Community Chat

[BlueFinch]

I always write checks for the Vet, Doc, Dentist and those who are doing any type of contractor work for me. I carry cash for dining out and getting gas. My cards are for grocery and online shopping, almost exclusively.

How well I remember in the past being pressured to use cards, over checks. Checks were just holding up lines and becoming a nuisance, since they had to check ID, etc. Nope, gotta move us on through. No time for that nonsense. Just tap and GO instead.

Should've known that eventually going to cards only would benefit the seller, not the buyer. Now we're seeing costs rising sky high, plus the surcharges, that vary in amount. Interesting, when you think of the evolution of cards. Several I know are using checks more often now, even some younger folks. It's ALL a game, and we are the pieces. 

[Kachina624]

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@shoekitty wrote:

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@AuntMame wrote:

Both my dentist and car mechanic recently informed customers that there would be a 3 percent swipe fee. They said the credit card companies have been raising the fees so high they have little choice. At least they're giving customers a choice rather than raising prices. I'm sure restaurants and retail stores have added the fees to their prices. 

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@AuntMame  I am sure that some restaurants amd small business can't afford new menus, or to recode all merchandise. So they just add the fees, easier.  My dentist added the fees too last year. I think businesses are seeing people either pay fees or give cash.  I can't blame them if I was in their shoes 

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@shoekitty.  I wonder what kind of tax deduction all these businesses are taking for credit card fees under the guise of "business expenses" then also charging customers too?

I think it's a new age scam.

@stevieb 

[stevieb]

Someone needs to take a long hard look at the banking industry. They hit customers with high interest charges for credit card use and they also want a surcharge from merchants for accepting them. Go figure. Problem is, the merchants now want to pass on those charges to those same customers often paying high interest rates for using the card in the first place. Yet again, we're paying for the double whammy.

[Maureen1234]

My understanding the surcharge is a fee charged to the business by the credit card company. I don't see anything wrong with covering that cost myself, especially since I have the option to pay with cash instead.

[CrazyTimes]

There are several small and large businesses in my city that charge a fee for paying with a credit card. This includes car service dealerships, roofing and window improvements, appliance stores, remodeling companies, etc. This is why I still write checks. So far my vet and dentist haven't charged a fee, but they might one day. 

ETA: Most companies I do business with offer a discount if I pay in full with a check. Just did that last week with a needed roof repair. Saved a few hundred bucks by writing a check for full amount at completion of the job instead of using a credit card or paying installments over time. Some people don't have a rainy day fund or enough savings to pay in full though. Credit card companies take advantage of that fact. 

[Mersha]

Thanks to everyone for your responses.

This was the first surcharge for cards I saw.  After reading replies, I better prepare for many more.

It was surprising the vet was first.  They charge so much and it seems you cannot leave without shelling out at least $200.

I remember the days,not long ago, after you paid their fees they would offer a complimentary nail trim.  Those days are long gone.  They are $25 now.

I would think many more businesses in the area will follow suit in time.

[Etoile308]

@Mersha, at least your vet notified you in advance. 

The use of a credit card fee has been in my area for about five years with some merchants. If there is no fee I use my CC. When there is, I use cash.

With the changes, I don't see cash ever going out of style, ever moving to a cashless society.

I never carry a blank check. If purse is stolen then it's easy access for the evil doer to do real damage. A debit has a daily max, a check doesn't. And if they get my cash, well I never carry more than what would impact my budget.

[shoekitty]

I live in California and the fees are everywhere.  Even my medical.  Many Drs offices charge for CC payments, for copays. My vet, hair salons, nail salon, most gas stations and on it goes. I don't pay at Doctors office, so doesn't effect me.  But vet, salons, gas and such we are prepared. I am not sure if if this includes ATM. I encountered one hardware supply that considered ATM on the card list. 

[Jaynah]

Hi Marsha, the surcharge is pretty common - places have been doing it 

for years.

Even if you donate to a charity online, and put it on a card, they ask you if you

would like to pay the surcharge....

[shoekitty]

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@Jaynah wrote:

Hi Marsha, the surcharge is pretty common - places have been doing it 

for years.

Even if you donate to a charity online, and put it on a card, they ask you if you

would like to pay the surcharge....

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@Jaynah   So true with charities. There is only one charity I do that with. The others just have to eat the charge. Lol