The Consumer Rights (Payment Surcharges) Regulations 2012.
If you allow customers to make payment for goods and/or services with a debit or credit card, then you may be governed by the Consumer Rights (Payment Surcharges) Regulations 2012.
These regulations came into force on 6 April 2013 and have been further amended with the Second Payments Directive which requires all member states to enact this into national law on or before 13 January 2018.
The regulations will still allow a business to make a charge for debit or credit cards but this cost must not be higher than the cost the business has to pay for processing that method of payment.
Additionally, if a business makes a charge for other methods of payment such as cash, cheque, prepaid cards, direct debit or credit transfers, then these new regulations will also apply to these charges.
Businesses who charge booking fees or administrative fees can continue to do so as long as they remain constant irrespective of the method of payment.
If you believe these regulations apply to your business and you require further guidance or advice please contact us.
April 26th, 2017
