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1/16/2026
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Rep. Fellela bill would require businesses to notify customers of credit card surcharges
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STATE HOUSE — Rep. Deborah A. Fellela has introduced legislation that would require businesses to alert customers to surcharges for credit card use.
The bill (2026-H 7022) would require businesses to notify customers whenever a surcharge or fee for payment made by credit card is imposed.
A credit card surcharge is an extra fee a merchant adds to a customer’s bill to compensate for some costs of payment processing. Each time a merchant accepts and processes a credit card transaction, they pay a credit card processing fee.
“Credit card surcharges are a popular option for small businesses who need to offset the costs of accepting those cards,” said Representative Fellela (D-Dist. 43, Johnston). “However, since those surcharges can vary from business to business, there is often confusion on the part of the consumer, who may not understand that these charges even exist. This bill would require an explanation that is clearly visible, rather than one that’s disguised by fine print.”
Under the legislation, effective Jan. 1, 2027, retailers would have to post a notice in a conspicuous location at the point of sale or payment. For restaurants, the notice would also be clearly displayed on all menus provided to customers.
The legislation has been referred to the House Committee on Corporations.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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