January 28th, 2013

NEWS: Beware Credit Card Surcharges in 40 States

Credit Cards

NEWS: Beware Credit Card Surcharges in 40 States

UPDATE: Target just responded to me saying, “At this time, Target will not assess a surcharge in our stores or on Target.com for any Visa or MasterCard.”

Heads up! If you use a credit card, you gotta listen to this: Starting January 27th, which was yesterday, retail stores in 40 states are now allowed to charge you a credit card fee, up to 4%. So a $200 Camera could set you back another $8 with this new fee. This only applies to credit cards, not debit-cards.

Some of us are lucky though because 10 states prohibit credit card surcharges if you’re making a purchase in any of the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma and Texas don’t have to worry. So retail stores in every other state could charge you a fee if they choose too.

Stores do have to warn you about this charge before your purchase AND must clearly state the fee on your receipt. Walmart has vowed they WILL NOT be charging this surcharge no matter what state your in, for now, but you still might want to ask. Waiting to hear from other stores. For full details, check out Credit Card Surcharges!

SHARE this post with friends to let them know too!

Thanks Sari and Elizabeth!

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Comments on this entry are closed.

  • Vana January 28, 2013, 4:31 PM

    Leave a message..It is about time this is happening. The credit card companies steel from the small business owner and people think nothing about whipping out a credit card for .50 cents. People are going to hate this now that the shoe is on the other foot, all I got to say is carry some CASH in your wallet it really isn’t that hard.

  • Ashley January 28, 2013, 4:46 PM

    While I understand what you’re saying, and don’t use a credit card for low priced things unless I have nothing in my bank account and it’s a necessity…I’ve had my purse stolen. You can’t recover cash. You can cancel CCs and dispute charges. It’s a matter of feeling more secure. If people use a CC for 50 cents, the charge will only be 2 cents. Doesn’t seem like a big deal to me, and if I need to use a CC, I should be willing to pay that fee. It could be worse!

    • Anonymous January 28, 2013, 5:34 PM

      It doesn’t apply to debit cards, which is what most people use. It’s the cost of business. This use to be allowed in NY and it was done away with long ago. I would choose to not shop at places that add on this fee. I do not carry cash for the above mentioned reasons. The CC companies should be more regulated and not allowed to have unreasonable charges like these. Reasonable charges yes, but 4% is not reasonable, and from what I know (experience with small business owners) most CC companies do not charge 4%

  • Sarah January 29, 2013, 12:50 AM

    Credit card fees are ridiculous. I’m glad they are doing this. I will just have to be cautious of where I use credit cards. I don’t know why this wouldn’t apply to debit cards. I think they cost the same as credit cards.

  • Shelly January 29, 2013, 8:51 AM

    AmEx users don’t need to worry either, according to that article in the post. I use AmEx everywhere I can just because it has the best rewards for me. I guess I will just need to use my debit card if the place doesn’t take AmEx!

  • Brady Ware January 29, 2013, 1:41 PM

    Will Kohl’s be doing this?