Surcharges
A surcharge adds an extra amount on top of the order total. Venues use surcharges for public holidays, weekends, late-night service, or card payment fees.
There are three kinds:
| Surcharge kind | How it starts |
|---|---|
| Manual surcharge | You add it from the cart |
| Automatic surcharge (rules) | The POS adds it by itself on set days, dates, or times |
| Card (EFTPOS) surcharge | The payment terminal adds it when the customer pays by card |
Apply a manual surcharge
- Add all items to the cart first.
- Tap the settings icon (⚙) at the bottom of the cart.
- Tap Surcharge. The Manage Surcharge screen opens.
- Select a Surcharge Type - $ Flat adds a fixed dollar amount, Percentage adds a percentage of the order.
- Tap a Quick Select Amount (1.10, 2, 5, 10, 15, or 20), or enter your own number in Custom Amount.
- Tap Apply Surcharge.
The surcharge shows in the cart summary and the total updates straight away.
WARNING
A percentage surcharge cannot be more than 100%. The POS blocks anything higher.
Update or remove a surcharge
- Tap the settings icon (⚙), then tap Surcharge.
- Change the type or amount, then tap Update Surcharge.
- To remove it instead, tap Remove Surcharge.
You can also tap the red × next to Surcharge in the cart summary.
WARNING
If the surcharge screen shows "Surcharge is applied for the whole day!", an automatic day surcharge is active - for example, a public holiday surcharge. If you remove or change it, you are overriding the venue's standard charge for that day. Check with your manager first.
Automatic surcharges
Your venue can set up surcharge rules that apply on their own - for example "15% on public holidays" or "10% every Sunday". When a rule matches, the surcharge appears in the cart automatically on every order.
Rules can be limited by:
- Day of the week
- Time of day (late-night surcharges can cross midnight, for example 10:00 pm – 2:00 am)
- Public holidays - a rule can run only on holidays, never on holidays, or always
- A date range
- Minimum and maximum order amount
If more than one rule matches, the POS applies the rule with the highest priority.
TIP
If you apply a manual surcharge, automatic rules stop changing it. Your manual surcharge always wins.
INFO
🔒 Manager only - surcharge rules and public holiday dates are set up in the Admin portal, not on the POS.
How the surcharge is calculated
A percentage surcharge is calculated after discounts and coupons are taken off. For example:
| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| Subtotal | $100.00 |
| Discount (10%) | −$10.00 |
| Surcharge (15%) | +$13.50 (15% of $90) |
| Total | $103.50 |
Card surcharges
A card surcharge is different - it is added by the EFTPOS terminal when the customer pays by card, not from the cart. The customer sees the surcharge on the terminal before they tap. The POS records it with the payment automatically.
INFO
Card surcharge rates are configured on the payment terminal or gateway. See Payment Gateways.
FAQs
Why is the Surcharge option greyed out?
The cart is empty. Surcharges apply to an order, so the POS waits until there is at least one item in the cart.
Why did a surcharge appear on its own?
An automatic surcharge rule matched the order - usually a public holiday, weekend, or late-night rule set up by your venue. This is normal and the customer should be charged it. If you believe it is wrong, check with your manager before removing it.
Why does it ask for a manager sign-in?
Your venue requires manager approval for discounts and surcharges. A manager must sign in on the Authenticate Admin screen before the surcharge screen opens. See Discount approval.