Credit card fees -- how do you feel about them?

[mudpixels]

Interesting stuff! I didn't realize how it was marketed affected the legality of it. Back when I learned it was ~2% of the money going straight to the card companies, I started paying cash/check for everything I reasonably could. I didn't think about the negotiating power of a credit card for returns, etc, but it makes good sense.

[chb119]

Originally Posted by FTBoomer

I use my credit card for EVERYTHING and pay it off at the end of the month. Get the points. Actually cashed in 30,000 point for $300 VISA card and paid for all my PRP upgrades.

This is why I never use cash, what do you get for using cash? Nothing, using my credit card, my wife and I got our airplane tickets to our Alaskan cruise for free.

[CW45]

Most merchants have already included the charge in the price. That is how they can get away with charging less for a cash sale. Sneaky way of doing business but it is legal. I recall service stations giving a price break for buying with cash.

[XTRazzer]

For a local in-person sale, whenever possible I pay in cash. Some places will automatically give a 3% to 10% cash discount; others I've had success putting cash on the counter and making a deal. If nothing else, let the smaller businesses make the most profit on the sale.

For online orders and local merchants placing orders, I prefer the buyer protection offered by the credit card. And I earn rewards for using the credit card to offset not getting the "cash price".

With so many banks starting to charge fees for debit card transactions, the consumer will be paying the fees regardless.

[Knightslugger]

6 cents a gallon discount at a local station for using cash.

helps me, helps them. i believe they call that a win/win.

[mudpixels]

A local gas station here in Kentucky gives a 10cent/gallon discount for using debit instead of credit. Not sure if it's a permanent change, but last time I filled they had the pump programmed to offer it.
I'm not sure how much cheaper a debit card is for companies, but I've read it protects you less from fraud.
It doesn't have to go through the big card companies, so I'd imagine they're saving more than $.10/gallon. Nevertheless, I feel like I'm supporting business instead of banks when I use debit. (Also, myself. That's like $1.50 cheaper for no effort)