12/04/2026
"May Additional 5% Charge Po?" Why Credit Card Surcharges Are Illegal and What You Can Do.
"Ma'am/Sir, pag credit card po ang gamit niyo, may additional 5% bank charge po tayo ah." If a store ever dropped this line on you just because you paid by card, then they broke the law.
Under DTI DAO No. 21-03, sellers are not allowed to charge you extra for paying with a credit card, debit card, prepaid card, QR code, or any digital payment method.
The rule is simple: the selling price shall remain the same, so the cash price is the card price. Always.
It is also strictly illegal for any store to impose an "installment only" payment. You always have the right to pay in full or in cash.
What to do if a store adds a surcharge:
1️⃣ Politely remind the cashier about DTI DAO No. 21-03.
2️⃣ If they refuse to remove the charge, do not pay it.
3️⃣ Report them to DTI by calling 1-384 or email [email protected] to file a complaint.
Violators can face serious penalties for unfair sales acts and practices under the Consumer Act. You work hard for every peso. Do not let illegal charges eat into your money or your credit card points.
Speaking of credit cards, find the best one for your lifestyle on the KKB App. Download here: https://www.kaskasanbuddies.com.ph/download?source=web
Share this with your shopping buddies so everyone knows their rights.
Source: DTI DAO No. 21-03, Series of 2021.
