Quick answer
Professional-services firms may process fewer transactions than retailers but often have higher card-not-present fees and larger invoice values. The 2026 surcharge transition is a chance to review invoice wording, payment links, client communication and whether provider fees should be absorbed, priced in, or reduced through negotiation.
Professional-services worked example
A consulting, legal, accounting, allied-health or trade-services firm may receive card payments through invoice links rather than a terminal. A 1% difference on a $2,000 invoice is much more visible than on a $20 retail basket, so client communication and fee transparency matter.
Invoice and payment-link checks
- List every invoice template, payment-link page and engagement letter that refers to surcharges or card fees.
- Separate card-not-present merchant fees from software/platform fees.
- Check whether deposits, retainers and recurring payments have different fee treatment.
- Ask providers for written pricing after 1 October 2026.
- Decide whether pricing, payment terms or preferred-payment discounts should change.
Client communication themes
Keep client messaging simple: the firm is reviewing payment costs ahead of national card-payment rule changes; card inputs and fee assumptions should be checked against provider statements; any price or payment-method changes will be communicated before they apply.
Questions for your adviser or bookkeeper
- How should merchant fees be tracked in the chart of accounts?
- Should card costs be absorbed, included in general pricing or reduced through provider negotiation?
- Do GST-inclusive invoice prices or engagement terms need review?
- How should exported FeeReady scenarios be stored with client or firm records?
Model this in the FeeReady calculatorUse the small-business checklist