Can they charge me to use my credit card?

Killa_ken · 1 Oct 2008 at 03:57

Can they charge me to use my visa card to pay for something?

I am trying to pay $385 but they want $16.00 as a convenience fee. :mad:

MrMoonX · 1 Oct 2008 at 07:07

you signed up to the cards fees and conditions when you took the card, so yes I would guess that they can charge you

Killa_ken · 1 Oct 2008 at 07:21

I'm not talking about my bank taking the money, its the company I am purchasing from who want me to pay. I thought this was against visa rules or something

bsoltan · 1 Oct 2008 at 07:24

Some companies charge you extra for using a credit card, it isn't uncommon.

PwnDirect · 1 Oct 2008 at 07:26

There allowed too sadly
$16 seems a little steep though

arknor · 1 Oct 2008 at 07:36

isnt it wierd when you pay you bills by an almost identicle means called a debit card you get to skip an aparent handling fee

Nursie · 1 Oct 2008 at 07:57

It cost companies money each time they take payment by credit card (about 3% of the amount spent iirc). Some companies therefore charge extra if you wish to pay by credit card.

Ironic Namesake · 1 Oct 2008 at 08:33

Airlines like BA etc. usually charge £5 for Amex/Visa/Mastercard payments, not had it happen from anyone else.

$16 does sound a little steep

Whenever I do business with suppliers in the USA, they always try to charge us "Wire transfer charge" $25 :mad:

Garp · 1 Oct 2008 at 08:58

Yes they can charge you, and no there isn't anything that stops them.

platypus · 1 Oct 2008 at 09:03

arknor said:
isnt it wierd when you pay you bills by an almost identicle means called a debit card you get to skip an aparent handling fee

Thats because a debit card automatically debits your account, so real funds are transferred.

Credit cards are essentially short term loans, and when using a credit card, magical, invisible and intangible money is created by the credit companies and moved around so that they can make interest on something that doesn't exist, at your expense.

Begbie · 1 Oct 2008 at 09:11

Punch em in the face then squat on top of them.

TwoSaints · 1 Oct 2008 at 09:19

Ikea do this too, though they only charge 70p or something similar.

rpstewart · 1 Oct 2008 at 09:20

Nursie said:
It cost companies money each time they take payment by credit card (about 3% of the amount spent iirc). Some companies therefore charge extra if you wish to pay by credit card.

There is a handling fee levied by the card processor/issuer but it's nowhere near 3%. Normally it's in the region of 35-45p per transaction, depending on the agreement between the merchant and the card company.

j0s · 1 Oct 2008 at 09:40

2.5% Handling charge on card purchases. Most retailers include the cost in the price of the goods.

Some retailers display a sign stating the above.

Beansprout · 1 Oct 2008 at 09:51

rpstewart said:
There is a handling fee levied by the card processor/issuer but it's nowhere near 3%. Normally it's in the region of 35-45p per transaction, depending on the agreement between the merchant and the card company.

Depends on the type of card and volume/amount of dosh the company is taking...we pay a fixed-fee for debit cards but a percentage fee for credit cards.

$16 is taking the mickey though, just like Easyjet who wanted £1.75 for a debit card transaction and some ridiculous amount for a CC transaction....the only fee card with them is Electron! I know they make < £5/seat so it seems like if everyone paid with Electron, they'd see a big dive in their profits :/

meghatronic · 1 Oct 2008 at 10:39

I'd find another retailer.

I refuse to pay fees if I can.