# Charges Overview
> Source: https://development.fuze-store.com/docs/store/charge/overview

# Charges Overview

A **charge** is a named order-level fee your store adds on top of items — for example a **service charge**, **corkage**, or **rush fee**. Charges are a core (ungated) capability: every plan can create and apply them.

**Charges are not tax, discounts, or gift cards.** Tax is a separate Starter+ (and free-trial) feature. Discounts reduce the price. Gift cards are a paid add-on. **Delivery fee is not a charge** — it is configured separately (for example in Preferences / service modes). The old Preferences “service fee” setting was removed; use a charge catalog row instead.

## Why Use Charges

- **Named fees on receipts** — customers see “Service charge” or “Corkage,” not a mystery total.
- **Auto-apply** — apply a charge to every qualifying order (or only certain service modes).
- **Manual and custom** — cashiers can toggle catalog charges per order or add a one-off custom charge on the register.
- **Templates** — some business-type templates seed a default charge (for example a 10% service charge on full-service restaurants). Charges work on every plan, including free Basic; you can edit or remove a seeded charge anytime.

## How Charges Work

1. You manage a **Charges** catalog under **Configurations** (Payments & Tax area).
2. On the **POS Register** summary, open **Charges** to apply, exclude, or add a custom charge for that order.
3. Percentage charges calculate on the same post-discount base as other order math; fixed charges add a set amount.
4. Order totals and receipts itemize named charges when the order includes them.

## Field Explanations

| Field | Description | Required | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Enable** | Whether the charge is active in the catalog | Yes | Inactive charges do not auto-apply and stay off the register list for new picks |
| **Name** | Label on the order and receipt | Yes | e.g. Service charge, Corkage |
| **Rate Type** | Fixed amount or percentage | Yes | Fixed adds a set amount; Percentage adds a % of the order total **after discounts** |
| **Rate** | Amount or percentage | Yes | Number for fixed; percent for % |
| **Auto-apply** | Automatically add this charge to qualifying orders | No | Cashiers can still turn it off for one order |
| **Service Modes** | Limits auto-apply to selected modes | No | Leave empty to apply to all modes |

## Related Guides

- [Creating a Charge](/docs/store/charge/creating-a-charge)
- [Applying a Charge to an Order](/docs/store/charge/applying-charge-to-order)
- [Updating a Charge](/docs/store/charge/updating-a-charge)
- [Payment Methods](/docs/store/payment-method/overview)
- [Discounts](/docs/store/discount/overview)
- [Using the POS Register](/docs/store/pos/using-pos-register)

## Tips

- Prefer clear names staff and customers recognize.
- Use **Auto-apply** for fees that almost always apply; leave it off for occasional fees (corkage, rush).
- Scope auto-apply with **Service Modes** when a fee only applies to dine-in or delivery.

## Best Practices

- Align charge names with what you print on guest checks or menus.
- Review seeded template charges after store setup so rates match your policy.
- Train cashiers on the register **Charges** sheet so they do not double-add a fee that already auto-applied.