Are you guys saying this is illegal or is it down to the particular agent who gives you your visa card ?
In the course of the year ODCA received a number of complaints from credit cardholders who had surcharges imposed on them when paying for goods/services by credit card. The complainants maintained that such charges would not have been imposed if they had paid by other means e.g. cash or cheque.
Whilst the practice of surcharging by merchants is not illegal, ODCA is aware that the rules of a number of payment card schemes, including Visa, Mastercard and Laser, specifically prohibit merchants from imposing fees or charges on customers paying for goods or services by credit/debit card where such fees or charges would not be imposed if the customers made payment in some other form.
It is disturbing that, despite the existence of these no discrimination rules, the practice of merchant surcharging continues and indeed is particularly prevalent in certain sectors. ODCA met with the trade association of those issuing cards to consumers and those who acquire merchants for the purpose of accepting payment by card, to remind them of their responsibilities to ensure that cardholders are not discriminated against in using their cards when paying for goods and services. The Director has asked the card companies to conduct an audit of their acquired merchants to ensure that they comply with the no discrimination rules of the card payment schemes.
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