This article explains what to consider — and what to communicate to your customers — before you enable a credit card surcharge, or change an existing surcharge rate, that will apply to recurring or Auto-Pay charges in Studio Pro.
Important: This article provides general guidance only and is not legal advice. Surcharging is governed by card network rules and by federal, state, and local laws that vary by jurisdiction. Before enabling surcharging — or changing an existing surcharge rate — especially for customers already on a recurring or Auto-Pay plan, please consult your local and state authorities, and your own legal counsel if you have any questions about your obligations.
Notifying customers on existing recurring or Auto-Pay plans
If you have customers already enrolled in a recurring payment or Auto-Pay plan, adding a surcharge — or later modifying the surcharge rate you apply — changes the amount they have agreed to be charged. Card network rules and many state and local laws generally require you to give those customers notice before the change takes effect.
You are responsible for sending this notice.
The specific notice requirements — including how far in advance you must send it, the form it must take, and what it must say — vary by jurisdiction. Please consult your local and state authorities, and your own legal counsel if needed, to confirm what applies to your business.
Sample customer notification
The following is sample copy you may adapt for your own customer notification. It includes two alternative versions of the opening line — one for adding a surcharge for the first time, and one for changing an existing surcharge rate. Keep whichever applies and remove the other. It is provided for convenience only and is not a substitute for legal advice. Please review and modify it to fit your business, and confirm it meets the requirements that apply to you.
Subject: An update to your payment method
Hi [Customer name],
[If adding a surcharge for the first time:] We are writing to let you know that beginning [date], a credit card surcharge of [rate]% will be applied to credit card payments made on your [membership / subscription / recurring plan].
[If changing an existing surcharge rate:] We are writing to let you know that beginning [date], the credit card surcharge applied to credit card payments on your [membership / subscription / recurring plan] will change from [current rate]% to [new rate]%.
If you would prefer to avoid the surcharge, you can update your payment method at any time. To make a change, [instructions for updating payment method].
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at [contact info].
Thank you,
[Your business name]
Frequently asked questions
Do I really have to notify customers on Auto-Pay?
Yes. When you change the amount your customer has agreed to be charged on an Auto-Pay plan — whether that means adding a surcharge for the first time or modifying an existing surcharge rate — card network rules and many state and local laws generally require advance notice. The exact requirements vary, so check with your local and state authorities and legal counsel if you have questions.
How do I send the notice?
You can use any communication channel appropriate for your customers — email, mail, or another method you already use to reach them.
Where can I get help?
For questions about the Studio Pro surcharge feature, contact our support team at support@gostudiopro.com. For questions about your legal obligations, please consult your local and state authorities and your own legal counsel.
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