For a while now, credit products like bank cards charged fees to customers for using their plastic in many stores.
This practice was discontinued when electronic payment methods became more widely accepted and more practical, sometimes even outperforming cash.
Although this fee, also known as the interchange or processing fee, was still applied in some situations, it started to be charged to the customer rather than being covered by the business or merchant.
This is considered an abuse and even an illegal practice in many places, but it is legal in some states in the US.
Credit card use is frequent since it’s convenient
This issue has become somewhat relevant in certain US entities because gas stations charge different prices depending on whether a customer pays with cash or a credit card.
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This is a significant issue because many people choose to pay with cash because it is more convenient, and banks even run promotions that incentivize customers to use their cards by offering bonuses or rebates.
It is lawful in many jurisdictions, as we mentioned, to charge credit card fees.
However, in areas like Florida, the practice has become abusive because gas stations typically fail to adequately and clearly disclose the cost of such a commission to their customers.
Although it’s wrong, it’s not unlawful
This was discovered by a user from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, named Pat Igo, who was interviewed about it. Igo asked the station manager if it was an error when he filled up one of his company’s fleet trucks and noticed a small box at the bottom of the pump that did not match the price on the street.
Credit card payments at gas stations in Florida can result in up to $1 more per gallon, according to the channel’s research.
This is not illegal, but the process is flawed because it fails to disclose the commission to the customer, which could influence their decision to pay with cash, a credit card, or even to search for other options.
For this, there are apps like GasBuddy that allow you to check prices in advance.
