Consumer Alert:
Change to Credit Card Fees
As of January 27, 2013, merchants nationwide have the legal right to charge consumers extra for purchases made with a credit card.
A lawsuit settlement reached between credit card issuers and the retail industry eliminated the ban on stores charging customers extra when payment is made with a credit card.
Merchants can now charge consumers for the fees assessed by credit card processors – typically 1.5% to 3% of the transaction.
This credit card processing fee is not mandatory. Merchants have the option of whether to collect this processing fee from consumers.
Merchants who are charging consumers extra for paying with a credit card must clearly and conspicuously disclose this additional fee to consumers.
All consumers should be aware of the potential that retailers you use may now be passing along these credit card fees to you. Consumer should consider this factor when choosing where to shop.
American Express card users will not be assessed the additional fee, nor will customers who pay with debit cards.
Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse, can file a complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.
Follow the Division of Consumer Affairs on Facebook, and check our online calendar of upcoming Consumer Outreach events.
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