01/21/2026
Quick consumer reminder…
Check your receipts. 🧾
If you pay with a DEBIT card, businesses are not allowed to charge the same 3–4% fee that applies to credit cards. That rule applies in North Carolina, and it applies nationwide.
It doesn’t matter whether the debit card is tapped, run “as credit,” or entered without a PIN — debit is debit.
This isn’t just about stores and restaurants.
It also applies to:
• Contractors
• Home services
• Auto repair
• Tradespeople
• Any business accepting card payments
Many small businesses were never clearly educated on these distinctions, and many consumers were never told what to look for. That gap in understanding has allowed improper fees to quietly become “normal.”
If you see a “card fee,” “non-cash adjustment,” or “processing fee” on a debit transaction, that’s a good reason to pause and ask questions.
If you’re unsure, your bank or card issuer can help clarify the rules. Business owners can also confirm compliance directly with their payment processor.
Consumers should watch closely. 🔎
Businesses should double-check their setup. ✔️
A lot has slid by for too long — not just in Washington, but everywhere.
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💡 If you have questions or spot something that doesn’t look right, the North Carolina Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and your card issuer can help clarify the rules — and business owners can also check directly with their payment processor to be sure they’re set up correctly.