Must a Circle K franchisee enter into a Software Agreement for the TMC Software?
Circle_K Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ined below, there are no additional requirements, investments or obligations imposed beyond those required for a Store.
In connection with the operation of your Branded Business, you must sign a Credit Network Agreement to receive access to the TMC Network. Pursuant to the Credit Network Agreement, you will be required to pay us a monthly Network Fee in exchange for the right to use the TMC Network. The monthly Network Fee you will be required to pay will be our then-current Network Fee, which as of the date of this Disclosure Document is $50 per month. We reserve the right to modify the Network Fee upon 30 days' advance written notice.
Any evaluation or inspection we conduct is not intended to exercise, and does not constitute, control over your day-to-day operation of the Circle K Store or to assume any responsibility for your obligations under the Convenience Store Franchise Agreement, the Motor Fuel Agreement or the Branding Agreement (as applicable).
ITEM 12 TERRITORY
Circle K Store
You will not receive an exclusive territory. You may face competition from other franchisees, from outlets that we own, or from other channels of distribution or competitive brands that we control. The Convenience Store Franchise Agreement grants you the right to operate one convenience store only at the location specified.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 60–72)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees operating a Branded Business or a Motor Fuel Business are required to sign a Credit Network Agreement to gain access to the TMC Network. This network facilitates online debit and credit transaction processing.
As part of this agreement, franchisees must pay a monthly Network Fee. As of the FDD's publication date, this fee is $50 per month. However, Circle K retains the right to modify this fee with a 30-day advance written notice.
For prospective franchisees, this means that access to Circle K's credit network is not optional but a mandatory component of operating either a Branded Business or a Motor Fuel Business. The monthly fee represents an ongoing operational cost that must be factored into the franchisee's financial planning. Franchisees should be aware of the potential for fee increases and budget accordingly.