Credit Card Surcharges - Page 4

millieshops · ‎03-09-2010

@Mersha I've been seeing extra charges for using a credit card for more than a year now. They do add up, but that means they also are a large daily charge for any thriving business accepting them.

The first time I saw a charge it was for 3%. It would have amounted to almost $6; for some reason I had some cash with me, so I paid part of the bill in cash and charged a much smaller portion. That saved me a few dollars.

I was shopping in the orthopedic store I depend on for most of the shoes and sneakers I need. The charge they pay on a daily business would be a large expensive for them. Me? I lost a few points on my card card, but not $6 worth. Cash wins for me often because I shop locally as much as possible.

Meowingkitty · ‎06-19-2010

@Snowpuppy wrote:
My local hair/nail salon has added a 5% swipe fee a few years ago but I usually use cash and always a cash tip.

Considering the bank doesn't charge that much they're making a profit.

Lucky Charm · ‎03-09-2010

I've been aware of the credit card service fees for over 10 years now.

A friend who owned a home furniture boutique would tell customers verbally that she charged a credit card fee. Plus, there was a sign right at her cash register and also it was printed on the bill of sale slips.

Unfortunately, along with several other business owners I've dealt with in the past few years, they've closed up shop.

Our archictect we use also will charge a 2.99% service charge. Their services are always in the thousands, would love the *brownie points* on my credit card, but not worth it to have to pay a fee. So check it is.

But it's not just the small business owner that will charge this. One of my utilities will charge for credit card usuage. Not paying that!

I still use checks to pay for some utilities, property taxes, etc. As long as my credit union supplies them (and for free), I'll continue to use them.

The only thing we have a debit card for is to take cash out of the ATM (also free in our area).

I don't know why some here think that check writing is so passe. All the big banks are offering up to $900 free money, if you open a savings account AND checking with a monthly automatic deposit. With these checking accounts--they supply checks. And no one will chop off your hands if you use them, to the best of my knowledge....

CalminHeart · ‎03-09-2010

I'm seeing more of this at a lot of retailers. I don't want to pay the fee so I pay by debit or cash. I do keep one check in my wallet for emergencies.

I am still oxox · ‎03-09-2010

We had that at a local a few years back, we never went there again

Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being positive what could go right.

deeva · ‎03-09-2010

The swipe fee to merchants on credit cards is what pays for all the rewards points and cash back that customers seem to love.

Lucky Charm · ‎03-09-2010

@deeva wrote:
The swipe fee to merchants on credit cards is what pays for all the rewards points and cash back that customers seem to love.

Oh, I admit, I do love the rewards points. And I know that these credit cards fees have been imbedded in prices at big name retailers/merchants all along.

In fact, if you're paying cash at the register, you're still being charged these fees for the buyers using credit. The price tag has just one price on it.

My one credit card has reduced rewards points for certain gift cards every month. I can usually pick out one or more I can use or gift to someone.

Most of the time I can buy online and use another retailer rewards discount. Example: Rakuten is giving 10% cash back for CVS and Macy's purchases, both of which I've already made purchases this morning. Plus, both of those sites have rewards--Star rewards and CVS extra care rewards.

It's not too complicated to be savvy with your money/purchases. Not at all.

PinkyPetunia · ‎03-09-2010

My dentist started to charge a fee for paying with a credit card. They suggest cash, check or debit card to avoid the fee.

beckyb1012 · ‎03-09-2010

Only at the local bakery when I feel like a cupcake, so I always pay cash. My bank is downstairs in the building I office in so I have no problem getting cash and using it. It is my preference.

"Live frugally, but love extravagantly."