3% charge using Halifax Debit card on-line 1800Hotels.com

  • Thread starter irishpancake
  • Start date
I

irishpancake

Guest
Hi there.

I have just booked a week-end break with www.1800Hotels.ie

I paid in full with my Halifax Visa Debit card, and on the check-out I was charged a 3% fee, which was supposed to apply to Credit Card payments. There was no fee for paying with Laser (Debit) cards.

I have queried the reason for the charge with their customer relations department, given that Laser cards are not charged this 3% surcharge.

I got this reply from 1800Hotels.ie:


Can anyone verify if in fact they can apply this surcharge with a Debit Card.

Also, where can I go to check if they are actually charged 3% transaction charges on Debit Card.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I dont know anything about these charges but wonder why did you use them at all? I recently booked a week-end away. I tried 1800hotels for a quote and it far exceeded the price given to me by applying direct to the hotel.
 
What they are saying is true -- to systems that aren't setup for VISA debit, these look exactly like VISA credit cards. Their payment processor probably treats them as credit cards too, and applies the credit card levy.
 
I would definately get on to Halifax and get them to pay up or at least enquire why you should get charged for using their debit card! It can't be good publicity for them - users getting hit with a 3% charge.

At least worth a try etc..mention the alternative!
 
I can tell you that my bank treats any visa debit cards as credit cards and they charge me 2.5% instead of a flat €0.25 for laser.
 
oldtimer said:
I dont know anything about these charges but wonder why did you use them at all? I recently booked a week-end away. I tried 1800hotels for a quote and it far exceeded the price given to me by applying direct to the hotel.
Click to expand...

Hi there oldtimer

I would invariably check out all these sites:

www.alpharooms.com
www.hotels.com
www.roomex.com
www.hotelsireland.ie
www.booking.com
www.irelandhotels.com
www.1800hotels.ie
www.hotelclub.com

before checking with any Hotel site.

Usually you will get a break at a much reduced rate than that offered by the Hotel.

For example, the break I have booked through 1800Hotels cost me €349 (+3%)

The same break, same accomodation, same dates, direct with the Hotel would have cost €450
 
New information on this from the National Consumer Agency:


So it appears this would not have happened if the relevant section of the Consumer Protection Act had been fully implemented.

Yet another "public consultation" to delay the implementation of proper consumer protection.
 
It is the fault of the merchant's bank. They charge the merchant. He passes on the charge to you.
 
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