Hoping this is not the norm....

[Rygar]

Last week we were coming back from some time spent in the great state of Washington. Enjoyed every bit of it until we were coming home. We planned on grossing the border at Peace Arch and we needed some fuel. I checked Gas Buddy and it showed the cheapest diesel in Bellingham Wa. was at Meridian Liquor store and Gas Bar. I filled up my truck $60.00 and went happily in to pay. Gave him my Mastercard and he gave me a slip to sign that said 61.86. I pointed out his error. He moved the newspaper on the counter, There was a sign that said they charged .10 cents per gallon to use a credit card. I pointed out how ridiculous that was and he told me: "What do you mean, that's cheap." I've never heard of such a charge. I hope this is not normal through out the USA.

[sch911]

Most Debit cards avoid this fee also.....

[doxiemom11]

Even some campgrounds are not taking credit cards, or charging extra if they take a credit or debit card.

[dieharder]

Not so much in New York, but as I've travelled to Florida, I've seen many signs along the highway moving further south specifically indicating either a cash price or a credit card price on the electric signs on the interstates.

[wa8yxm]

I have heard of it but if it was not clearly posted OUTSIDE and you did not find but a small sign near the register you may have a case.

Actually it is very common. Some stations treat a DEBIT card as cash, Some do not by the way.

Being "From Detroit" (A great town to be FROM) I think if I was runing a station I'd give a discount for using the card... Cause that way the man with the gun who demands all my cash might well get away with a dollar fifty.

[Veebyes]

The practice is countrywide. We have gone full circle from cash to cashless back to cash again. Progress. Gotta love it.

Neat trick with the gift cards. Works well if you buy at the same station or brand of gas. Not so good for those of us who are travelers & never go into the same station twice. It is a look on Gas Buddy & hope to find something on route or not much of a deviation from route.

[Community Alumni]

Executive wrote:
We found it pretty prevalent on the East Coast also...but gas in the States is still cheaper than it was in Canada...just sayin....Dennis

Yup, much cheaper in the US. Going back & forth across the border weekly, I've seen it anywhere from $1.30 to $1.50 per US gallon cheaper in northern NY as compared to the Montreal area.

I haven't bought gas in Canada for almost 5 months now (except for my lawn mower! :E).

[Dog_Folks]

jfkmk wrote:
So, you are worried about a $1.86 additional charge on a $60 purchase for a vehicle that is probably just breaking the double digit mpg mark? Might be time to park it and cruise the country in a Smart car.

X2 $1.86 is just too small an amount to worry about. It is well below my "get upset" threshold.

[kellymisty]

I hope this is not normal through out the USA.

From Visa U.S. website: surcharging.

In Canada, there was a ruling last month that upheld the no surcharge clause of retailers' agreements with credit card companies.

Related trivia: in Australia, the practice of surcharging is known as an example of "rorting" (taking unfair advantage of something or someone), and is widely despised.

[jfkmk]

So, you are worried about a $1.86 additional charge on a $60 purchase for a vehicle that is probably just breaking the double digit mpg mark? Might be time to park it and cruise the country in a Smart car.

[Ski_Pro_3]

Federal law requires the HIGHEST price be posted at the street for easy viewing. If he didn't post the price but at the little counter where you pay, then he violated federal law and I'd make darn sure he knew I planned to report this.

[CA_Traveler]

I pay the higher credit card price because I don't have to carry cash and I get %5 cash back on the fuel. At $4.00/gal that's $0.20/gallon which is significantly more savings than paying in cash.

I also use my FJ Frequent Flyer Advantage card which give me the cash price plus $0.03/gallon discount and I pay with my 5% cash back credit card.

[Rygar]

I'm really surprised at this.
It's something that hasn't made it's way into Canada yet.
I guess I'll be watching for it.
I hate carrying cash!!!

[Executive45]

We found it pretty prevalent on the East Coast also...but gas in the States is still cheaper than it was in Canada...just sayin....Dennis

[JiminDenver]

Two tier pricing use to reflect how most people paid with the minority paying extra to use their credit cards. Now most use a card and the cost is included for everyone except for the rare Cash station. Few get the lower price and the station keeps the ability to have the lowest price on the big sign. Another station may have been cheaper at a higher price without the fee but you wont know that until it's too late.

[Francesca_Knowl]

Cash still talks.