Credit Card Processing Fee Reimbursement Calculator
Figure out what to bill a client so a credit card processing fee is fully covered. No signup.
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Result
The Hammer Lex bills matters and tracks costs against them automatically — no manual math for pass-through fees or expenses.
See automated billing in HammerLexHow to calculate a fee reimbursement
When a client pays by credit card, the payment processor takes a percentage before the funds reach the firm's account. If a firm wants to net the full amount it's owed — rather than absorb the processing cost — it needs to bill for more than the underlying amount, so that after the processor's cut, the right amount lands.
The math: divide the amount you need to net by (1 minus the fee rate as a decimal). For example, to net $8,207.20 after a 3% fee: 8,207.20 ÷ (1 − 0.03) = $8,461.03 total to bill, of which $253.83 covers the fee. Check it in reverse: $8,461.03 minus 3% ($253.83) equals $8,207.20 — the amount originally needed.
Frequently asked questions
Why would a law firm bill back a credit card processing fee?
When a client pays by card, the processor takes a percentage before the firm receives the funds. Billing the client for that processing cost as a reimbursed expense lets the firm net the full amount owed.
Is this the same as a surcharge?
Not necessarily, but the line can matter legally. A cost reimbursement bills back an expense the firm actually incurred; a surcharge adds a fee specifically for paying by card, which is separately regulated and restricted or capped in some states. Confirm with your processor's merchant agreement and your state's rules.
How do you calculate the amount to bill so a fee is fully covered?
Divide the amount you need to net by (1 minus the processor's rate as a decimal). To net $8,207.20 after a 3% fee: 8,207.20 / (1 - 0.03) = $8,461.03 to bill.
Track costs and fees on the matter automatically
HammerLex bills time, costs, and pass-through fees against the matter as they happen — no manual reimbursement math.
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