Consumer Focus welcomes Government moves to ban unfair debit and credit card surcharges

23/12/2011

Responding to the Government’s announcement on banning credit and debit card surcharges, Mike O’Connor, Chief Executive of Consumer Focus said:

‘Charges that reflect actual costs and that are upfront for all to see are legitimate. But, the convenience for consumers of using a debit or credit card online should not be an invitation to firms to impose extra, hidden or excessive charges.

‘Given that so many firms hide charges and confuse consumers as part of their routine business model, this decision is long overdue and good news for consumers.

‘No-one should be allowed to drag their feet in implementing the changes. Companies are very quick to find new ways of adding costs on to consumers, but can be painfully slow to unravel the tricks and the complexity of these charges.

‘In particular 2012 should be a much better year for travellers as hidden charges and misleading marketing for airlines tickets and travel money are tackled head-on. Making markets simpler and fairer must be a priority for 2012.’