Debit cards - minimum purchase

Optimistic_2

Is it true that it is illegal for shops to charge a minimum spend on purchases or a surcharge if you spend less than, say, £5.00?

jambosans

Optimistic wrote: »

Is it true that it is illegal for shops to charge a minimum spend on purchases or a surcharge if you spend less than, say, £5.00?

No. Shops are a private business, they don't have to accept any form of payment. So I assume they can set the goal posts where-ever they like in respect to types of payment.

withnell

They have to accept certain amounts of coinage (up to 20p in coppers springs to mind) but beyond that there's no requirements - debit cards are run on private networks and aren't legal tender

thatsean

According to VISA rules a merchant should not discourage the use of VISA by applying a minimum transaction fee, or a low value transaction charge. That said, many retailers do - whether 'forced' by merchant agreements, or to make a bit of extra cash.

So, to answer your question, it is not true, although it's against VISA (and I imagine M/C) rules.

glider3560

withnell wrote: »

They have to accept certain amounts of coinage (up to 20p in coppers springs to mind) but beyond that there's no requirements - debit cards are run on private networks and aren't legal tender

The rules of legal tender only apply when there is a debt. So taking something off the shelf to the checkout isn't a debt, so the shop is free to refuse any type of payment (including legal tender) but if you ate at a restaurant where you pay after eating then the shop must accept legal tender as payment. There are no laws regarding minimum spend/additional charges, although merchants might have an agreement with their card processor which does give limits.

marinegirl73

Could someone tell me what the rules are regarding shops adding a charge to your purchase? I spent £5 on my debit card at a newsagent this morning, and was charged an additional 69p, which i queried. They pointed to a small sign with faded out, barely legible type stating that credit cards were liable to a 69 pence charge when used.
After arguing the fact that i had used a debit card, they rather rudely shoved 69p in change back at me.
Any thoughts?

davethorp

marinegirl73 wrote: »

Any thoughts?

Don't shop there again springs to mind

glider3560

marinegirl73 wrote: »

Any thoughts?

Check the amount before you enter your PIN or sign?

rb10

Shops can charge what they like. Whether a debit/credit card purchase is free, or has a charge attached, is exactly the same as whether they charge 50p or £1 for a loaf of bread. You have two options: (1) pay their charge; or (2) don't shop there.

Definitely a case of always check that the amount is correct before you type in your PIN.

marinegirl73

Thankyou for your comments.