Avoiding DEBIT card charges on Easyjet/Ryanair

Compound_2

Easyjet charge £1 for paying by debit card other than Visa Electron, and Ryanair have a similar charge. This is very odd as Visa Electron is one of the least used/accepted cards, especially on the internet, and generally possessed by under 18s and those of low financial status. Is it true that Electron is free to process compared to the others? I thought the opposite would be more likely due to the need for full authorization - this is evidenced by the card’s low acceptance.

I understand credit card charges, but surely debit card charges are a breach of regulations? It’s not as if there’s an alternative such as cash, so debit card charges should be incorporated into web fares. Credit card charges are widespread in the travel industry, but let’s hope the same doesn’t happen with debit cards. Hopefully the EU initiative will remove this hidden charge.

Since the debit card charge can be dozens of times more than the fare, is it worth getting a Visa Electron card if you intend to become a regular customer of Easyjet/Ryanair, and as a contingency in case other companies follow suit? Which account is best - some are just for teenagers! I wonder if it's worth asking to downgrade an unused Visa Debit card. It's a pity Nationwide don't offer Electron as then you wouldn't be charged for Euro fares.

Fraserca

The usual charge to small trader for a debit crad ( any kind including Electron ) is about 32p. Large operators like Ryanair or Easyjet can easily get a big discount on this so I'm afraid that the £1 charge is yet another example of their misleading pricing.

ie. you get quoted a price and it turns out a lot more.

Another example with Ryanair is that the charge is 'per sector' ie. its doubled on a return journey yet their bank charges are fixed on the one transaction.

Its a scam.