Credit card processing and merchant services in Laredo, TX
Laredo's 8.25% sales tax has five parts, including a transit tax the Comptroller lists for Laredo alone. Buy equipment from out of state and use tax can follow the same local rates.
Laredo had 269,515 residents in the Census Bureau's July 2025 estimate, up 5.6% from its April 2020 base. Its sales tax is the Texas maximum of 8.25%, built from five pieces. The state takes 6.25%, and the City's tax rates page splits the local 2% four ways: 1% for the city, 0.25% for a sports venue tax, 0.5% for Webb County (collected since January 1, 1988) and 1/4% for the Laredo CTD transit tax (since July 1, 1991). The Comptroller's transit tax list shows Laredo as the only participating area for that one.
Your terminal only needs the 8.25% total. The split shows up somewhere else: use tax. If an out-of-state seller ships you a countertop terminal, shelving or supplies without charging Texas tax, use tax can come into play, and the Comptroller's seller guide says local use tax rates match local sales tax rates. Ask your accountant how to report it before your first return comes due.
Card fees are the tricky part. Section 604A.002 of the Business and Commerce Code bans surcharges on debit and stored value cards, and the credit card ban is still in the statute, with a 2018 federal ruling that protected only fees at or below cost. Our Texas page lays out the sources. If you want your prices to reflect card costs, a genuine cash discount carries less risk, and our dual pricing guide compares the two approaches.
At the counter, our POS terminals take chip, tap and swipe, along with Apple Pay and Google Pay, all on interchange-plus pricing. Send a recent statement for a free statement review and we'll show you what each card type costs you today.
Payment services we provide
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Common questions
How does Laredo's 8.25% sales tax break down?
The 6.25% state rate, 1% for the City of Laredo, 0.25% for a city sports venue tax, 0.5% for Webb County and 1/4% for the Laredo CTD transit tax. Webb County's tax has applied since January 1, 1988, and the CTD tax since July 1, 1991, with Laredo as its only participating area. Your customers see one number: 8.25%.
Do I owe local tax on a terminal I buy online from an out-of-state seller?
Possibly. If the seller didn't charge Texas tax, use tax can apply, and the Comptroller's seller guide says local use tax rates match local sales tax rates. For a Laredo business, that points to the same city, county and transit shares. Your accountant can tell you how to report it on your return.
Can a Laredo store charge more when a customer pays by debit card?
No. Section 604A.002 bars a merchant from surcharging a buyer who uses a debit or stored value card, and Visa and Mastercard rules say the same. The penalty for a knowing violation is up to $500 each, though a first notice gives you 30 days to fix it. If cash customers are the ones you want to reward, a cash discount is the safer tool.
Which payment methods do Clearo terminals accept at a Laredo counter?
Chip, tap and swipe on Visa and Mastercard cards, plus Apple Pay and Google Pay. You can choose countertop, wireless or portable terminals, and every option runs on interchange-plus pricing with no long-term contract and no cancellation fees. Our guide to NFC payments explains how tap to pay works.
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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