maksutapalisä

Maksutapalisä, or payment method surcharge, is an extra charge that a seller adds to the price of a product or service to cover the costs associated with a specific payment method. The surcharge can be a fixed amount or a percentage of the purchase and is typically displayed at checkout and on the invoice.

The purpose of maksutapalisä is to offset processing costs that payment methods impose on the seller, such as handling and settlement fees for credit and debit cards, bank transfers, or digital wallets. In practice, the surcharge may apply to one or several payment methods and can appear as a separate line item or be included in the total price.

Legal and regulatory context varies by country and region. In Finland and the broader European Union, surcharges for consumer card payments are generally restricted or prohibited in many cases, and any such charges must be transparent, non-discriminatory, and proportionate to the costs incurred. Surcharges for non-card payment methods may be allowed if they reflect actual costs and are clearly communicated before the purchase. The Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (Kilpailu- ja kuluttajavirasto, KKV) oversees compliance with consumer protection and pricing practices and can address unfair or deceptive pricing.

Implementation and consumer guidance: The surcharge should be clearly stated during the shopping process and on the final invoice, with an explanation of which payment method it applies to. Consumers are advised to compare payment options and review terms before completing a purchase, while merchants should ensure pricing practices comply with applicable consumer protection and competition laws.