Retailers charging for chip and pin transactions

[Azimov]

A local retailer charges 50p per transaction when using chip and pin and I wonder if this is legal in terms of a) Is he legally permitted to charge for the transaction? and b) If so, is 50p per transaction a reasonable/lawful amount considering he charges 50p regardless of the cost of the purchase?

[hc4361]

It costs the retailer to accept payment by debit card and credit card. He is giving the customer the choice of paying cash and saving 50p , or using a debit card and paying for the convenience.
His alternative would be to raise prices across the board for everyone, regardless of how they pay.
It is lawful and if you don't like it,shop elsewhere or use cash.

[Jonathan---]

It costs most retailers between 30 and 50p per debit card and around 2.5% of total value on credit card. This is why some places have a limit on debit card spends.
For example if you buy a 50p bar of chocolate and pay by debit card, the retailer has just lost money on that transaction.
I'm no legal eagle but I'm certain what he is doing is perfectly legal and legitimate.

[spudqueen]

I work in a Post Office situated within a shop and the shop owner charges 75p per debit/credit card transaction, unless the customer spends £5. He says that this is because of the charges imposed on him by his bank. So I would say that 50p is a reasonable amount.

[dzug]

Yes it's legal.

He's charged a flat rate for a debit card transaction so the value of the transaction doesn't come into it. 50p would be a fair ball park figure for his own costs.

[Whickerman]

I would shop elsewhere.