Blog / Payments
Interac debit for barbershops: what to know before you take it
Why Interac debit matters for Canadian barbershops, how it differs from credit, what it costs, and the quirks around tips, refunds and online payments.
Ask a room of Canadian clients how they pay for a haircut and a lot of hands go up for debit. Interac is Canada's debit network, and tapping a debit card is second nature here. If your shop takes payments in person, Interac support isn't optional.
Interac debit vs credit cards
- Money comes straight from the client's bank account, not a credit line.
- Pricing is usually different. Debit is often priced as a flat fee or a lower percentage than credit. Ask your provider for both rates.
- It's mostly in person. Interac debit is built for tap and chip at a terminal or phone. Online, clients usually pay with a credit card, a wallet, or a debit card that also carries Visa or Mastercard.
Where Interac works
On a terminal
Countertop and handheld card readers sold in Canada generally support Interac tap and chip and PIN. That's the most reliable way to take every kind of debit card.
Tap to pay on a phone
Support for Interac on phone-based tap to pay depends on the provider and the device. Confirm it before you go phone-only, especially if most of your clients pay with debit. See tap to pay for barbers.
Online deposits
Booking deposits are usually paid by credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Plenty of Canadian debit cards also carry Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard logos, and those work online like a credit card.
Quirks worth knowing
- Refunds may need the card present. Some providers require the client's debit card to be tapped or inserted again to refund an Interac payment. Plan for that before a client walks out unhappy.
- Tips happen before the tap. Pick the tip on screen first, then the client taps once for the total.
- Contactless limits. Above the tap limit set by the client's bank, they'll insert the card and enter a PIN. Phone-only setups can't do PIN on every device.
- No pre-authorisation. Unlike credit, debit can't easily be held and charged later. That's why no-show fees usually use a card on file instead.
A simple setup for most shops
- Take deposits online by card when clients book.
- Take the balance in person with a reader or tap to pay that supports Interac.
- Keep cash logged in the same system so the end-of-day report adds up.
Interac in Zelko
Zelko Terminal and Zelko Pay are built for Canada, with Interac debit on the in-person roadmap. Both are in early access. Online deposits and payments by card, Apple Pay and Google Pay are available today. See how payments work.
