Charging You to Use Your Credit Card is Illegal
There are surcharges and minimum purchases everywhere you use your credit card these days, at your favorite lunch stop, the gas station, even larger retailers. It seems to be an uprising trend among merchants, if you want to use your credit card, you need to pay more. You may be have been thinking the same thing I was thinking when you see an outrageous price for using your credit card: Isn’t this illegal? The answer is yes and I am sick of it.
There is, however, a very fine line. If the merchant clearly states that there is a cash price discount, they are able to charge two different prices. However, if the price you see is clearly stated in plain view and they say something along the lines of, “that will be an extra $3 for credit cards,” that is crossing the line. The Federal Truth in Lending Act states: 167, (2) “No seller in any sales transaction may impose a surcharge on a cardholder who elects to use a credit card in lieu of payment by cash, check, or similar means.”
So lets say you get a double whammy, they want to charge you to use a credit card and you finally agree. Reluctantly, you hand over your credit card for your sandwich and cup of coffee when a bubble gum chewing teenager points to a sign that says, “$10 minimum charge.” Now your really pissed, because you don’t have any cash with you. Trust me, I always am too.
Funny thing is, if your paying with a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover their merchant agreements clearly state that a minimum charge is a violation . So is a surcharge. In fact, if you call in to dispute the charge it will immediately be removed. If they find out that the merchant you went to was imposing a minimum charge they will flag their account and with enough complaints that merchant would not longer be able to accept that brand of card.
This article may be a slight departure from innovation but I do feel like it is a trend that has been increasingly common amongst businesses and wanted to bring the facts to light. Sure it may be a minor annoyance in the long run but at least now you know it’s one you don’t need to tolerate.
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References
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Visa “Rules for Visa Merchants”
Dollar Minimums and Maximums – Always honor valid Visa cards, in your acceptance category, regardless of the dollar amount of the purchase. Imposing minimum or maximum purchase amounts is a violation.
No Surcharging – Always treat Visa transactions like any other transaction; that is, you may not impose any surcharges on a Visa transaction. You may, however, offer a discount for cash transactions, provided that the offer is clearly disclosed to customers and the cash price is presented as a discount from the standard price charged for all other forms of payment.
Mastercard “Merchant Rules Manual“
9.12.2 Charges to Cardholders
A merchant must not directly or indirectly require any MasterCard cardholder to pay a surcharge or any part of any merchant discount or any contemporaneous finance charge in connection with a MasterCard card transaction. A merchant may provide a discount to its customers for cash payments. A merchant is permitted to charge a fee (such as a bona fide commission, postage, expedited service or convenience fees, and the life) if the fee is imposed on all like transactions regardless of the form of payment used.
- A surcharge is any fee charge in connection with a MasterCard transaction that is not charged if another payment method is used.
- The merchant discount fee is the fee the merchant pays to its acquirer to acquire transactions.
9.12.3 Minimum/Maximum Transaction Amount Prohibited
A merchant must not require, or post signs indicating that it requires, a minimum or maximum transaction amount to accept a valid MasterCard card.
Discover “Merchant Operating Regulations“
3.1 Surcharges
Unless otherwise agreed upon by us in writing, you may not impose any surcharge, levy or fee of any kind for any transaction where a Cardmember desires to use a Card for any purchase of goods and services.
3.6 Minimum/Maximum Dollar Limits and Other Limits
You may not require that any Cardmember make a minimum dollar purchase in order to use a Card and, other than when we have not authorized a Cardmember’s transaction, you may not limit the maximum amount that a Cardmember may spend when using a Card.
California Civil Code Section 1748.1
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fred said
am September 26 2007 @ 11:04 am
I always suspected that this type of thing was illegal or against some rules. Most of the time it isn’t a problem for me because I have cash on me. But when it is a problem it is extremely frustrating. It is nice to know that I can fight back a little now with this information, thanks!
Jerad Kaliher said
am September 26 2007 @ 5:01 pm
@fred, well your suspicions were correct. I guess for me it is one of those principal matters. I hate being inconvenienced and making me go to the ATM that is 3 streets down when I’m starving is right up there on the top of the list.
BigMike said
am September 26 2007 @ 5:41 pm
This is awesome. I will make sure my wife sees this cause she will ripe those merchants a new one. Thanks Jared!
