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Oopsie Daisy

(6,586 posts)

6. Yes. And according to Google... it's just 1.5% to 3.5%

Reply to jmbar2 (Reply #1)

Tue May 27, 2025, 03:05 PM

May 2025

Physicians generally pay 1.5% to 3.5% of each credit card transaction to process payments. This fee, also known as an interchange fee, is charged by the credit card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express) and the merchant services provider (payment processor). American Express cards can have even higher fees, ranging from 2.5% to 3.5%.

So why the extra percentage points? And why would they not charge it if I'm using a credit card through Google Pay. (So many questions.)

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Highlight:

My physician charges a 5% premium "service charge" if I pay by credit card online... [View all] Oopsie Daisy May 2025 OP

They have to pay a fee when their patients pay with credit cards jmbar2 May 2025 #1

Most people aren't aware that the credit card companies levy fees on merchants & service providers Attilatheblond May 2025 #5

Those transaction fees are 1.5 to 3.5% ... not 5%. Oopsie Daisy May 2025 #12

many places have gone cashless pstokely May 2025 #15

I didn't know that til my dentist's office explained it jmbar2 May 2025 #20

Yes. And according to Google... it's just 1.5% to 3.5% Oopsie Daisy May 2025 #6

I went to a dermatologist that would not take cash or check only credit card. After a lot of back and forth with mitch96 May 2025 #19

Good for you! Oopsie Daisy May 2025 #21

Now when I make a medical appointment I ask what form of payment they take...nt mitch96 May 2025 #22

Thanks for posting this. I've been seeing these "service fees" too and wondered how to avoid them. FadedMullet May 2025 #2

Send them a check. Mosby May 2025 #3

I used to do that back in the day. Oopsie Daisy May 2025 #8

Yup. Any place that charges a "convenience fee" for paying online Freddie May 2025 #17

Absolutely! RhapsodyFav May 2025 #18

Shhhh. Don't tell them. Raven123 May 2025 #4

Time was, surcharging was illegal. That changed in 2013, but varies by state. bucolic_frolic May 2025 #7

Yes... it is. I completely agree. Oopsie Daisy May 2025 #10

In many states they are only allowed to charge up to the cost of the fee. bucolic_frolic May 2025 #13

At one time, that was against the CC company's rules. nilram May 2025 #9

This used to be illegal now its not. cpamomfromtexas May 2025 #11

I only use a debit card. It works for me! CTyankee May 2025 #14

Doctors trying to stay in the 95th Percentile of incomes. Silent Type May 2025 #16