Is this legal?

[MyBlackHen]

Went to a petrol station today, and on every pump there was a hand written message.
"We accept credit and debit cards, a charge of £100 will be levied for any sale under £25"
Surely this can't be allowed??

[aelmpvw]

99p flowers ... Chuck must of had a hot date

[pdq1]

£1.00 more likely!

[heathfield]

In Maggie Thatcher's time, filling stations started to charge for credit card transactions. She ruled that this was not to be permitted. Instead, they could give a discount for cash. (!) American Express at the time ran a campaign asking card-holders to report any retailer who added a surcharge to the cost of a sale, threatening to withdraw the use of the Amex facility from such retailers. But I know of nothing that stops a retailer adopting a minimum spend amount

[Flyhalf]

If it's a bargain freely entered into, offered and accepted, who's to gainsay it?
I doubt, though, many would agree to it on those terms.

[chas2008]

its against the c/card agreement that the retailer signs up to, report him...

[magsmay]

Could someone please tell me if its true that retailers do not have the right to charge a surcharge for using a credit card? its just that with my last oil bill for household fuel there was a note saying that from now on a 2.5% surcharge would be applied if the bill was paid by credit card

[Skyline D]

Retailers can indeed make a charge for paying by credit card if they so wish provided that they have advertised the fact in writing by adequate signage or advance notification as in your case.

It's worth remembering the retailer is themselves charged approximately 2.5% by the credit card company so it's not unreasonable.