Credit Card Surcharge Rules in Canada—and the Québec Exception

The federal merchant guidance

FCAC explains that eligible merchants may choose to surcharge certain credit-card transactions, except in Québec. Requirements can include advance notice, customer disclosures and a surcharge no higher than the merchant’s actual acceptance cost, subject to a maximum of 2.4%.

• Disclose at the store entrance and point of sale where required.
• Show the surcharge on the receipt.
• Let the customer cancel before authorizing payment.

Québec is different

Québec’s Office de la protection du consommateur says a merchant may not charge consumers an added fee for paying by debit or credit card. The costs of using a payment terminal are treated as operating expenses and cannot be added at checkout.

Debit, service fees and discounts

Interac states merchants may not directly surcharge cardholders for Interac Debit. Service or convenience fees are different concepts and have their own eligibility rules. FCAC also notes merchants may offer a discount for a particular payment method or network.

• Do not rename a prohibited surcharge and assume it becomes legal.
• Confirm network and provincial requirements before enabling a terminal feature.
• Keep disclosures consistent online, in store and on receipts.

Practical decision

A surcharge may reduce direct acceptance cost but can affect conversion and trust. Model the customer experience and legal requirements before deciding. This article is general information, not legal advice.