$1,200 Annual Fee Charged to my small restaurant
I have been a Shift4 customer since 2021. I operate a very small takeout and delivery restaurant with relatively low monthly credit card sales. On August 3, 2026, Shift4 debited $1,373.08 directly from my bank account. When I reviewed my July 2026 merchant statement, I discovered that $1,200 of that amount was listed as an “Annual Service & Maintenance” fee. This is not a minor fee. For a small business processing only approximately $3,000–$4,000 per month in card sales, a $1,200 annual service and maintenance charge is extremely significant. What makes this even more frustrating is that I am already paying other fees. My statement also shows processing and authorization fees, a $49.99 POS monthly fee, and a $34.99 Online Ordering Enablement fee, among other charges. I contacted Shift4 and disputed the $1,200 charge. Instead of addressing my specific request for a refund, I received an explanation stating that Shift4 combined its previous Annual Program Fee and Regulatory Assurance Fee into an Annual Service and Maintenance billing. That explanation does not resolve my concern. I have specifically requested that Shift4 provide me with the agreement or documentation showing where I agreed to a $1,200 annual fee, and I have requested that the charge be reviewed for a refund. After being a customer since 2021, I am extremely disappointed that a charge this large can represent such a significant portion of a small restaurant’s monthly card sales. I am asking Shift4 to refund the $1,200 Annual Service & Maintenance fee and provide clear documentation showing when and how this fee was disclosed and agreed to. Until this billing dispute is properly resolved, I cannot recommend Shift4 to other small restaurant owners.