Jerad Kaliher said
am September 26 2007 @ 8:54 pm
@BigMike, I hope she does! If you want some more info feel free to shoot me an e-mail. Thanks for stopping by!
Twosuq.Com » Charging You to Use Your Credit Card is Illegal said
am September 27 2007 @ 7:18 am
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Tony B said
am October 14 2007 @ 4:12 pm
If you click on the link you provide for the Federal Truth in Lending Act, the provision you cite has expired:
NOTE
Expiration date of § 167(a)(2). Section 3(c)(2) of the Act of February 27, 1976 (Pub. L. No. 94-222; 90 Stat. 197) as amended by section 201 of title II of the Act of July 27, 1981 (Pub. L. No. 97-25; 95 Stat. 144), states that section 167(a)(2) shall cease to be effective February 27, 1984.
Jerad Kaliher said
am October 15 2007 @ 11:12 am
@Tony B, although that section has ceased to be effective, separate states have outlawed the practice in a similar tone.
An example can be found in the California Civil Code:
“1748.1.
(a) 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. A retailer may, however, offer discounts for the purpose of inducing payment by cash, check, or other means not involving the use of a credit card, provided that the discount is offered to all prospective buyers.
(b) Any retailer who willfully violates this section by imposing a surcharge on a cardholder who elects to use a credit card and who fails to pay that amount to the cardholder within 30 days of a written demand by the cardholder to the retailer by certified mail, shall be liable to the cardholder for three times the amount at which actual damages are assessed. The cardholder shall also be entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred in the action.
A cause of action under this section may be brought in small claims court, if it does not exceed the jurisdiction of that court, or in any other appropriate court.”
http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/cacodes/civ/1747-1748.7.html
Similar laws are in place in Colorado Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Minnesota is the only state that allows up to 5% in surcharge fees. However, if you are using Discover, Visa or Mastercard it is still a violation of the merchant agreement. With enough complaints the merchant will lose their right to accept that brand of card.
Paula said
am October 16 2007 @ 12:33 pm
I’m sick of paying business owners to get my money faster. I’ve started by telling the business owner that it’s illegal according to their CC agreements. They usually don’t believe me and keep on charging the additional fee.
Then, I tell them that if they continue, I will notify the CC Company. And that’s what I’ve started doing and hope everyone else will as well.
I owned a business and knew it was illegal to charge the surcharge and DIDN’T DO IT — because it’s wrong. I figure that if someone is charging because of ignorance, that’s ok. But to continue after knowing the difference — well, now — that IS wrong.
Pshew! I feel better. And am happy to finally see that someone else is paying attention to this too.
Jerad Kaliher said
am October 16 2007 @ 9:01 pm
@Paula, I completely understand. I’m not one to go playing Johnny Law and calling the CC companies on a whim. I try to explain it to them. Usually if it’s just an employee there is really little they can do.
If it’s the owner and they are being aggressive, that’s a whole different story. Then it’s time to get on their case and trust me I do.
Kimberley Morris said
am November 2 2007 @ 3:32 pm
Wow, nice to know the state of Colorado has laws against this…but apparently they neglected to let the Colorado Department of Revenue in on the secret.
I just went to the new online site to renew my vehicle registration and they have a surcharge for using credit cards “(item fee + .75) x 0.0225)”.
On the other hand, I got a divorce (in Colorado, btw) and a bad credit rating thanks to my ex totally defying all the financial orders of the court, so the credit card companies are now saying that they will no longer extend Merchant Services to me for my business. And this is after a 10+ year history of me taking credit card payments and *always* obeying the Merchant Agreement rules, without any disputes, whatsoever. What kind of crap is that!?!
I never violated a single policy, and now I can no longer have a merchant account, but the financial arm of my state blantantly violates not only their Merchant Agreements but also state law, and that’s somehow forgiveable?
Makes no sense to me at all. I’m not a fan of PayPal, but at least I can still take credit card payments through THEM.
Jerad Kaliher said
am November 2 2007 @ 10:11 pm
@Kimberley Morris, that’s a great lead. This is a perfect example of a blatant defiance of the agreement. You should make sure to give Visa a call (their corporate #: 1-800-VISA-911).
That’s a shame that you’re denied the right to take credit cards even though you’ve never had a dispute. I wonder if it’s the actual brand of cards that is denying you or if it’s a merchant services broker. You may want to try to call direct and see what they say.
