SHOPPERS and businesses across Worcestershire are being reminded there is a ban on credit and debit card surcharges across the European Union, writes Rebecca Perry.
It follows Worcestershire Trading Standards saying it has seen a rise in the number of complaints it has received about companies levying charges on card use for items and services.
Since January this year, businesses are no longer allowed to charge consumers for using cards to pay for goods and services.
The ban also applies to PayPal, charge cards, electronic payment services and mobile phone enabled payments.
Peter Holmes, Worcestershire Trading Standards’ senior trading standards officer, said:”The law is very clear this is no longer allowed.”
Coun Lucy Hodgson, cabinet member with responsibility for communities ensures the trading standards, said the team would continue to raise awareness of the change in the law and act accordingly when the law was broken.
However, businesses still face charges when accepting cards so prices of the item may increase or higher service charges could be added to counterbalance this.
The transparent approach is aimed at protecting customers from hidden fees before they buy goods, allows for price comparisons and prevents customers feeling they should use another payment method to avoid charges.
Anyone with a complaint about illegal surcharging should call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.
