'Checkout fees' allowed to start Jan. 27

Merchants in most states can start charging consumers up to 4 percent on credit card purchases starting Jan. 27, but how many local businesses plan to implement the "checkout fees" remains to be seen.

The change allowing the fees was part of a recent settlement approved by a U.S. District Court judge in New York after seven years of negotiation. It stems from a class-action lawsuit brought by retailers against several credit card companies and major banks, which previously had prohibited checkout fees.

The possibility that consumers may start seeing signs that the surcharge will be added on credit card purchases prompted the local Spokane Teacher Credit Union to issue a press release on Tuesday giving consumers a heads up.

"We're trying to let people know about an upcoming consumer issue that may be slipping under the radar," Dan Hansen, STCU's senior communications officer wrote in an e-mail.

The fees do not apply to debit card purchases.

It remains to be seen how many local stores, restaurants and other vendors will actually start imposing surcharges, commonly called "checkout fees" or "swipe fees."

News outlets such as Forbes and Consumer Reports report that merchants fear backlash. For instance, Dow Jones Business News reports that Target and Rite Aid will not charge the fees.

Coeur d'Alene Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Steve Wilson and Ron McIntire, owner of Super 1 Foods, hadn't heard of the surcharge.

"So we have no plans either way," McIntire said.

He said the decision would depend on what competitors do. He said he wouldn't expect most retailers to impose the fees.

Pam Houser, Post Falls Chamber of Commerce CEO, said she's heard of the surcharge but there hasn't been a buzz among membership about it. She said she can see both sides.

"As a small business owner, I believe it will be difficult to add on a fee and come across customer friendly, but on the other hand it's just one more financial hit that the small business has to absorb, which is difficult for most small business owners trying to make a small profit," she said.

Any concerns, she said, would likely be voiced after the fees are imposed.

The settlement places several requirements on retailers who choose to charge the fees.

For instance, consumers will see signs at store entrances and near the cash register if a retailer imposes a surcharge. Those signs must disclose the percentage of the surcharge. Online vendors must post the information on homepages. And the amount charged for each sale must be reported on the customer's receipt.

The retailer can't charge more than what it actually costs them to accept a credit card - typically between 1.5 percent to 3 percent. Under no circumstances can the surcharge exceed 4 percent of the purchase price.

The fees can't be levied in 10 states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma and Texas.