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10 Things You Might Not Know About Credit Cards

July 11, 2008

Here’s some helpful information on credit cards… clears up some confusion about using unsigned cards, and extra charges for expected tips.

5) Merchants Cannot Charge A Surcharge For Using A Credit Card, However, They Can Offer A “Cash Discount”
You may have noticed that gas stations are starting to offer a different, higher price for credit cards. This isn’t technically allowed— unless it is marketed as a “cash discount.” In other words, if you fill up your car and find that you’ve been charged more than advertised because you paid with a credit card — that’s not allowed. If, however, you decide to pay with cash because you saw an advertised “cash discount” to the “regular price” — that’s ok. A subtle distinction, but an important one.

(There is something called a “convenience fee” that some institutions are allowed to charge if they do not typically accept credit cards in their normal course of business. The example VISA gives is a utility company where the customary way is to pay by mail or in person. The rules for charging this fee are somewhat complicated and there are loopholes, etc.)

Via Credit Cards: 10 Things You Might Not Know About Your Credit Card

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