What the processing fee is
Every online card payment carries a processing cost. On Parting Pro that's a single percentage of the transaction — typically 3% — and your exact rate is set on your account. There's no separate per-transaction cents charge on top of it.
Two other payment methods work differently:
Bank payment (ACH): 1% of the payment, capped at $10. The funeral home always covers this one, and the family pays the exact invoice amount.
Cash or check collected in person: no processing fee at all.
And one card rule applies everywhere: debit and prepaid cards are never surcharged. When a family pays with one, the funeral home covers the processing cost regardless of how your account is set up.
Why there's a processing fee
Payment processing fees are a standard part of doing business online. Just like a utility or software subscription, they support the behind-the-scenes systems that allow money to move securely and efficiently between parties.
Your processing rate covers:
Card network costs: fees paid to card issuers (like Visa and Mastercard) every time a payment is processed.
Security and fraud prevention: powerful tools that protect you and your families from fraud, identity theft, and unauthorized transactions.
Platform reliability and support: technology that ensures payments are processed quickly, disputes are handled properly, and your funds are deposited smoothly.
Who pays the fee: your two setups
You absorb it. The family pays exactly the invoice amount, and the processing fee comes out of your deposit.
The family pays it. The fee appears as its own line at checkout, with the rate shown.
You choose this in Settings → Business → Payment Settings.
Two things shape that choice:
Your state. Some states cap what can be passed to families, and some don't allow it at all. Your Payment Settings page shows the rule that applies to you.
Card type. Debit and prepaid are never surcharged, so you'll cover those either way.
For the state-by-state detail and worked examples, see How your processing fee and family surcharge are calculated.
How to explain the fee to families
If you choose to pass on the fee, it's important to communicate it clearly and thoughtfully. Here's how to approach the conversation:
Keep it transparent: Let families know that the added fee is for secure, convenient online payment processing and goes toward the cost of processing the payment, not your business.
Use simple language: You can say something like,
"We use a trusted payment provider to ensure your online payment is safe and seamless. They charge a small processing fee to cover things like security and transaction costs. We don't make anything from it, it's simply part of providing a secure way to pay."
If you'd rather reduce what you pay in card fees
Encourage bank payment (ACH) on larger balances. A flat $10 cap instead of a percentage — on a $5,000 payment that's $10 instead of about $150. Families choose their own method at checkout, so the best time to mention it is during the arrangement.
Collect in person. With "Pay later," a family can complete their order online and settle with you by cash or check — no processing fee.
Build the cost into your pricing. Talk to your Client Success Manager first, since this affects your General Price List.
What to expect when setting up Stripe
To begin accepting payments, you'll need to create and verify a Stripe account. Stripe may ask for:
Your business name, address, and bank info
Your EIN or Social Security Number
A brief description of your services
A representative's ID information (name, DOB, etc.)
These steps help Stripe comply with financial regulations and ensure secure payouts.
Stripe setup is quick, secure, and only needs to be completed once. If you ever need help, our team is happy to assist.
A note on state rules
Parting Pro provides technology and payment-processing functionality only. We're not attorneys and this isn't legal advice. Your counsel may reach a different conclusion for your operation than we did for our platform, so please consult your own legal and professional advisors about your pricing, disclosures, and any surcharge or cash-discount program.
Final thoughts
Payment processing fees are a normal part of accepting payments online. Whether you choose to absorb the cost or pass it on, Parting Pro gives you the tools to collect payments efficiently, securely, and in a way that works best for your business.
If you have any questions about fees or how to manage your payment settings, feel free to reach out to your Client Success Manager.