Requires businesses to notify customers whenever a surcharge or fee for payment made by credit card is imposed.

## Summary of Rhode Island Bill: Credit Card Surcharge Disclosure

This bill would require businesses in Rhode Island to clearly notify their customers whenever they charge an extra fee or surcharge for paying with a credit card. Some businesses add a small percentage or flat fee on top of the purchase price when customers choose to pay by credit card rather than cash or debit. This bill aims to make sure customers know about these extra charges before they complete their purchase, rather than being surprised by them on their receipt.

The bill would affect both businesses and consumers across the state. Businesses that impose credit card surcharges would be required to provide clear disclosure to customers about those fees. Consumers would benefit by having better transparency about the true cost of their purchases when paying by credit card, allowing them to make more informed decisions about how they want to pay. The bill falls under Rhode Island's unfair sales practices laws, meaning violations could potentially be treated as unfair business practices.

As of its most recent activity, the bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Corporations Committee. The committee has recommended that the measure be held for further study, with a hearing scheduled for January 27, 2026. This means the bill is still in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet been voted on by the full legislature.