By Kate Harvey
Content Manager | Pou Whakahaere Ihirangi
If you’re charged a silly amount to use a credit or debit card this summer, we want to hear about it.
Since the introduction of the Retail Payment System Act in November, businesses have been paying lower fees for accepting credit card and debit card payments, including contactless methods such as payWave. They’re expected to save $74 million a year.
Many businesses pass on the cost of accepting these payments to their customers in the form of surcharges. You may have seen signs at the counter that say it will cost extra to use a credit card, or maybe you’ve had to pay more for paying with a credit card online.
Businesses shouldn’t be charging consumers more than the cost to them of accepting the type of payment. But we’re concerned some surcharges are too high.
So, what should they be charging? We think anything above 2% is excessive. If you come across any excessive surcharges, we’d love to know. Please email [email protected].
You can also lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission which is considering introducing new surcharge regulations.
Tell us about a high surcharge you've seen
We'd love to see pictures or hear about your experience with excessive surcharges. If you've got something to share, get in touch.
