Texaco Station #307339 Star Mart Texaco Adds unauthorized charge to customer credit card Vancouver, Washington
The convenience store at this Texaco gas station tried to steal money from me. When I went to make my purchase, the cashier scanned all of my items.
I was told what my total was, then as soon as I presented my credit card, they added an additional item that I didn't buy and the total on display increased by 49 cents. I demanded explanation and I was told they add surcharge to credit cards.
This merchant accepts both Visa and MasterCard and since they both PROHIBIT charging customer a fee for using their cards, they're making unauthorized charges on customers' credit card and I consider that stealing. This is in merchant agreement and it is the responsibility of each merchant to comply with the contract.
6 Updates & Rebuttals
Robert
Buffalo,New York,
USA
VISA FORBIDS this merchant practice.
#7Consumer Suggestion
Tue, October 05, 2010
VISA does not allow merchants to assess a surcharge! My VISA merchant agreement specifically FORBIDS it. Not surprisingly, VISA has a WARNING to consumers about this on the VISA website, complete with procedures so consumers may REPORT merchants who violate the merchant agreement.
http://usa.visa.com/merchants/operations/checkoutfees.html - 10states
In addition, 10 States have specific laws that FORBID this practice. The exact cites of law are listed on the website above. The VISA website has active links to State Attorney General offices so consumers can make complaints directly to their State Attorney General.
From the VISA website:
In 10 states it is prohibited by law for retailers to charge consumers a fee for using a credit card (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma and Texas). Consumers who are subjected to checkout fees in states where they are protected by law may report the retailer to their state attorney general's office.
I think its funny that the Mighty Wizard of Roz can spend hours on the internet researching websites such as Swipebids and such, but has to demand proof from a consumer about a credit card merchant agreement. So much for being a legitimate business owner, eh?
The author of this report should report this merchant to VISA for violating the merchant agreement.
Ronny g
North hollywood,California,
USA
Verified ARCO..
#7Consumer Comment
Tue, October 05, 2010
You are correct. They do not take Credit Cards. The only charge the fee for PIN debit as you stated. But since I use cash if I go there no it is a non issue for me.
On the other hand..I was not too happy the first time when the sign on the pump implied they "no longer" charge a fee for using a card. This is deception. Even though the fine print states "only for ARCO card"..I believe they are counting on most to not notice that and use thier debit card for convenience..and then unknowingly be charged the .45 "convenience" charge. At that point it is too late, that is how they got me.
As far as your complaint with the convenience store, can you provide any proof that they are not allowed to charge a fee for credit cards. Because if this is true, I know around 50 places near me alone that are in violation. And I know for a fact these stores take credit and charge a fee.
Ronny g
North hollywood,California,
USA
Well it is happening..
#7Consumer Comment
Tue, October 05, 2010
I didn't mean to imply that it is acceptable that the mom and pops charge a fee for credit cards, I was simply stating that they do. Personally I do not like the fee so I got used to carrying cash to use around here. No other state I lived in has so many places that charge a fee like this, or some do not take credit or debit at all.
As far as ARCO, I am going to check next time I am there. I am 99% sure they take credit cards (not just debit) and charge a fee. If they are in any violation of state law or conducting prohibited charges for Visa/MC, can you post where I can see this info. If it can be documented you may have a case here.
SavvyBuyer
Portland,Oregon,
USA
Still unacceptable
#7Author of original report
Mon, October 04, 2010
Most ARCO stations do not take CREDIT at all. They do charage a 45 cent fee on PIN-based DEBIT, but that is usually permitted. A fee on CREDIT, however is not allowed by card companies.
In some states, such as California, it is prohibited by state law as well.
"most mom and pop stores do it" means the same thing as "most mom and pop grocery store sells expired stuff". A common occurrence doesn't equate acceptable occurrence.
Ronny g
North hollywood,California,
USA
Interested in the outcome..
#7Consumer Comment
Sun, October 03, 2010
I live in LA and most mom and pop convenience stores charge a fee if you pay with a card..be it Visa, Mastercard or whatever. 7/11 does not charge a fee.
Most gas stations here do not charge this fee. However I was using an ARCO gas station and I noticed it said on the pump they do not charge a fee anymore for using a card. That was in large print.
But I was charged a fee. I then read the "fine" print..which states they stopped charging the fee ONLY if you use an ARCO card. I thought I was saving money using them because their gas prices can be 5 to 10 cents less a gallon then the others around me.. but when they added 50 cents for using my Visa card it counters some or all of the savings depending on how much gas was pumped.
I would be curious to know if they are doing anything prohibited by visa or mastercard. I have decided from then on to use cash only if spending at an ARCO.
Steph
Minor Hill,Tennessee,
USA
call 1800texaco7
#7UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sun, October 03, 2010
I used to work for Texaco in Florida . If I were you I would call 1800Texaco7 about this matter.