No extra charges on credit card purchases

Minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani has strictly instructed all companies and institutions not to deduct any additional charge from consumers using credit cards issued by various banks for any purchases.

During his meeting with CEOs of Bahrain banks, in the presence of representatives from the Central Bank of Bahrain, Al Zayani said some of the companies and institutions were found to be deducting additional payments from consumers while purchasing goods and services with credit cards. 

He  said  it was unfair to charge consumers any additional amount on the prices of goods and services purchased and the banks, which provided automatic payment devices, were required in their contract with the companies not to load consumers additional charge.

During the meeting, all agreed that the Ministry of Industry and Commerce take the necessary procedures to prevent this issue, like directions to prohibit this kind of practice that harmed the consumers, and companies that violate this prohibition would be fined up to BD10,000 based on Consumer Protection Law.

The ministry will also intensify consumers’ awareness of their rights and the need to inform the Consumer Protection Department in the event of the commercial shops requesting to deduct extra charges.