Do tattoo shops take credit cards?
Here's what to expect.
Most tattoo shops take credit and debit cards. Some are still cash-only, and many post two prices: a cash price and a card price.
Do tattoo shops take credit cards?
Do tattoo shops take credit cards? Yes, most do. Most tattoo shops today accept credit cards, debit cards and phone wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Some shops are still cash-only, and a growing number post two prices: a cash price and a card price, with both shown on the receipt so you choose how to pay. The easiest way to know for sure is to ask the shop when you book.
So, can you pay for a tattoo with a credit card? At most shops, yes, for the deposit and for the balance. A few things are worth knowing before your appointment, whether you are the client or the one running the shop.
Do tattoo artists take card?
Usually, yes. Artists who work in a shop typically take payment through the shop's card terminal. Independent artists often take cards through their booking app or a mobile reader.
Payment works differently at every shop, so check the shop's website, booking page or Instagram highlights, or just send a message. Shops get this question constantly and won't mind.
How paying for a tattoo works.
The common payment setups you will run into at tattoo shops.
Cards and phone wallets
Most shops take tap, dip and swipe, plus Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Cash price and card price
Many shops post both. You choose at checkout, and both show on the receipt.
Cash-only shops
Some shops still take cash only. Ask ahead and plan a trip to the ATM.
Paying by card: what to know.
Do tattoo shops take credit cards for deposits?
Most shops ask for a deposit to book, especially for custom work. More and more shops take it online by card when you pick your appointment time from their booking link.
The deposit usually counts toward the final price. Policies vary, so read the shop's deposit and rescheduling rules before you pay. Shop owners can see how online deposits work on our tattoo deposits page.
Cash price vs. card price
Some shops show two prices for the same tattoo. The cash price is what you pay in cash. The card price is what you pay by card. Both are posted and both appear on your receipt, so there are no surprises. If you prefer one or the other, you can choose at checkout.
Can you tip on a card?
Often, yes. Many card terminals show a tip prompt on screen at checkout, so you can add a tip right there. Plenty of clients still tip in cash because it goes straight to the artist. If you are not sure how tips work at a particular shop, it is fine to ask.
Bring a backup
If you are visiting a new shop, a guest artist or a convention booth, it does not hurt to bring a little cash in case the shop is cash-only or the card reader has a bad day.
Taking cards at your tattoo shop.
If you own a shop and you are weighing whether to take cards, or how to take them, here is the honest picture. Clients expect to pay by card.
Many walk in without cash. Deposits are easier to collect online. And bigger pieces are easier for clients to say yes to when they can put them on a card.
The usual worry is cost. Card acceptance has historically cost shops a percentage of every sale. That is why many shops now use dual pricing: a posted cash price and a card price, both on every receipt, and the client chooses.
It is also why some shops decided to stay cash-only, which we explain in why some tattoo shops take cash.
How Revify handles card payments for tattoo shops
Revify was co-founded by tattoo shop owners and built for shops like yours. Revify tattoo payment processing is $0/month with dual pricing, set up to card-network rules.
We handle the signage, receipts and terminal setup. You get a free terminal while you process with Revify, next-day funding, tip prompts on screen, and no long-term contract. Merchant accounts are subject to approval.
On top of that, you earn Monthly Cash-back of up to 0.75% of your card sales, paid every month. Use the savings calculator to see what your shop could earn.
Get paid back every month.
Revify pays Monthly Cash-back of up to 0.75% of your card sales. Your tier depends on the card price you set.
| Card price | Monthly Cash-back |
|---|---|
| 3.0% | 0.25% |
| 3.5% | 0.50% |
| 4.0% | 0.75% |
Good to know.
Do tattoo shops take credit cards?
Most do. Most tattoo shops accept credit cards, debit cards and phone wallets. Some are cash-only, and many post a cash price and a card price. Ask the shop when you book.
Can you pay for a tattoo with a credit card?
At most shops, yes, for both the deposit and the balance. Check with the shop first, since some still take cash only.
Do tattoo artists take card?
Usually. Artists in a shop typically use the shop's card terminal, and many independent artists take cards through their booking app or a mobile reader.
Why is the card price different from the cash price?
Some shops use dual pricing, which means they post a cash price and a card price. Both appear on the receipt and you choose how to pay.
Can I pay my tattoo deposit online?
At many shops, yes. Shops that use online booking often charge the deposit by card when you choose your appointment slot.
Can I tip my tattoo artist on a card?
Often, yes. Many terminals show a tip prompt on screen. Cash tips are also common. If you're unsure, ask the shop how they handle tips.
Do tattoo shops take Apple Pay?
Many do. Shops with modern card terminals usually accept Apple Pay and Google Pay along with cards.
I own a shop. How do I start taking cards?
Revify sets up tattoo shops with dual pricing, a free terminal while you process with Revify, next-day funding and Monthly Cash-back of up to 0.75% of card sales. Merchant accounts are subject to approval.
Related reading.
Run a tattoo shop?
Take cards with a posted cash price and card price, and earn Monthly Cash-back on card sales.
Get started →See what you'd earnMerchant accounts are subject to approval. Monthly Cash-back is up to 0.75% of card sales and depends on your card-price tier.