🚀 go-pugleaf

Cynthia Smathers wrote:
> 
> Someone at her credit card company told my roommate that those surcharges
> are illegal, or that they violate the store's agreement with the credit
> card companies, or something like that. Anybody got further info on the
> subject?
> 
> Cyn
> 

The contract between the merchant and credit card issuer varies between vendor. American Express allows no 
markup, whereas VISA and MC allow for markup with certain merchants. Large merchants such as Best Buy or 
Macy's are typically prevented from markup due to the favorible status of their contracts (usually less than 
1% of the ticket surcharge to Macy's for every charge). The little guy, who typically pays a 2.5 to 4% 
surcharge, is allowed to markup, depending on the contract.

Enforcement in these areas, however, is almost non-existent. The fact is, a company who is paying 3% on all 
charges back to VISA is more important to VISA than little old you. They'll usually cut him a little slack.

Just the facts, maam........

John Q. Customer
(drying off from my Valujet bath)