Going to a small store or business without cash can sometimes be counterproductive, since in some cases paying with a card in these types of establishments can be more expensive since they usually charge a commission, that is, an extra percentage for using the plastic.
However, this commission, despite the fact that it has always been an illegal practice, will now be sanctioned, since the Chamber of Deputies recently approved a reform to the Federal Consumer Protection Law unanimously, with 446 votes.
This seeks to prohibit providers of goods, products or services from charging commissions, amounts, additional charges or equivalent to consumers when they use a debit card, credit card or physical means of disposing of resources as a means of payment.
According to the National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services (Condusef), it has been detected that some commercial establishments charge a commission or “surcharge” on the total value of the purchase or service, when the payment is made with a card at a point of sale terminal (POS) or aggregator.
This does not comply with what the businesses agree with them, since the contracts for the use of POSs clearly indicate that the payment of this service, that is, the commission for the POS, should not affect either the cost of the products or an extra charge to consumers.
How much is the commission that businesses charge for paying with a card?
The card payment processing service allows customers to pay for goods or services at a business. These transactions begin when a consumer pays with a card through a terminal, through which authorization is requested from the bank that issued the card used.
If the issuing bank guarantees the purchase, the business receives the corresponding amount. For this to happen, there is an electronic service that allows communication between the banks involved and payment in favor of the merchant (a commission is charged in each transaction); this service is offered by the so-called Clearing Houses.
In Mexico, the commissions paid between banks for the operation of the card payment system are 1.36 percent on average, while in European nations they are only 0.2 percent; that is, they are 6 times higher in our country. However, data from Condusef show that the commissions charged by merchants can range from 3 to 5 percent.
How much will the fine be for charging a commission on card payments?
According to what was approved by the Chamber of Deputies, it is established that noncompliance with said provision will be sanctioned with a fine ranging from 701.15 pesos to two million 243 thousand 671.49 pesos.
The ruling, which adds an Article 7 Ter and reforms Article 127, was sent to the Senate for approval.
Source: teledirario
