RALEIGH, N.C. –  On Monday, state Rep. Chris Humphrey filed House Bill 209: Consumer Credit Card Protection Act. This legislation prohibits certain businesses, state agencies, and local governments from imposing an extra charge for payments by credit or debit card. 

“Only 10% of consumers use cash as a primary form of payment and 80% of consumers prefer card payments over cash,” said Humphrey, “This bill works to address the unnecessary burden placed on consumers to absorb the credit card processing fees placed on the businesses, while also helping to incentivize cash payments in allowing companies to offer discounts. In this season of inflation, my goal is to help keep more money in the pockets of hardworking North Carolinians.” 

This bill will make it illegal to charge an added fee to be absorbed by consumers, who are using credit cards or debit cards as a form of payment. Individuals subject to this legislation are able to offer a discount for cash payments. Enforcement of this will fall under the Secretary of Commerce, who may impose a civil penalty against a person, other than a State agency or local government, for violating this. 

Individuals subject to this legislation are as follows:

●      Any person engaging in the business of selling goods or retail services;

●      A state agency or local government;

●      Restaurants;

●      Landlords. 

The bill was filed on Monday and was sent to House Committee on Banking for further debate and consideration.