Extra cost to use an amex

Satches

Hi All, 

Recently got engaged and we are looking to book a wedding venue. However the one we have chosen has said that if we pay by Amex, which we wanted to do to rack up the airmiles/companion voucher, we will need to pay an extra 2.5%. Are they able to do this?

Thanks in advance. 

J

Gandalf644

Satches said:

Hi All, 

Recently got engaged and we are looking to book a wedding venue. However the one we have chosen has said that if we pay by Amex, which we wanted to do to rack up the airmiles/companion voucher, we will need to pay an extra 2.5%. Are they able to do this?

Thanks in advance. 

J

No, unless it is a Business Amex credit card where they can charge extra.

WillPS

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/payment-surcharges

It's not allowed, but some places still do it. 

Hoenir

Historic issue with Amex. Why the card never gained real traction in the UK. 

35har1old

Hoenir said:

Historic issue with Amex. Why the card never gained real traction in the UK. 

Merchant fees 4 to 5%

sausage_time

You could try reporting them to Amex (or threatening the venue that you will do so).

From https://www.americanexpress.com/uk/credit-know-how/credit-card-fees/

Charges by sellers

It used to be common for sellers to charge extra for paying by credit card. But since 13 January 2018, these kinds of fees have been banned in the UK and should no longer be added to your purchase amounts. Keep in mind, though, that credit card surcharges may still be charged abroad. American Express welcomed the ban and believed this decision has created a level playing field for consumers and will give them the confidence to use the payment method of their choice.

Barkin

sausage_time said:

You could try reporting them to Amex (or threatening the venue that you will do so).

And possibly provoke a simple "we don't take Amex" response. 

BoGoF

Barkin said:

sausage_time said:

You could try reporting them to Amex (or threatening the venue that you will do so).

And possibly provoke a simple "we don't take Amex" response. 

Or, take your wedding elsewhere response

Seems if they want to pay by Amex they take the hit but I can't see the points being worth the extra 2.5%?

MattMattMattUK

35har1old said:

Hoenir said:

Historic issue with Amex. Why the card never gained real traction in the UK. 

Merchant fees 4 to 5%

Nowhere near that now, they are the same as Visa and Mastercard, for small businesses like mine 1.2-1.4%, bigger businesses will be paying less than 1%.

DullGreyGuy

35har1old said:

Hoenir said:

Historic issue with Amex. Why the card never gained real traction in the UK. 

Merchant fees 4 to 5%

Our local Indian, a 1 restaurant place not a chain, pay 0.9% on AmEx compared to 0.75% on other credit cards (though things like Visa Infinite come with higher fees too)

If you use Zettle, SumUp etc are all things that accept AmEx at no higher rate than Visa/Mastercard etc.

Any merchant being charged 4-5% above what they are being charged on Visa etc are being fleeced in this day and age. AmEx is fractionally more these days. 


As to the OP's point, no you cannot be charged more for paying by card but forcing them not to try to isn't going to be a simple process. 

lisyloo

sausage_time said:

You could try reporting them to Amex (or threatening the venue that you will do so).

From https://www.americanexpress.com/uk/credit-know-how/credit-card-fees/

Charges by sellers

It used to be common for sellers to charge extra for paying by credit card. But since 13 January 2018, these kinds of fees have been banned in the UK and should no longer be added to your purchase amounts. Keep in mind, though, that credit card surcharges may still be charged abroad. American Express welcomed the ban and believed this decision has created a level playing field for consumers and will give them the confidence to use the payment method of their choice.

Not really very bright to report them if you want to have your wedding there.
They are within their rights not to take Amex so not a lot you can do here I'm afraid.
If you're not having your wedding there then feel free to report to trading standards and Amex.