I went to California and saw this a lot. I was once told that this was not legal (Federal Law). Is this a fact or not?
2006-06-19 12:57:31 · 8 answers · asked by Gary O 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
It is against "all" credit card company policies in all states.
Some states have made it illegal, Ca. Co. Ct. Fl. Ks. Ma. Me. Ny. Ok. Tx.
In those states it is also illegal (by state law) to charge a fee for debit cards
If you see a store surcharging for debit and are using a debit MasterCard or debit Visa / Visa Check Card... make sure they run it as credit (over the Visa or MC network). You will have to sign the receipt -- do NOT enter a pin#..
1) A merchant cannot require ID for a sale/transaction if the card has a valid signature on the back.
2) A merchant cannot set a minimum charge when using a credit card.
3) A merchant cannot set a maximum charge when using a credit card.
4) A merchant cannot add fees or surcharges for using a credit card.
If a merchant tries to do any of these, contact your card issuer or contact either Visa or MasterCard
To contact Visa call either the number on the back of your card or 1-800-VISA-911
To file a complaint online with MasterCard (link below)
2006-06-19 13:47:50 · answer #1 · answered by echo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it's legal. Credit card companies charge merchant service fees to the stores when they charge a card, so the store passes the buck and charges you. Not sure about in Tx, but here all stores that have a surcharge for credit/debit cards are required to have that posted. It also used to be common practice for gas stations to charge a higher price per gallon for credit customers versus cash, that is making a HUGE come back in my some parts of the country.
2016-05-20 03:24:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rules Merchants Must Follow (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx):
1) A merchant cannot require ID for a sale/transaction if the card has a valid signature on the back.
2) A merchant cannot set a minimum charge when using a credit card.
3) A merchant cannot set a maximum charge when using a credit card.
4) A merchant cannot add fees or surcharges for using a credit card.
You can just charge it and if they charge you the fee, file a chargeback on them and the fee (or whole thing) will be refunded.
2006-06-19 15:27:07 · answer #3 · answered by Rob W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Debit cards are not credit cards. They are simple tool that allows people access to their money using Visa or Mastercard and the software linking them. By charging a fee the merchant is well within their rights since the debit/check card is not based on a credit account. A credit card however is allows consumers access to borrow money that is not theirs. The laws specify a surcharge specifically on a lending transaction.
2006-06-19 13:31:15 · answer #4 · answered by pearlvr4 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
California Civil Code 1748.1 that makes it illegal to demand a surcharge for use of a credit card:
No retailer in any sales, service, or lease transaction with a consumer may impose a surcharge on a cardholder who elects to use a credit card in lieu of payment by cash, check, or similar
means.
MasterCard and Visa merchant agreements specifically prohibit this practice.
2006-06-19 13:06:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES they can
they do not have to take credit cards
they can charge a handling fee if they wish when accepting credit cards
2006-06-19 13:00:58 · answer #6 · answered by Pobept 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they pay a sir charge on cards below a amout
that is charge at bank so to pay that charge on small buying is only fair or they make no proffit on that candy bar
2006-06-19 13:04:12 · answer #7 · answered by stillhappy89 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they can anything they want
2006-06-19 13:01:24 · answer #8 · answered by harleythom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