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A recent comment on this site suggests it's “it is illegal to sell goods at different prices depending on the payment method used” in the UK. Yet, all low-cost airlines in Europe seem to do it. In particular, I am frequently flying with EasyJet (out of continental Europe) and I think they are UK-based so presumably bound by this rule.

If that is correct, how does that work? Is there an exception for services or online sales? Are they just blatantly breaking the law?

Relaxed
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2 Answers2

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At the moment, they're allowed to pass on the actual cost of taking a card payment, i.e. typically the charge their card processor makes to them. From January 2018, all surcharges will be banned.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-40648641

Ganesh Sittampalam
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Yes, at the moment the UK allows merchants to pass the merchant service charge element on to the consumer, but NOT to profit from it. Those that do are breaking the law. From 2018 though, merchants will have to charge everyone the same price.

John Smith
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