Credit Card Fee

brian90

Hi,

I paid for something over the phone with my credit card last month and upon checking the statement for the previous month I have noticed that the price did not match what I expected.

The amount was not massive and I suspected I had been charged for paying via a credit card. I checked their website and when paying via the website it does state that they charge 1.75% for using a credit card which matches the price difference (Note, I was asked to phone to pay as what I wanted could not be done via the website, else I would of noticed this fee if I had paid via the website like I originally wanted to)

However, I did not place the order over the site nor was I informed of the credit card fee while on the phone. I was asked to confirm the amount that was to be debited from my card and the price I confirmed was the price before the fee.

Obviously being a bank holiday weekend I can't phone up now, but I intend to do so on Tuesday.

Do I have reasonable grounds for the fee to be refunded? We're not talking huge sums of money, but I am kind of annoyed that I was not informed about the charge because I'd of just used my debit card instead.

Thanks.

jonesMUFCforever

IMO No - retailers are charged a fee however you choose to shop with them.
Most brick and mortar shops have already factored in the cost in their prices the most obvious difference being travel agents.

grumbler

Retailer doesn't charge the fee. They charge the price that depends on the payment method and has to be clearly stated to the customer before the transaction is authorised. If the price differs from what was agreed over a phone, I think this is a sufficient reason for a chargeback (if the company refuses to refund voluntarily). After this the OP can pay with a debit card.

chattychappy

Yes. The amount charged wasn't what you authorised. You can dispute the transaction (to the extent of the difference) and the CC should return the difference to you. Or, of course, the retailer might initiate a credit if you ask them.

What you are contractually bound to pay and what is authorised is not necessarily the same thing. But in this case, I think they are. You did the deal on the phone and a price was agreed. If the retailer attempts to argue that their surcharge is "standard" or is in their T+Cs, then this is not relevant as these were not incorporated into the deal you struck.