They approve a law that prohibits the charging of commissions for card payments

Mexico City. The Chamber of Deputies unanimously approved reforms to the Federal Consumer Protection Law to prohibit suppliers of goods, products or services from charging commissions, amounts, additional or equivalent charges to consumers when they use a debit card as a means of payment. , credit or means of physical disposal of resources.

Likewise, it establishes that non-compliance with said provision will be punished with a fine ranging from 701.15 pesos to two million 243 thousand 671.49 pesos: The Senate was turned to continue with the legislative process.

In the opinion endorsed in plenary session, it is stated that, according to the National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services (Condusef), it has been detected that some commercial establishments charge a “commission” or “surcharge”. ” which can range from 3 to 5 percent of the total value of the purchase or service, when payment is made through a credit or debit card.

It states that according to Condusef, the above fails to comply with what businesses agree with banking institutions, since the contracts for the use of point-of-sale terminals clearly state that payment for this service should not affect the cost of the goods. and services that promote businesses with their clientele.

It specifies that the benefits that establishments have from the use of point-of-sale terminals are greater than the costs they should assume. Passing these costs onto consumers is a practice that should not occur.

This practice, it is highlighted, varies according to the business line and even the type of card. “They charge the consumer the rent that the establishment must pay to the bank for the use of the POS terminals.” He even refers: “many people have been warned directly in the business that if you make the payment with a bank card they will charge a commission that can range from 3 to 6 percent extra. Unfortunately, these practices are increasing to the detriment of consumers.”

Article 7 TER of the aforementioned law was established, which establishes: “it is prohibited for suppliers of goods, products or services to charge commissions, amounts, additional or equivalent charges to consumers when they use them as a means of payment. debit card, credit card or means of physical disposal of resources.”

And the sanction is established in Article 127. . . They will be sanctioned with a fine of 701 pesos 15 cents up to 2 million 243 thousand 671 pesos and 49”.