Rip-off card charges axed - The Sun

RIP-off credit and debit card charges are to be axed by ministers.

The move will be announced today amid mounting public anger at the hidden payments which are often added at the last minute to cover "processing costs".

But the Office of Fair Trading, which has already called for the fees to be scrapped, says they are far higher than the costs involved.

Airlines Ryanair and easyJet were singled out as among the worst culprits, along with firms selling concert tickets.

Mark Hoban, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said that "excessive" card charges would be banned from the end of next year. He added: "We want consumers to be able to shop around.

"They have a right to understand the charges they may incur not be hit by a hidden last-minute surcharge.

"We're leading the way in Europe by stopping this practice. The Government remains committed to helping consumers get a good deal in these difficult times."

Consumer group Which? welcomed the move. Executive director Richard Lloyd said: "The decision to ban rip-off card surcharges is a huge victory for consumers.

"This goes further than the Office of Fair Trading's proposals, finally putting an end to these unfair and excessive charges. Over 50,000 people supported Which?'s campaign to see them stamped out.

"Airline passengers pay more than 265,000 a day in card surcharges, so firms shouldn't drag their feet over this."

In theory, companies could just put up prices if they can no longer impose card charges.

But a Which? spokesman said: "That would at least let customers honestly compare prices rather than being hit with hidden charges."

Ryanair charges a 6 fee per person per journey, while easyJet adds 8 for debit card transactions and 12.95 for credit card payments.

Last night Ryanair insisted it doesn't impose debit or credit card fees. But it admitted charging "administration fees" in the past.