Avoiding charges for using a credit card

pennypincher89

Does anyone know how to avoid being charged for using a credit or debit card when buying over the internet? I recently booked a holiday and was staggered when a £9.95 fee was added simply because I'd paid for it in full using my credit card. In my opinion we have no alternative to pay this but it would be so nice is Martin championed the cause for an end to these ridiculous extra charges.

rsykes2000

Look at it from the side of the retailer. They get charged fees for accepting credit cards. Instead of building them in to the prices, which would mean that those not paying with a CC pay more, they charge CC users.
And why were you staggered ? I thought everyone by now knew travel agents charged fees on top for CCs...

exel1966

The only way you can avoid these charges is to avoid using that retailer though I have used my buying power with travel agents and threatened to take my business elsewhere if the charge is not removed. Some you win, some you don't, but it's worth a try !
They are free to charge whatever they like. I don't support what they do, but I suppose they are only reclaiming what they are going to be charged themselves by the card company.

King_Of_Fools

Or you could use a debit card.