Louisiana Enacts Debit Card Surcharge Prohibition at Retailers, Restaurants
Louisiana has enacted a law that prohibits retail businesses from passing their debit card fees (or even higher) to customers which is typically 3-4% of your bill. This ‘fee’ is usually on a separate line at the bottom of your receipt or restaurant bill and is often not known by customers. This law will be effective August 1, 2026.
Restaurants, gas stations, retail stores, etc can no longer charge ‘convenience fees’ on your receipt for using a debit card. Credit cards are not affected.
This Senate Bill 254 will eventually be codified as Louisiana Revised Statute 51:3081-3082, entitled “Debit Card Surcharge”. Civil penalties of up to $500 per violation may be imposed as well as attorney fees, court costs, and investigative costs.