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Bill

Bill

S 595

Prohibits seller from charging credit card surcharges; establishes notice requirements for credit card minimums and cash discounts.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Beach and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey bill bans credit card surcharges and requires merchants to clearly post minimum purchase amounts and cash discount policies.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 595

Legislative bill overview

S 595 prohibits retailers from charging surcharges when customers pay with credit cards and establishes requirements for merchants to provide clear notice if they impose minimum purchase amounts for credit card transactions or offer cash discounts. The bill aims to standardize consumer protections and transparency in credit card pricing practices across New Jersey.

Why is this important

Credit card surcharges can significantly increase transaction costs for consumers, particularly lower-income households that rely more heavily on card payments. Clear notice requirements help consumers make informed purchasing decisions and avoid unexpected fees, while also creating uniform standards that prevent merchants from using hidden charges as competitive advantages.

Potential points of contention

  • Business impact on merchants: Retailers argue that surcharge prohibitions reduce their ability to offset processing fees (typically 2-3% of transactions), potentially raising prices for all customers or reducing profit margins, particularly for small businesses with lower sales volumes
  • Scope and definitions: Ambiguity about what constitutes a prohibited "surcharge" versus an allowed "cash discount" could create compliance confusion and enforcement disputes between retailers and regulators
  • Competitive fairness: Some merchants may claim the restrictions disadvantage them compared to online retailers or out-of-state competitors not subject to New Jersey law, potentially affecting in-state business competitiveness

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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