Quote:
Originally Posted by tophcfa
Not true, if the price is the same for cash or credit card, it’s cheaper using our rewards credit card that gives us 2% cash back. If the establishment adds a fee of over 2% for paying with a credit card, it’s cheaper for us to pay with cash. It’s not that paying a percent or two more would make any difference to us, I just like getting the best value for our hard earned money.
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If we eat the same meal then we should both pay the same price. Anything else is a penalty on the one who is made to pay more. The cost of accepting credit cards is a cost of doing business and should be factored into their advertised price.
Now, if they want to give me a discount for being 65+ years old, great! If they want to give me a discount for having a AAA card great! If they want to give me a discount for paying in cash, great! But all these are presented as discounts off the advertised price, not surcharges added onto the bill.
I like my points cards too but any benefit I get from using the card is between me and the bank. I wouldn't accept a store owner telling me that since I get 2% cash back he is going to add a 2% surcharge so that my bank account drops by the same amount as the guy paying cash.
I can think of three businesses that have added a credit card surcharge. I don't avoid them entirely but I don't visit them as often as I might without the surcharge. Is it legal? Maybe. Is it fair? Arguably. Does it improve the customer experience? No, it has the opposite effect. Is it a good idea? Who knows; some restaurants will say they cannot survive without the 3.5%, some customers will say they did not even notice the 3.5%, and some customers will take their business that don't have a surcharge. Business decision - we'll see how it goes.