Foley slams credit card surcharges

Carmel Foley, the director of consumer affairs, has criticised retailers who charge extra for customers paying with credit cards.

Ms Foley said the practice contravenes regulations laid down by credit card companies.

“Visa International and MasterCard have confirmed to me that this is breaking the rules of their scheme,” she said.

“I consider that merchants who impose these charges should be taken off the scheme by MasterCard and by Visa until they promise to treat people who use plastic equally with people who use cheques or cash.”