XPost: nf.general 
 From: tsanford@nf.sympatico.ca 
  
 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. 
  
 --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05 
  * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)