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Bill

HB 2971

Sales transaction; maximum permissible surcharge amount for credit cards; maximum permissible service fee amount; effective date.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Neil Hays

Oklahoma bill establishes maximum limits on credit card surcharges and service fees merchants can charge customers at purchase.

Referred to Rules
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2971

Legislative bill overview

HB 2971 would establish caps on the surcharges and service fees that merchants can charge customers when they pay with credit cards. The bill sets maximum permissible amounts for these additional charges, though the specific percentage or dollar limits are not detailed in the available information.

Why is this important

Credit card surcharges directly affect consumer costs at checkout. Many retailers have increased these fees significantly in recent years, with some charging 3-4% or more on credit transactions. This bill attempts to protect consumers from excessive charges while balancing merchant concerns about credit card processing costs they must absorb.

Potential points of contention

  • Merchant profitability: Retailers argue surcharge caps limit their ability to offset rising credit card processing fees charged by banks and payment processors, potentially reducing their margins or forcing them to raise base prices for all customers.
  • Credit card industry impact: Caps may discourage credit card usage and affect payment processors' revenue models, potentially leading to higher baseline merchant fees or reduced rewards programs.
  • Enforcement complexity: Determining what constitutes an impermissible surcharge versus a legitimate service fee requires clear definitions; ambiguity could create compliance confusion and litigation.

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

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