Here you go…straight from Visa
Visa Warns Consumers about Retailer Checkout Fees
What is a Checkout Fee?
A checkout fee, or payment card surcharge, is an unfair surprise fee that a retailer tacks onto a consumer’s bill when he or she uses a credit or debit card. Visa rules do not allow retailers to charge cardholders a checkout fee for using their cards, mirroring laws in 10 U.S. states. Read on to learn more.
How to Spot Checkout Fees
- Look for signs or postings in the checkout line warning of the fee.
- Carefully review receipts where checkout fees often appear next to product descriptions.
What to Do if You Are Charged Checkout Fees
- Click here to report retailers that are charging checkout fees.
- Checkout fees are also prohibited by law in 10 U.S. states. Consumers who are subjected to checkout fees in states where they are protected by law may report the retailer to their state attorney general’s office.
Retailers Can Offer a Discount for Cash and Check Purchases
Retailers can encourage their customers to use other forms of payment, such as cash and checks, and can discount for PIN debit and cash and checks provided that the offer is made to all respective buyers.
10 States also Protect Consumers with No Surcharge Laws
In 10 states it is prohibited by law for retailers to charge consumers a fee for using a credit card (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma and Texas). Consumers who are subjected to checkout fees in states where they are protected by law may report the retailer to their state attorney general’s office.
Click a state below to read the laws on surcharging and find out where you can go if you suspect a violation.
State Laws & Attorney General Contact Information
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Kansas
Maine
Massachusetts
New York
Oklahoma
Texas
chants/operations/checkoutfees.html
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