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Bill > A603


NJ A603

NJ A603
Prohibits retail mercantile establishments from imposing surcharges on consumer credit card purchases.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill prohibits retailers from imposing a surcharge on consumers for the use of a credit card. The bill clarifies that, notwithstanding this prohibition, a retail motor fuel dealer is permitted to sell similar fuels at different prices to cash and credit customers provided that neither price is below the net cost of the fuel to the retailer dealer plus all selling expenses, as provided in section 201 of P.L.1938, c.163 (C.56:6-2), including, in the case of credit card sales, the cost to the dealer of providing credit sales. Under the bill, a violation is an unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act. An unlawful practice is punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, a violation can result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured party.

AI Summary

This bill prohibits retail businesses from adding extra charges, known as surcharges, to consumers who pay with a credit card, making it an unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act, which can result in penalties of up to $10,000 for a first offense and $20,000 for subsequent offenses, along with potential cease and desist orders, punitive damages, and treble damages for the injured party; however, this prohibition does not apply to retail motor fuel dealers who can offer different prices for cash and credit customers as long as the prices cover their costs, including the expense of credit card transactions.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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