I was en route to my millionth silly season/xmas shutdown drinks/catch-up this afternoon and had to stop by Caltex in Braddon to fill up the car, and when I got to the counter to pay I was informed there was a 1% surcharge for using my VISA. This was after I had already handed over my VISA to pay and it had been swiped through ready for my signature, although at the same time I will give SOME credit for there being a sign on the pump (which I hadn’t noticed but my partner had and pointed out to me after I returned to the car ranting and raving about it) and the counter which I also hadn’t noticed. The sign listed about 7-8 different cards (forgive me but I only recall VISA which is what I use for credit) which now will all be charged 1% surcharge for purchases.
Can other RA’ers please post whether they have noticed this at other Caltex stations in Canberra? Or any other petrol stations in Canberra? I for one will be sourcing other petrol stations who do not enforce such a fee. I DO realise that business owners cop a charge themselves for credit card purchases – but seriously, AS IF the major chains like Caltex have not already built this charge/fee into their pricing. What a joke!
I use credit for my convenience – not through necessity – so if this sort of charge becomes standard then I will just use cash for my purchases, and businesses can waste their time going to their financial institution to bank the notes instead of benefitting from use of electronic payment facilities.