Bad Credit Agency

Is it legal for merchants to charge credit card processing fees to the consumer?

Have frequently experienced this with travel agencies when I use my credit card. The processing fee of 2% is charged to me, thus would end up using Nets to avoid it. There is also a fear that the business may wind up after you pay upfront. Can any action be taken against them? Who are the watchdogs that I can report this to?

Public Comments

1. Merchants must not charge fees on consumers using the credit card because they are being paid by the bank.
2. u need to ask them first before u allow them to swipe ur card, and yes it is legal, but u can always negotiate.
3. As long as you are informed of the charge and agree to it they can charge you. If you have fraudulent charges, you may dispute them with the credit card company or complain to your state's Attorney General's Office - Consumer Division.
4. Yes it is legal. It costs the merchant more to take a credit card than it does to take cash. Why should the customer who pays cash pay for those who use credit cards? Some merchants go at it in a different way. They will give a discount for patrons who pay by cash. The merchants who don't charge more to those using credit cards must raise the prices to everyone slightly to compensate. And all of the larger merchants usually have special credit card processing accounts which have negligible costs associated with them (Walmart, Kmart, Bestbuy, etc.).
5. No in most cases. Visa and MasterCard expressly prohibit merchants from adding a surcharge to credit card purchases; however, Discover and American Express do not. However, in the following states, ANY kind of surcharge on credit card use is prohibited: California Colorado Connecticut Florida Kansas Maine Massachusetts New York Oklahoma Texas If you've been surcharged for Visa or MC, you can write to the company and get the surcharge refunded.
6. The credit card companies charge the merchants a fee each time they process a credit card transaction. The merchant is just passing that fee onto you. Use another method of payment if you don't want to pay the credit card processing fee.
7. Only in certain states yes; but it must be in writing on the bill.