The British consumer organization Which? announced its plan to launch a super complaint against the surcharges that many companies impose when customers pay with a debit or credit card. In particular Which? criticizes the practice of low-cost airlines that charge consumers with high fees when paying by card.
The consumer organization hopes that the super-complaint will result in more transparency - consumers are told upfront if they need to pay a surcharge and if so how much - and fair charges - the costs to the consumer should be the same as the cost to the company.
Which? Chief executive, Peter Vicary-Smith, argues: ‘There’s simply no justification for excessive card charges - paying by card should cost the consumer the same amount that it costs the retailer.’
Which? will be submitting its super-complaint in March and is launching a petition, which it will hand to the OFT at the same time.
In Great Britain registered consumer charities have the legal powers to file super-complaints with the OFT. The regulator has 90 days to respond.
Further information: www.which.co.uk/news/2011/02/which-to-launch-card-fee-super-complaint--244377/
Source: Which?