Terms and Conditions – Surcharging Pilot Offer

Last Updated: Feb 24. 2026

These Terms and Conditions explain participation in the FreshBooks Surcharging Pilot (the “Pilot”). By opting in, you agree to these terms.

About the Pilot

The Pilot allows eligible FreshBooks customers to enable a surcharging feature that passes eligible credit card processing fees to clients, where permitted by law.

Laws, regulations, and network rules regarding surcharging vary based on geographic location of the parties. We take steps to offer surcharging where permitted, but you are and remain responsible for complying with all applicable laws and card network requirements in your jurisdiction.

Pilot Timeline 

The Pilot is scheduled to begin in early April 2026. The exact launch date will be communicated approximately one week in advance via email and in-app messaging. The Pilot is scheduled to conclude early October 2026. At that time, FreshBooks may transition the feature to a paid offering, modify it, or discontinue it. Advance notice will be provided via email and in-app messaging.  

Opt-In Period

You must opt in within seven (7) days of receiving the invitation email with the subject line “You’re in: FreshBooks Surcharging Pilot” (the “Opt-In Period”). FreshBooks may change or end the Pilot by providing you with notice.

How to Opt In

To participate, you must:

• Reply to the Pilot invitation email confirming participation, or
• Click “I’m In” in the in-app message.

If you do not opt in during the Opt-In Period, you will not be enrolled.

If you opt in, surcharging will be automatically enabled on your account when the Pilot begins. You will receive confirmation once the feature is activated.

Eligibility

To participate, you must:

• Have an active FreshBooks subscription.
• Have FreshBooks Payments powered by Stripe enabled.
• Maintain a Stripe account in good standing.
• Be legally permitted to use surcharging in your jurisdiction.
• Provide qualifying responses to our intake questionnaire. 
• Opt-In according to the process outlined above.

FreshBooks reserves the right to determine and revoke eligibility.

Six-Month Offer for Qualified Participants 

Participants who opt in will receive six (6) months of surcharging at no additional platform cost, beginning on the Pilot start date for their account.

Participant Responsibilities

You must:

• Maintain accurate information within FreshBooks on your location and the location of your business
• Do not use surcharging where it is not permitted
• You are responsible for ensuring clients are not double-charged once the Pilot begins.
• Respond to questions or complaints from clients.

We take steps to offer surcharging where permitted, but you are and remain responsible for complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and card network requirements in your jurisdiction and the jurisdiction of your client.  This includes customer service and other responses regarding your use of surcharging, including investigations, lawsuits, regulatory action, and consumer complaints.  

FreshBooks does not provide legal advice and does not guarantee that surcharging is permitted in all jurisdictions where it is offered. FreshBooks may disable the feature for accounts that do not comply with our requirements or applicable laws or regulations. 

Registration and Data Sharing

By opting into the Pilot, you expressly authorize FreshBooks to share your business name and merchant details with Mastercard. This information is shared solely to fulfill mandatory card network requirements for registering your business to surcharge. 

Feedback & Communications

By participating, you agree to receive Pilot-related communications and may be asked to provide feedback through surveys or in-product prompts.

Feedback is the property of FreshBooks and may be used to improve our service.

Disclaimer

The Pilot is offered for testing purposes. Features may change or be discontinued at any time.

Use of the feature is at your own risk and remains subject to the Freshbooks Terms of Service. 

Customer Support

If you have questions about the Pilot or surcharging, please contact FreshBooks Support at: support@freshbooks.com or visit Freshbooks Help Centre

We appreciate your participation and feedback as we build and refine this feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is surcharging?	Surcharging allows you to pass eligible credit card processing fees to your client when they pay by credit card, where permitted by law.
Is surcharging legal everywhere?	No. Surcharging is regulated and may be restricted or prohibited in certain states, provinces, or countries. You are responsible for ensuring it is permitted in your jurisdiction.
How do I join the Pilot?	You must opt in during the Opt-In Period by replying to the Pilot invitation email or clicking “Im In” in the in-product Pendo guide. If you do not opt in, you will not be enrolled.
When will surcharging be turned on?	If you opt in, the feature will be automatically enabled when the Pilot begins. You will receive confirmation once it is activated.
How long is surcharging free?	If accepted into the pilot, participants receive six (6) months of surcharging at no additional platform cost starting from the Pilot activation date on their account.
What happens after the six-month free period?	Surcharging may become a paid feature. Final pricing has not yet been determined. FreshBooks will provide advance notice before any fees are introduced.
When does the Pilot end?	The Pilot is scheduled to conclude early October 2026. FreshBooks may modify or end the Pilot with notice.
Can I leave the Pilot?	If you have questions about surcharging or the pilot program, please visit our Help Centre. Thank you for helping us build a better experience for our community
Will my clients see the surcharge?	Yes. The surcharge will appear clearly on invoices and payment screens where applicable.
Will I be asked for feedback?	Yes. Pilot participants may receive surveys or in-product prompts requesting feedback to help improve the feature.
Who do I contact with questions?	Contact FreshBooks Support at: support@freshbooks.com or visit Freshbooks Help Centre
What if my client complains?	You are responsible for responding to any client questions or complaints related to surcharging. Laws and card network rules vary by jurisdiction, and you remain responsible for ensuring compliance in both your jurisdiction and your clients’ jurisdictions.FreshBooks does not provide legal advice. If you are unsure about your obligations, consult your legal counsel.