Anna Rees said
am December 3 2007 @ 9:03 am
Man, I am an advocate for this myself. I am glad you posted this because I’ve been in argument with some idiots on a message board that say while it may violate the merchant agreement, it’s not ILLEGAL. YES, it is, and I am going to cite your sources.
Would you believe these idiots also called me a NARC for reporting these businesses? I can’t fathom why anyone would put a CORPORATION above PEOPLE. There are some sick people in this world, that’s for sure.
I have the Merchant Violation Form for MasterCard saved in my favorites and I won’t hesitate to use it. I’ve reported three businesses this week and I’m not going to stop now.
Here’s the link to the violation form, if anyone is interested.
http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/contactus/merchantviolations.html
And here’s a link to the thread where I’M the one getting flamed for pointing out it’s WRONG…
http://www.atheistparents.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14735
Thanks SO MUCH for this post! YOU ROCK!!
ami shah said
am December 25 2007 @ 6:01 pm
Ok, you guys need to understand that there are small businesses that make 60 cents off of one pack of cigs. when you use a credit card, they get charged at least 40 cents. Their profit, therefore, is 20 cents. Plus they have to pay rent, electrcity etc. We have a minimum of 10 because we have people that use credit cards to buy a dollar item..leaving us in debt over that item.
Jerad Kaliher said
am December 27 2007 @ 10:09 am
@ami shah, I understand where you are coming from because I’ve accepted credit cards before. Yet at the same time there are specific types of services that handle smaller transactions. They are usually bundled with other merchants to form a “high volume” account.
Either way, the solution isn’t requiring minimums or charging a fee. If you don’t like the rules just refuse to take cards all together.
I’d watch for your sales to drop off the charts after that, though.
The Devil said
am January 31 2008 @ 7:40 pm
Anna Rees:
I’m sure you won’t be keen on the idea of being “wrong”, but “violating policy” is not the same as “illegal”. Illegal actions will land you in jail. Violating policy will just get you banned from services. Certain states have LAWS against “minimum purchases”. If you live in such a state, what the merchant is doing is indeed illegal. However, being that this is just policy of Visa and MasterCard, legality is not an issue. It’s completely legal — they don’t risk fines or jail time from the government. But, if you notify Visa or MasterCard about the merchants “minimum purchase” notice, they can punish the merchant by stripping the merchant of their ability to accept said credit cards. That will hurt more than a fine from the government.
So remember — it’s only illegal if it breaks the law. Otherwise you’re just violating policy/rules. One holds much more harsher punishment than the other.
And to Ami: maybe you shouldn’t be in business if you think it’s ok to break CONTRACTS. There are always alternatives.
mr pizza said
am May 6 2008 @ 4:33 pm
ami shah said has got it right. you are all looking at it from the consumer side, i own a pizza shop and i tell you what, i make very little on a lot of my smaller items and people all day want to charge a $1.95 slice or a $1.50 soda on their credit card! i make next to nothing on that sale. i have 4 personnal credit cards and a biz card and i do not ever charge $2.00 on them. if i cannot pay for a $2 item in cash why am i buying it. i dont sell things to NOT make money, and thats what happens when someone makes a $1-$2 purchase.
Canadian Merchant Accounts said
am May 25 2008 @ 2:09 pm
Great article! I have been in the payment processing industry for over 4 years in Canada and this is a common question that comes up with merchants. I liked this post so much it inspired me to write a post on my site about surcharging – you can view it here.
Angry Panda said
am September 24 2008 @ 1:14 pm
I’ve known for years this practice was illegal. Interestingly, this exact topic came up in a Finance class while I was in college. However, I never encountered a situation where I was actually being charged a surcharge on a CC transaction — debit cards, yes, but not credit cards… until recently. Within the last two years, I’ve noticed a surcharge on a CC receipt several times, and I wondered if the law had changed. My question then is: Would it be possible to bring a class action against a sufficiently large retailer who engages in this practice?
Billigflug said
am December 16 2008 @ 3:16 am
Interesting Article and thanks for sharing it!
I was thinking about it, because of my last travel in USA, but I thought they had right to charge it. My mistake was not to search the truth! =)
These kind of things you can see everywhere and they obviously become a problem, ‘Cause at the end you pay more and save nothing.
I dont know if it is also illegal in Europe…actually I think it´s illegal everywhere… but here It´s not common like in USA doing such practices.
