Is there a new trend in California and Arizona for retail establishments to charge a fee for accepting payment with a debit card?
We just drove from Texas to Ensenada and, after looking at our BoA statement, we noticed that several gas stations had tacked on a charge for my using
a debit card at the pump. I didn't see any warnings that additional charges would be levied. The gas stations that added on the fee were in New
Mexico and Arizona.
The other day we crossed at Otay Mesa (N/B) and were having lunch at a Carl's Jr near the SENTRI office. I intended to pay for the burgers with my
VISA/Debit card which we have done literally thousands of times all over the US. The young lady attending us suggested that I use "credit" rather
than enter my PIN as a debit transaction because they charge more for debit usage. (Don't remember how much.)
Is this a new trend for US merchants to tack on fees for accepting debit cards? Are banks now charging merchants higher transaction fees than before
the banking debacle or are merchants simply less willing to absorb those charges?
I guess it never hurts to ask if there are any "hidden" fees in any transaction but for years the debit cards were the best alternative to writing
checks or carrying cash. Which brings up another question... Check processing has to be more costly than electronic payment. Are banks charging
fees for checks now?bajalou - 5-26-2010 at 09:23 AM
Arco stations have always charged a ATM fee. They instigated this policy when they quit accepting credit cards back in the '80s.bajaguy - 5-26-2010 at 02:48 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Chapala-ex
The other day we crossed at Otay Mesa (N/B) and were having lunch at a Carl's Jr near the SENTRI office.
Dump Carl's Jr and try Eric's Deli, just north of the SENTRI office
ARCO charges .45 cents for each pump transaction using an ATM/debit cardDave - 5-26-2010 at 02:52 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by bajalou
Arco stations have always charged a ATM fee. They instigated this policy when they quit accepting credit cards back in the '80s.
Arco issues their own debit card. There are no fees and they refund 1% of your purchases.Bob and Susan - 5-26-2010 at 03:03 PM
ARCO Preferred Debit Card...
Earn points twice as fast! With a low annual fee of $24.99 a year...
Plus...
bonus points...
let's do the math...
if you go to the ARCO station once a week
52 weeks a year
24.99/52= 48 cents a visit
more than the "normal" 45 cents they charge
a $100 prepaid card costs $106.45
if you spend $25 a visit each
visit costs you $1.61
no bargins at ARCO using plastic
the fine print...
CHANGE IN TERMS
We may, at any time change or delete any provision of, or add new provisions to, this Agreement.
Terms of this offer are subject to rules determined by ARCO and may be modified, added or deleted, and this Program may be eliminated in its entirety
without notice to Cardmembers
WOW!!!
[Edited on 5-27-2010 by Bob and Susan]
Whaa?
Dave - 5-26-2010 at 03:30 PM
Why would anyone pay for a preferred card? No charge for the plain vanilla...and no .45 fee.
[Edited on 5-26-2010 by Dave]bajalou - 5-26-2010 at 03:44 PM
I really don't think I need to give Arco access to my bank account.Chapala-ex - 5-26-2010 at 05:00 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by bajalou
I really don't think I need to give Arco access to my bank account.
With all the options out there why even consider ARCO? They would have to be a hell of a lot cheaper than their competition for lazy me to go to the
trouble of getting their card.bajalou - 5-26-2010 at 05:52 PM
They usually are somewhat cheaper that the competition. If they're 4 cents a gal. cheaper and I buy 15 gal, I'm still ahead of the 45 cent charge.toneart - 5-26-2010 at 07:53 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by bajalou
They usually are somewhat cheaper that the competition. If they're 4 cents a gal. cheaper and I buy 15 gal, I'm still ahead of the 45 cent charge.
Exactly! Bob and Susan - 5-27-2010 at 06:29 AM
you'd have to "fill-r-up"
at 4 cents a gallon with a 45 cent charge
you break even at 11.3 gallonsSantiago - 5-27-2010 at 07:36 AM
Reading this thread reminded me that Martin Gardner died this week
