Musings: Beware the fee before you pay
Some restaurants have been charging a 3.5% fee for using a credit card. Credit: AP/Elise Amendola
Ever since the pandemic, some restaurants have been charging a 3.5% fee for using a credit card. It used to be considered the cost of doing business, but now, like so many things, that cost is being passed on to customers.
And now, I’ve found restaurants automatically charging that fee even if you pay cash.
Under New York State law, credit card surcharges must be capped at the merchant’s actual cost and disclosed before checkout — not tacked on and refunded only if you catch it.
One time I caught it and another time I didn’t.
I wonder how many people do not catch this. Business owners complain about hard times, but this isn’t the answer.
— Jodi Madonna, Oceanside
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