Plenty of contractors still say "check or cash only." The reason is usually the fee. Card processors typically take around 3% of each payment, and nobody likes handing over part of the job. But the fee is only half the math.
What cards cost you
On a $1,000 job, a fee around 3% is about $30. That is real money. It is also less than one extra trip to pick up a check, or a week of waiting while your own bills come due.
What cards get you
- Paid today. The customer pays before you leave instead of "I will mail it."
- Fewer chases. No calls about a check that is "in the mail."
- Bigger jobs. Some customers will say yes to a larger job if they can put it on a card.
- No bounced checks. Card payments are approved on the spot.
- Looking established. A pay link feels professional, especially for a newer business.
Can you pass the fee on?
Some businesses add a surcharge for card payments or build the cost into their prices. Surcharge rules depend on your state and the card networks, and some places restrict them. Check the rules before you add a surcharge line. Many contractors simply price it in, the same way they price in fuel.
Keep cash and check as options
Taking cards does not mean refusing checks. Offer both. Most customers will pick whichever is easiest for them, and for a lot of people that is tapping a link on their phone.
How it works in EZ Invoices
Connect your bank once through Stripe, and every invoice can carry a card payment link. The customer pays on their phone, the money goes to your account, and card details never touch our servers. Bank setup is a separate optional step after signup, so you can start sending invoices first.
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