Deposit math
Card fee on a $50 tattoo deposit
If you absorb the fee you keep $48.25. To keep the full $50, charge $51.80.
| Client pays | $50.00 |
|---|---|
| Card fee | $1.75 |
| You take home | $48.25 |
| Client pays | $51.80 |
|---|---|
| Card fee | $1.80 |
| You take home | $50.00 |
Uses Stripe's standard US card pricing of 2.9% + 30¢. Your rate may differ if you've negotiated one or the client uses an international card.
Why the "client pays" number isn't just $50 plus the fee
The card fee is charged on the whole amount the client pays, including the part you added to cover the fee. Adding $1.75 to $50 still leaves you a little short, so the right price is $51.80.
Show one price, not a surcharge line
If you pass the fee on, charge the one all-in amount rather than listing a separate "card fee" line. A separate line counts as a card surcharge, and some US states restrict those.
Want to try a different price, a percentage deposit or an hourly rate? Use the full deposit calculator.
Other deposit amounts
Collect deposits before the booking
VandalSyn has clients sign your policy and pay the deposit from your booking link, with the fee handled the way you choose. No account needed on their side.
Start free trial$49/month · studio seats from $29 · 14-day free trial · no card needed