[graemep]

> but instead they charge extra for using electronic payment methods.

That is illegal in the UK. That is why many trades people here will accept bank transfers but not cards.

[marysol5]

Even "minimum charge on card" is against VISA/MC rules. But it's still around.

[graemep]

Varies between countries, and card company rules are not quite as threatening as actual laws.

[gambiting]

>> and card company rules are not quite as threatening as actual laws

Well, they are plenty threatening in the sense that if you don't follow them, they will refuse doing business with you, which suddenly means you can't accept cards at all, which can kill a business entirely.