Watch for extra fees when using plastic

The phrase “paper or plastic” is about to have a whole new meaning. The courts have just recently decided in favor of merchants on the issue of charging customers for the fees merchants pay to credit card companies. These fees range between 1 and 3 percent. Several states have passed legislation to ban the charges; however, that is likely to be settled in court as well. As you might expect Springfield is so tied up in their underwear they don’t even know about it as of yet.

This does not affect cash or debit transactions. Suffice it to say, be aware when paying bills by credit card in the future to determine if these charges apply. There has been very little coverage on this issue. Some merchants may charge, others may not.

Richard Francke

Bartlett