CC charges said
am January 13 2009 @ 9:35 pm
I wonder how these violations are handled when a car dealer refuses to accept a cc (charge card)for payment in full of a car. Many/most dealerships seem to set 3-5K limits on cc payments towards car purchases. Many cc are offering 0 % rates and other amazing short term offers. Provided that you have the available credit and that floating the higher balance is not hurting your credit score, buying a car on a cc is a great idea. Frequent flyer miles or rebate points accrue nicely. In addition, the cc charge is a contract with VISA/MC/Discover and not the dealer. The dealer gets his money and the car is yours. It is not collateral. Non payed cc bills will ruin your credit but no one comes to repo the car.
CC charges said
am January 24 2009 @ 2:45 pm
Here in AL surcharges are common. Many small gas stations have signs that state 3-5 % surcharge on all gas purchases on CC. Had to get a couple gallons this am. In am buying a new car this month. Every dealership I have been to has limits from 2-5 K for purchases. It was suggested that I purchase elsewhere if I insist on using a CC to buy my 25 K car. Pretty amazing to have a car dealer turn away a sale because I want to use my CC.
Dont be petty said
am February 7 2009 @ 10:18 am
Seriously, you people are being petty and try to get something for free. Retailers pay money in order to allow you the convenience of using your credit card at their establishment. Yes, this helps them to generate more business, but it still costs them money. The profit margins small business owners, especially eateries, can earn is razor thin. If you into Mom and Pop’s Pizza and get a slice of pizza and coke for 3.50, and pay with credit card, you just wiped out all of their profit, and basically they just cooked and served to you for free. And then you jerks go and cancel the transaction so they have to eat the cost of the food? What kind of pathetic losers are you? Do they look like they’re driving around in v12 BMW’s making out like Al Capone? No, you jerks, they’re just trying to earn a living and send their kids to college. Seriously, you people who are so “excited” about this post need to think real deeply on the quality of your character.
Chris said
am February 10 2009 @ 10:40 am
@Don’t be petty
Boohoo. I’m sure you loved the economics of this country when you set up your enterprise with relative ease, yet now you should expect us to ignore basic economics by paying for something differently in your business than we would at McDonalds? Give me a break. Nobody held a gun to your head and forced you to be an entrepreneur. If you don’t like the way things are then stop taking cards and watch how quickly you aren’t able to afford rent (you’ll notice a much more dramatic impact to your bottom line than you noticed from the 2-3 peope charging a $1 slice to their card). I’m sure then you’ll wish you weren’t so quick to hate cardusers. Risk is inherent to the game of entrepreneurship.
This is America. Are you thinking of the entrepreneur when you’re at the doctor/dentist handing them your health insurance card, leaving the doctor/dentist with an eroded profit margin for the service they provide you? I didn’t think so. It’s a double standard for you to make a stink about a $1/slice going on Visa. I’d be the first to report you if I ever encountered you or any merchant refusing my card on a low transaction purchase.
Jason said
am February 11 2009 @ 5:55 pm
I dont have a problem with people charging a fee, But what I do have a problem with is them making money on the fee. I work for a company who does credit card transacting and know they are usually charged about .25 high end for each transaction and 1.79% of the transaction which on A purchase of 5.00 ends up about 33.5 cents and here they charging .50 or even a dollar at some places. That is why it is illegal because they get greedy and try to make money for nothing
Paula said
am February 16 2009 @ 1:17 pm
I am a business owner AND pay my bills with credit cards.
I am charged the ridiculous CC fees. That’s part of DOING BUSINESS. I don’t pass that along directly. (although my first instinct was to do so until my CC representative told me it’s a VIOLATION OF THEIR POLICIES). Just like I don’t blatantly charge my customers for the paper I use to Invoice with, the stamp, the envelope, the ink, etc.
However, as a business owner, you take all of that into account when you set your prices.
If you want to get your money FAST, then pay the high Cost of Doing business with the Credit Card Companies. If you can afford to take checks and have a store full of cash around, get your money a few days later – risk bad checks — then JUST TAKES CASH AND CHECKS.
I am not a jerk nor am I insensitive. I am a hard working business woman with 4 grown children and 7 grandchildren. The quality of my character is that I “do the right thing” for my customers by not going out of business.
The quality of my character is that I continue to live by higher standards so that my children can focus on raising their children and putting them through college INSTEAD OF trying to support their aging mother.
It concerns me that companies continue to pass along these charges AFTER THEY KNOW IT’S A VIOLATION.
