Posted By:
PCCredit card acceptance rules are set by VISA and MasterCard, and while the rules are written differently, you can draw the following general conclusions (note that Discover and Amex have somewhat different standards):
(1) the merchant cannot set a minimum amount for a VISA/MC credit card transaction -- simply having the sign up is a violation;
(2) with limited exceptions, the merchant cannot add fees or surcharges to VISA/MC credit card transactions -- however, the merchant can offer a discount for cash payments; and
(3) in regular/face-to-face retail transactions, the merchant is generally not permitted to ask for additional identification.
If you are inclined to report a merchant for violating these rules, you should contact VISA and/or MasterCard directly (not the bank that issued your credit card). VISA and MC will then speak to the merchant, or have the merchant's processing company do so. The consequences to the merchant will depend on a number of factors, but the harshest penalty in this instance would be losing the ability to accept credit cards.