Credit Card Checkout Fees

New Credit Card Checkout Fees

I remember when all we used to pay for items at the store was cash or a check. Then it was cash, check or credit card. Even further down the line, checks are almost obsolete in retail settings and most people pay with credit or debit card. I’ve been caught more than once with no cash on me. I really need to keep at least five dollars in my purse “just in case”.

Now, because of a multi-billion dollar settlement between merchants and credit card issuers, you may be charged extra for using your credit card. These credit card checkout fees will be in the back of my mind when I’m paying for my purchases. When I’m asked if I want to use my card as credit or debit, my normal reply is “Whatever is easiest for you”. Not so after Sunday, I’m going to be saying DEBIT. Retailers can choose to charge between 1.5 to 3 percent of the total purchase amount as a surcharge to cover the credit companies processing fees.

I don’t have a list of who is or isn’t charging the fee, but some major retailers have stated that they will not be charging the fees as it wouldn’t be good for business.  If I do find a list, I’ll be sure to link it here. Now, this really won’t be an issue in some states. It will be illegal to charge the fee in these states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma and Texas.

Will you change the way you pay for items if the store you shop at charges the credit card checkout fee? Will you stop shopping there altogether or just use a different method to pay? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I first read about this story on CNNMoney.com.