A couple of times recently I've come across retailers who make a small charge for using a credit card.
I recall this was common when credit cards first came out, but I'd not come across it for a long time.
I'm not on a crusade, but I thought credit card surcharges were against some guideline or other.
All comments/experiences welcome.
|
|
IKEA tried it for a while, maybe late noughties? flat rate rather than a percentage, but I think a customer backlash saw it off.
|
|
Many web retailers especially holiday firms / ticket agencies charge extra for credit cards.
|
Low cost airlines are of course the most egregious examples on the web. IIRC Norfolkline wanted a fee for paying by CC.
I suspect Iffy means real shops.
|
...I suspect Iffy means real shops...
The couple of examples I referred to were in real shops.
One was a percentage, five per cent, I think, and the other was a flat rate of 50p.
|
My brother manages a shop. They don't set different charges depending on how you pay, but in terms of their costs hence profit, they'd rather you paidby:
1/ Cash
2/ Debit Card
3/ Credit Card
The charge to them is a flat rate for debit cards, but a credit card incurs a percentage fee.
|
It's surprising just how much extra discount you can get for cash, not at a normal retailers where the staff have no discretion, but for larger purchases if you mention cash can result in good savings.
Tradesmen always discount for cash.
|
TicketMaster are worse than the low-cost carriers IMHO. They don't add the charge to the very end and it makes no difference whether it's a credit card or debit card. Then they have the affront to charge you £2.50 for the privilege of printing out your own tickets.
If there's one company I'd dearly love to see go under and the management begging on the street, it's TicketMaster. And Ryanair, but mostly TickerMaster.
|
The days of cash are numbered, I think. Banks will start charging to bank large amounts of cash, and shop/business insurance companies will demand extra to cover the chance of robberys and break-ins.
Personally, I think the 'authorities' like cards more, as there is less chance of the tax man being fiddled, and cards are also a great way of keeping tabs on the people.
|
>> The days of cash are numbered, I think. Banks will start charging to bank large
>> amounts of cash, and shop/business insurance companies will demand extra to cover the chance of
>> robberys and break-ins.
Cash must incur significant costs for larger stores. There are obvious risks of robbery at tills, staff can be on the fiddle or give wrong change.
It then has to be sorted and counted, moved safely to the office, paperwork completed and the a security company paid to take it to the bank.
Carparks charging a convenience fee to pay by text are another bete noir!!
|
>>If there's one company I'd dearly love to see go under and the management begging on the street, it's TicketMaster.
Or any major theatre.
SWMBO was given theatre vouchers as a retirement gift. IIRC they even charged a fee for redeeming the things.
|
|
I was surprised to be charged a £2.50 credit card fee at a hotel the other week. (A de Vere hotel, in case you're thinking of spending your own money at one.) Cheeky, I thought; I have some sympathy with small retailers who do this, but in a business where 80% of transactions must be by credit card it smacks of profiteering.
|
>>
>> Tradesmen always discount for cash.
>>
Maybe that's for "tax purposes". The highly regarded plumber next door (I have to say that, don't I?) told me he prefers cheques to cash, as the bank charge him extra to handle cash. No idea if that is true or not.
|
|
BT get my goat! charging £5.40 just for me choosing to pay my line rental in cash at the Post Office!! Grr!
Last edited by: devonite on Fri 23 Sep 11 at 16:55
|
...No idea if that is true or not...
Banks do charge business customers poundage to pay in cash.
But they will also charge to pay in cheques, particularly if there are a lot.
Negotiation is key.
|
I believe that some States in the USA have laws prohibiting the charging of credit card fees on the basis that card users should not pay more for the same goods than do users of cash.
California is one state which has this provision. eBay is head-quartered there, so users of eBay.com have never been allowed to charge credit card fees, while at one time (not sure if that still applies now) after some considerable argument, listers on eBay.co.uk were allowed so to do.
|
With almost 30 years retail experience I have never charged extra for using a cc. I am just grateful for the business. Some people pay as little as £1.50 using a cc, but I just smile sweetly.
My dentist charges £5 extra, yes £5, if you use a cc. I queried this with the receptionist and was given so much bull. Two weeks ago my old Mum went to a travel agent, they rang me for payment on my card, and advised me that they would charge a fee for using my cc. I told my old mum to get up and leave, and subsequently booked the holiday with Trailfinders who do not charge a fee.
These charges really make me see red.
|
Charges for using a credit card. - Bromptonaut
