Debit Card Fee for Tickets - Do I have to Pay?

The_Edge

Hi Guys,
So, I bought some tickets (well it was actually tickets plus Hotel package) from a Travel Company last Sunday.

When I came to make the purchase I had the option of using a credit card with a 3% charge, or a 3 pound charge if a used a Debit card.

There were no 'free' options. Now I remember some change coming in that companies weren't allowed to do this. Then the news came today that all fees are to be axed from 1st January 2018 for all cards.

So, my question is should I have to pay this extra fee based upon the law as it was on Sunday? Plus, the Event itself is not until next year - with the new law am I entitled to a refund for the charge?

Thanks for your help.

[Deleted User]

The_Edge wrote: »

So, my question is should I have to pay this extra fee based upon the law as it was on Sunday?

Yes.

The_Edge wrote: »

Plus, the Event itself is not until next year - with the new law am I entitled to a refund for the charge?

No.

RichL74

The law doesn't change till 2018 unfortunately.

The_Edge

Thanks guys - didn't the law change a while back though, to where the couldn't charge over a certain amount? As I remember something like 20p for a debit card transaction - this caused a lot of places especially like budget airlines to change their fees.
Finally do they need to have a 'free' option as of today? Or can they just charge you for everything.

Thanks

eskbanker

The_Edge wrote: »

Thanks guys - didn't the law change a while back though, to where the couldn't charge over a certain amount?

Sort of, it changed so that merchants are no longer allowed to make a profit from any specific payment type and can only pass on what it costs them. However, since the commercial arrangements between any given merchant and their acquiring bank(s) are confidential, the prohibition of profiting is pretty toothless.

The_Edge wrote: »

Finally do they need to have a 'free' option as of today? Or can they just charge you for everything.

If it costs them to process credit and debit cards then they're allowed to surcharge for these methods of payment. They aren't forced to offer a free payment method....