surcharges for using credit cards are illegal

[Neil]

[This message has been edited by Neil]

ON the same topic of being ripped off as a consumer, please note that alot of businesses and hotels try to charge you surcharges of 3-5% for using a credit card.  

This violates their agreement with visa or master card or whatever card.

I just reported a US company today that wanted to charge me a 3% surcharge.  The number for Master Card merchant violations is 1 800 300-3069.  The merchants can be removed from using the credit card for violations of their contract.

[kented]

... in response to surcharges for using credit cards are il..., posted by Neil on Feb 17, 2005

In Costa Rica CC surcharges are common.  About half the places do it.  I generally don't use that business again but I will tell you that LA is another world.  If I spent all my time getting pissed off at things in LA that were different from the US, I wouldn't have time to enjoy myself.  

I would ask a hotel or restaurant about surcharges for CC use before I ate / stayed there.  I did walk away from establishments because of this practice.

[Neil]

... in response to Re: surcharges for using credit cards ar..., posted by kented on Feb 17, 2005

actually the hotel I stayed at in CR last month quoted me a rate of $44US, assuming i was by credit card, and at check out gave me a discount of about 10% when I asked about paying by cash compared to credit card.

[Bubba]

... in response to surcharges for using credit cards are il..., posted by Neil on Feb 17, 2005

Most are small and they tell you up front they want cash or a check but CAN accept a credit card if you pay the 3%. Lots of over the phone places do it also.  If I don't want it that bad I don't pay but it's nice when I'm not carrying cash and I want something from them.