Stores Can Now Charge A Fee For Credit Card Purchases

The next time you say “charge it” at the checkout counter, make sure the store isn’t charging you extra.

As of Sunday, it’s legal in 40 states for businesses charge a fee to customers using charge cards. Yes, Oregon is one of those states.

Every time a customers pays by credit card, the business has to pay a fee to the credit card company. A court settlement now allows the fees Visa and Mastercard charge businesses to be passed on to the consumer. They can be charged up to 4%, or the amount the merchant is charged, whichever is lowest.

Many local merchants KOBI spoke with say they won’t charge their customers for the luxury of saying, “charge it.”

CNN reports national chains like Walmart, Target, Macy’s, JC Penny and The Gap all say they will not charge customers a fee.

If a business does charge a credit card processing fee, it must post a notice either by its door or at the check out counter.