XPost: nf.general 
 From: mbudden@gmail.nojunkmailsvp.com 
  
 I am not sure on the legality of this... I have heard many things... Some 
 places do charge 25 cents on a purchase under a certain dollar amount, and I 
 try and avoid them places when at all possible, but I believe they are 
 alloud as long as they have signage that clearly states this... (I also 
 heard that it is also suppose to come up on the keypads too, but I am not 
 certain of this, as I have only seen a few places). Call your bank or the 
 interac crowd and find out what the policy is on this, as I am sure they 
 should know. 
  
 "Terry"  wrote in message 
 news:OWBue.74695$Kk4.944213@news20.bellglobal.com... 
 > Buying yesterday at the local store outlet of a national chain store I was 
 > advised that there would be a 25 cent charge if I used my debit or credit 
 > card for a purchase of less than $5! 
 > 
 > This was the first time I have experienced this. 
 > Is it common practice throughout Canada? 
 > It was also mentioned that another store charges 50 cents for the same. 
 > 
 > Twenty five cents on $5 is a 5% premium. 
 > If the purchase was less, say $3.00 for a carton of milk, or similar, the 
 > twenty five cent charge is 8.3%! 
 > Fifty cents on $5 or less could be a 10% or higher premium. 
 > 
 > Am wondering if this is a reflection of or is caused by how much the banks 
 > charge businesses for bank debit card transactions. My bank tells me that 
 > such extra charges by retailers are the exception and very unusual. 
 > 
 > I guess I won't be shopping at that store again. Also after being 
 > accustomed to never having to carry money (except maybe  afew coins in the 
 > vehicle for the odd parking meter) hope that will be able to continue use 
 > of 'plastic'. 
 > 
 > Debit cards are best because, requiring use of PIN they are more secure 
 > than a credit card. Also the transaction amount comes out of one's account 
 > almost immediately, and does not incur interest charges. It's easy to get 
 > at any time an on-line or toll free telephone update of the state of ones 
 > bank account. 
 > 
 > Comments? Personally I'd like to see banks make it mandatory that sellers 
 > who accept their debit cards NOT charge any additional fees. 
 > 
  
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  * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)