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Check your bills for new credit card fees

Posted at 8:08 PM, Jan 28, 2013
and last updated 2013-01-28 20:08:35-05

(CNN) – The next time you pull out your card to pay for something you may want to chose debit instead of credit. That’s because merchants can now pass along credit card fees to consumers.

Businesses who accept credit cards as payment pay different fees to the card vendor. The percentages vary depending on whether the card is a Visa, Master Card, American Express etc.

Now the merchant who pays those fees may add the fee to your bill and pass them on to you; anywhere from 1.5% to 3% if you charge it. This will not apply to debit card transactions used as a debit.

Master Card says it does not expect merchants to do this — for fear they will drive away business.