Where does it say they can't charge convenience fees?

[NeverQuietHere]

I have a collection agency letter that says they will charge a $10 convenience fee in all states, except CT, WI, MA, WA, CO, MN and ID.

 

Where does it say in the Merchant agreement that Visa and MC do not allow this or that other CC do not allow this? They say they will charge this for credit cards and debit card payments.

 

I'd like to file a complaint as well....

 

Btw, not paying the CA nor would I pay them with a CC or a debit card, but I think that others should be aware of this....

 

They also offer: payments by means of MoneyGram, Western Union, check by phone, personal check or money order, post dated checks or over a secure internet connection.

Edited February 24, 2010 by NeverQuietHere

[green2408]

I have a collection agency letter that says they will charge a $10 convenience fee in all states, except CT, WI, MA, WA, CO, MN and ID.

 

Where does it say in the Merchant agreement that Visa and MC do not allow this or that other CC do not allow this? They say they will charge this for credit cards and debit card payments.

 

I'd like to file a complaint as well....

 

Btw, not paying the CA nor would I pay them with a CC or a debit card, but I think that others should be aware of this....

 

They also offer: payments by means of MoneyGram, Western Union, check by phone, personal check or money order, post dated checks or over a secure internet connection.

 

 

Apparently they can. Visa has a section that covers this and they make a distinction between 'surcharges' and 'convenience fees' which can be charged if it's a "true convenience" for the customer and not a customary method of accepting payments. It's just a ripoff, in my opinion.

Edited February 24, 2010 by green2408

[improper_validation]

They aren't allowed to charge it in Maine either, mind PMing me the name of the CA so I can get them busted as well?

 

BTW.. google master card report merchant violation to report them online.

[GEORGE]

Pay a fee to use a credit card...convenience for who???

============================================================

NO MINIMUM CHARGE TO USE A CREDIT CARD

 

NO MAXIMUM CHARGE TO USE A CREDIT CARD

 

NO FEE TO USE A CREDIT CARD

 

NO ID REQUIRED FOR A SIGNED CREDIT CARD

[GEORGE]

Not that you want to pay any CA anything but a money order

 

It might be fun to do it with a credit card and take the $10 hit then dispute the $10 fee (CHARGE BACK)

[centex]

If the payment runs through a third-party, fees can be charged.

[GEORGE]

Some have even got the whole purchase price back with a dispute

 

Even though they only disputed the FEE

[lolipop]

Some have even got the whole purchase price back with a dispute

 

Even though they only disputed the FEE

NO Way, there is no such thing as free lunch

[hinklesc]

Some have even got the whole purchase price back with a dispute

 

Even though they only disputed the FEE

NO Way, there is no such thing as free lunch

 

I have had this happen before. When in SC I went to a tobacco store that specialized in cigars. I spent well over $200. They added (but did not tell me) a 3% fee (if I recall correctly) that was on receipt. I disputed with Amex and faxed them receipt.

 

They put the entire amount in dispute, and when all was over I received a permanent credit.