Bill > H13

This bill introduces two main provisions: first, it regulates credit card charges by merchants in North Carolina and second, it increases the filing fee for nonprofit corporation articles. For credit card transactions, the bill limits merchants to charging no more than 2% of the total transaction amount when accepting credit or charge cards. Merchants must clearly disclose any such charges at the point of sale for in-person transactions, on their website for online transactions, and verbally for phone transactions. The bill allows merchants to offer cash or alternative payment method discounts, provided these discounts are offered to all customers. Merchants cannot charge credit card fees if credit cards are the only accepted payment method. The Secretary of Commerce can assess civil penalties up to $500 per violation, though first-time violators can avoid penalties by coming into compliance within 30 days, compensating affected consumers, and maintaining compliance. The second provision increases the fee for filing articles of incorporation for nonprofit corporations from $60 to $65. The credit card fee regulations will become effective on January 1, 2026, while the rest of the bill becomes effective immediately upon becoming law.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H13