Stop 'rip off' charges Super complaint supporters

Just how many people agree with the Which? surcharge super complaint? We've had an overwhelming level of support from consumers, retailers and the press. 

• Over 43,000 people pledged their support for the super complaint
• Over 2,400 emailed consumer affairs minister Edward Davey
• Over 8,600 emailed financial secretary Mark Hoban
• Just under 1,000 Which? members shared their experiences of excessive surcharges
• Hundreds of comments and examples were posted on Which? Conversation.

Martin Lewis, MoneySavingExpert.com

'Bravo to Which?. It's about time this was tackled. The rule should be simple. If a fee is practically unavoidable it must be included in the main price, not listed as an ancillary. Doing this would encourage companies to drop it straight away as they'll look costly.'

Jeff Prestridge, Mail on Sunday

'Which? has to be applauded for its stance against credit card/debit card usage charges. Unfair, unjustified and indefensible.'

Consumer Focus

'Consumer Focus fully supports the Which? super complaint against credit and debit card surcharges. For far too long firms have made a quick buck through confusing and unfair card charges, which bear no relationship to the costs levied by payment agencies.'

Trailfinders

'Trailfinders backs the Which? super complaint against credit card surcharges. We believe in transparent pricing as we believe it is totally misleading to advertise a price only to find there are numerous surcharges as you progress through the booking stages.'

Tara Evans, thisismoney.co.uk 

'It is unfair that companies are describing these charges as 'administration' when they far outstrip the costs they pretend to cover. Companies claim that they are 'avoidable' but how can this be true when they require consumers to apply and be accepted for an entirely new financial product just to dodge an extra charge. This is Money hopes that the OFT takes notice of the super complaint from Which? and uses the opportunity to demonstrate that it can make a difference.'

Dominic Littlewood

'The fact that some companies feel the need to capitalise on this surcharge and make an additional profit margin is wholly unfair on the consumer. In today's turbulent market place the retailer should be aiming to gain customer loyalty more than ever, putting customer service before stealthy profits.' 

Sarah Modlock, msn money consumer champion 

'I am happy to pay some or part of the few pence it costs to process a card transaction. But the companies - and there are many of them - which are charging several pounds for this need to be stopped. Such blatant profiteering is insulting to customers, damaging for business and undermines fair competition. I support the Which? super complaint on this matter and would like to see the Office of Fair Trading take action.'

Andrew Penman and Nick Sommerlad, Mirror Investigates

'Well done consumer champion Which? for tackling the stealth profits being raked in by retailers who slap on exorbitant fees for credit and debit cards.'

Sarah Pennells, SavvyWoman.co.uk

'Companies and organisations should stop profiteering from customers who pay by card. If companies are going to impose a fee for paying by card, they should be both clear and fair. As things stand it can be difficult to work out how much extra you'll be charged and in many cases it's far more than the cost to the company.'

Tony White, Air Travel Advisory Bureau

'The Air Travel Advisory Bureau wholeheartedly supports the Which? surcharge super complaint. This is one of many issues that we have with airlines and we will support Which? in anyway that we can.'

Conrad Clifford, Group Chief Executive of Monarch

'We are fully supportive of the Which? campaign. There is no justification for charging excessive fees on credit and debit cards. Our customers expect an up front and transparent pricing structure from their airline. We hope that other airlines follow our lead.'

redspottedhanky.com

'We understand the importance of price transparency and the importance of Which?'s campaign. By adding inflated card surcharges at the checkout companies make it extremely difficult for customers to compare prices and get the best deal.'

responsibletravel.com

'responsibletravel.com backs Which's campaign for a fairer and more transparent system when it comes to card surcharges.'