An Overview of Convenience Fees
Credit card convenience fees can only be charged when a merchant is offering an alternative method of making a payment, one that’s different from how it normally conducts business. This distinction exists because the fee is applied towards the way the transaction is handled, for the “convenience” of providing the alternate payment method. For example, a Zoo in Kansas may not impose a convenience fee at the register. However, if they launch a program which allows individuals to purchase tickets online a convenience fee may be added. The convenience fee is paid because of the online payment, and not specifically because the customer used a credit card. You can only charge convenience fees for one-time, card not present transactions. They are not allowed on recurring transactions or card present over the counter transactions on a terminal. The convenience fee must be a fixed amount, like $9.99, it cannot be a percentage of the transaction. If you are charging a fee as a percentage of the transaction you are surcharging, which has a different set of rules and requirements from the card brands and governmental entities. Additionally, convenience fees must be clearly displayed and disclosed at the time of purchase and cardholders must be given the opportunity to cancel a transaction where convenience fees are applied. All merchants can charge convenience fees except merchants with MCC code 4900 if the are participating in the Visa Utility Rate program. Cardholders may complain about convenience fees, but merchants often charge them in order to provide the convenience of utilizing an alternative method to pay for the same products or services.