Mike said
am February 23 2009 @ 11:39 pm
When I go to Arco to get gas the machine charges me a .45 fee. Is that illegal or does the machine still let me fill up if I say no to avoid it being illegal?
SusanO said
am March 11 2009 @ 11:39 am
@Mike –
Around here in PDX, the Arco stations clearly state that there is a *discount* for paying with cash, so that’s probably what you’re seeing.
Sandbags said
am March 14 2009 @ 7:42 am
For all you small merchants complaining about taking cards for small transactions, talk to your card service rep. There are specific policies that handle small transactions by lumping them together as a single larger transaction over time. You only pay the processing charge once for all those together, and then your typical 2-3.5%.
Also, make sure you get a machine that requires pin nnumbers for debit card users. The charge to process a PIN transaction is far less than credit transactions.
Minimum purchase rules ARE against your agreement with the processing company. If you are charing them, and people complain, they will take away your right to process card transactions, and within months your business will drop off the charts. I’ve seen a few local companies go bankrupt becasue of that. In my area, some well informed consumers made a campaign to track down all those who were using such tactics, and in large groups filed complaints to Visa. About 25 companies rece3ived suspensions for 3 months and were allowed to charge again, a few were permanantly banned from taking cards. Severl closed their doors.
DannY BoY said
am March 18 2009 @ 10:34 pm
Here is something to think about. if you own a business would you let me buy a pack of gum for $0.30 with my credit card? When your credit card company charge a fee of $0.35 per transaction? you are losing money every time when some one spend less than the minimum, that is why store set a mininum amount to used your credit card.
This is for those people that don’t carry cash. Dont you know when you used your credit card you are actually spending 15% to 29% more than if you would pay cash for goods and services. That is the fee your credit card is charging you for useding a credit card. This is what they call APR. Also, don’t you know that the reason this country is in a recession is because people spending money they dont have. People buying houses on credit. Now they have to pay the banks back but could not because the people got no money.
All i could say is if you dont want to pay the fee or spend the minimum to used your credit card then don’t shop at that store. You have the right to shop some where else. Keep in mind the store have the right to refuse service to you. this lead me to my last and most important question.
When a store say they refuse service to you because you demand the store to sell you goods with out having to pay a fee or spend the minimun who is right here?
julie said
am March 23 2009 @ 1:39 pm
I am a small business owner and would like to have advice on CA$H vs Credit.
I paid lot of fee for the credit cards merchant services and would like to offer a coupon for customer to pay with cash to receive special discount. How do I put them to the coupon. Can I add some thing like this?
CA$H price discount coupon. Not valid with other.
Also, is this legal to post this on the web site as well as at the store in Illinois.
thank you very much.
D_TheDJ said
am April 10 2009 @ 7:28 am
@ Mike
No, the Arco fee is not illegal because it applies to Debit cards, not Credit Cards. Since you have to enter a PIN, it is treated as a Debit Card transaction, even if it has a Visa or Mastercard logo on it.
It’s the same as when an ATM charges a usage fee or your bank charges an “out of network” fee.
Debit cards are not governed by the exact same laws as credit cards.
Steve said
am May 14 2009 @ 8:03 am
However, as a merchant Visa and Master Card have no problem charging us per transition. If I was selling, a couch for $500 is no problem but that $3.00 sandwich cost me .35 or 10% of what you paid. SO merchants with low cost item, soda, ice cream gum are giving it away at an involuntary discount. We have no choice how you pay why should I give 10% discount because you choose to pay by credit card. By the way, those air miles or free gas you earn is also paid by the merchants in addition to the fees.
Want My Money! said
am May 31 2009 @ 6:44 pm
D-TheDj
Yes it is illegal, just got 3 Arco’s shutdown for 3 months here in San Jose, CA. The reason for that is that a debit card can be run as a credit card. What Acro does is not give you the option of running it as a CC. Also, .45 is TRIPLE what the cost for them is for using debit (remeber running a debit is MUCH cheaper than running a CC per their Merch agreement with CC companies). It is also illegal for them to have a surcharge for using CC…so they were f’d no matter what.
Perfect example is the way 76 runs debit cards. It treats it as a CC and makes you enter your zip for proof of ID and does not charge you, which is legal and does not have a fee
Diana said
am June 4 2009 @ 3:24 am
Is it legal for a vendor to charge a transaction fee of 2.5% for paying invoices with a credit card? I work in the accounts payable department of a wholesale manufacturing company and it seems every other week I have vendors that say they accept credit cards and then they come back and say they will need to charge a transaction fee.
