It has only happened a few times, but I remember watching a news expose on stores and gas stations charge the credit card fee to the customers.
Does anyone know if this is legal? It recently happened to me at a fast food restaurant (Church’s Chicken).
First they wouldn’t take a credit card (only debit), then they asked for my pin (WTH?), then after processing it, they told me there was a $0.79 processing fee for debit transactions.
Is it legal or not. There is a lot of gray area. However they could receive a hefty fine from Visa/MC. Visa/MC policy states that a merchant can not charge any additional fee’s for credit/debit transactions. Also I am sure you have seen stores were they have a sign near the register “$10 min purchase”. Once again a big no no. I would first go back and request your .79 back, its not the money but the principal. Then whatever happens I would contact Visa/Mc and file a formal complaint. I have seen first offenses result in $10,000.00 fines. I work in the merchant services industry. Just in case you wanted to file a complaint, you would contact the issuing bank for your card (more than likely your bank because it is a debit card) explain what happened and state you would like to file a formal complaint to Visa/Mc. They have the required forms. Happy hunting
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I think it is legal but I also believe Visa and Matercard prohibit this practice from their customers. Merchants who try this upset their customers and risk problems with Visa or Mastercard.
You could file a complaint with Visa or Mastercard. That is likely the best way to cause some pain for the merchant.
If you gave them your PIN that was foolish. Change your pin if you did.
This is incorrect and you should never pay the processing fee, that fee goes to the merchant.