on interchange-plus, gives every account a dedicated rep, and will do a free statement review before you commit to anything.