Winona Daily News had an interesting article today on merchant credit card practices. Many people have seen the signs stating that credit card purchases under a certain dollar amount (or all credit card purchases in some places!) in order to cover their costs. However, all merchants are required to sign the same agreement with credit cards which specifically makes this practice illegal and subject to fines of up to $100,000. For example, on page 2-19 of Mastercard's agreement, it says that: "A merchant must not directly or indirectly require any MasterCard cardholder to pay a surcharge … in connection with a MasterCard card." So, next time you are charged, maybe you should try and argue it!

From Winona Daily News:
In response to letters regarding some merchants adding surcharges over the amount of purchase, I believe this practice is improper. Merchants enter into a contract with Master Card, Visa or Discover in order to accept these cards. In this contract, it shows that surcharges are against policy.