How useful of them! said
am June 10 2009 @ 11:48 am
@Sandbags
Holy cow people in your area are complete jerkoffs and must be very bored during tough economic times to go around reporting small businesses to make them struggle more. Those are people’s lives they are ruining do they not realize that? Not just the owner but the employees of the business as well. I understand why other countries have such a negative view of some Americans now, self-serving, short-sighted and vindictive. Jeeze.
Mark said
am June 12 2009 @ 10:31 pm
this rule is bullshit, as a merchant we are actually charged a fee each time we swipe credit cards. If we dont do minimums we would lose money on each sale…. does that make any sense?
fuck the law!
Bobby said
am June 18 2009 @ 2:21 pm
This rule isn’t bullshit…. As a merchant you pay Visa/MC a transaction fee for each sale so you can accept those cards. Those cards bring in more customers and you make more money…. For every person charging a pack of gum with a Visa you have a person filling up their tank for $100, or buying a 6 pack.
You still come out ahead.
Amanda said
am June 19 2009 @ 7:25 pm
Very mature Mark. Bullshit or not, the law is the law. As a business owner you are allowed to deduct those fees. If you don’t like having to pay them then don’t accept debit/credit cards.
Ed M said
am August 7 2009 @ 4:35 am
My employer came up with a GREAT idea. I’m a sales rep and our company accepts both MC & Visa. I get paid a commission that is a percent of the gross margin of the sale (sale price less the cost of goods sold). My employer has started adding the credit card charges to the cost of goods sold thus passing on this cost to the sales rep. They also get to deduct this cost as a business expense on their income taxes at the end of the year.
That’s what I call a win-win!
RJ said
am October 11 2009 @ 7:00 am
I am a business owner and I am finding out that there are all kind of customers in this world. Some are sympatic and have no problems in paying an extra fee (50 cents, which obviously is not even close to make a profit or even close to cover all the CC fees), but some people are just being big time jerks and try to get anything for “free”; they complain, argue, scream, whine, you name it… for anything that it costs them more, even when they are just pennies (these are the people that I hate).
Anyway, my dilemna… should I keep absorbing these fees from CCs; or should I increase my prices which ironnically increases my CC fees too; or should I stop taking any cards…
Not an easy solution because why should I punish with higher prices to those people who pay with cash? or put it this way, why should my business suffer with the perspective that my prices went up? People’s minds won’t process the idea of “cash discount” idea before complaining about my increased prices. It will bother me to become a “cash-only” shop, I am trying to be creditable business (come on, who trust those businesses?). Besides, we are in recession and increasing prices is not what this country needs, business owners need to stay in business, keep spending and help each other.
So I am still looking for a win-win solution so I don’t have to pay too much in CC Fees, convence customers to use cash over CCs, definately not to increase my prices, and finally, not to break any laws or contracts!!
I hope this helps those people to realize that small business owners have the best intensions in doing business and not make a profit from subcharges, but we are tired to see your profits being taken away by this big CC companies.
I love this Blog, it has gave me more info on how people think about this topic.
RJ
Haley McAnarney said
am November 13 2009 @ 9:21 pm
I own my own business but I use the owner of the buildings credit card machine and they charge me 4% for using there machine. I am trying to figure out if that is illegal too. Let me know if you know any information on this. I saw a statement on visa that it is illegal to deposit a booth renter or sole-proprietors money into your own account, so it sounds like it would be illegal considering they cut a check back to you….any thoughts?
Brian said
am January 5 2010 @ 5:01 am
The main problem is that the big credit card companies are a monopoly (triopoly) and squeezing ridiculous fees out of merchants. What’s wrong with merchants trying to encourage people to use more efficient methods of payment such as PIN debit or setting minimums? The evil people here are Visa and MC.
Brian said
am January 5 2010 @ 5:07 am
It’s amazing that people say “credit cards bring in more business”. It’s more like you are forced to accept them because people don’t have cash or their ATM cards on them. Or don’t have money in the bank, whatever. I wish we as a country could break this grip from Visa/MC, the more we unnecessarily use cards, the more we ALL pay 3-5% too much for everything we buy since these horrendous fees are built into prices.