> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.xplorpay.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.xplorpay.com/account-settings/empower-pricing-program-certification.md). # Empower Pricing Program Certification Complete your Empower Certification in the [Merchant Portal](https://merchantportal.xplorpay.net/). Find it on the homepage. ### Addendum terms This Addendum supplements the attached Agreement. It applies to Xplor Pay Services. By executing the Agreement, you agree to this Addendum and the Agreement. If they conflict, this Addendum controls. Its provisions are material terms. All other Agreement terms remain in effect. ### Your compliance responsibilities You represent and warrant that you understand and comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and operating standards. This includes Card Brand Rules. Together, these are the **Relevant Rules**. The Relevant Rules apply to the Empower Program. They include rules for cash discounts, surcharges, convenience fees, and service fees. #### Cash discounts You must: * Display signage at entry and purchase points. State that cash payments receive a discount. Include the exact amount or percentage. * Display the regular card-payment price everywhere an item or service price appears. You may also display dual prices. Show the regular card price and cash discount price. * Apply the discount only at the point of sale. Apply it only after the consumer indicates cash payment. #### Surcharges You must: * Apply surcharges only where the Relevant Rules permit them. * Display signage at entry and purchase points. State the exact surcharge amount or percentage. State that you apply the surcharge. * Ensure each surcharge does not exceed its payment method's acceptance cost. Display signage confirming this limit. * Ensure each surcharge stays within the Card Brands' Surcharge Cap. * Never apply a surcharge to a Debit Card transaction. #### Convenience fees You must: * Charge a convenience fee only for an alternative payment channel. This channel must be outside your customary payment channel. * Clearly disclose the fee to the cardholder before the transaction completes. * Add a convenience fee only to a Card Not Present transaction. Do not charge it if you operate exclusively in a Card Not Present Environment. * Use only a flat or fixed fee. Do not base it on the payment amount. * Never apply a convenience fee to a transaction with a surcharge. #### Service fees You must: * Charge a service fee only if you are a government agency or higher education Merchant. Clearly disclose it before the transaction completes. * Hold a permitted Merchant Category Code (MCC): Utilities `4900`; Education `8211`, `8220`, `8244`, or `8249`; or Government `9211`, `9222`, `9311`, or `9399`. * Use only a flat or fixed fee. Do not base it on the payment amount. * Never apply a service fee to a transaction with a surcharge or convenience fee. ### Violations and recertification Failure to comply with the Relevant Rules may result in a violation notice and fine. You are responsible for all fines and violations caused by noncompliance with the Relevant Rules. You must recertify this attestation every two years. Xplor Pay may also request recertification. Failure to recertify results in a non-recertification fee. ### Card Brand Rules For convenience, Card Brand Rules links are provided separately. {% file src="/files/uB97LpL9Cz2G9uJ6pyDn" %} {% file src="/files/Min380vOhC1rt43gHNK6" %} {% file src="/files/bmPFFeXuUFHb1zrdAr8Y" %} --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://support.xplorpay.com/account-settings/empower-pricing-program-certification.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.