Should I let a restaurant apply a credit card surcharge and later contest it with the credit card company?

Q: More and more restaurants and businesses now add a “convenience” fee when customers use credit cards. I thought this was not permitted in Texas. An internet search indicates the convenience charges are illegal; however, a recent court ruling seems to say the law is unenforceable. What is the law in Texas? What do you recommend doing when a company charges more for using a credit card? Should I let them apply the surcharge and later contest it with the credit card company?

A: Chapter 604A of the Business and Commerce Code does, in fact, make it illegal for a business to impose a surcharge on customers who use credit cards. There is a civil penalty of up to $500 for each violation.

Under the........

© Houston Chronicle