Someone finally said it about those sneaky card payment rules. The Payment Association of Namibia recently clarified that stores cannot set a minimum purchase for swipe or tap payments. Charging any extra fee for using a card is also illegal under Visa's operating rules. PAN's statement calls these practices a violation that hurts customers.
The association insists card payments must be treated the same as cash, with no added costs. Adding surcharges discourages digital payment use and forces people to carry more money, which increases personal risk. Shifting the cost of electronic transactions onto the consumer is considered unfair.
PAN encourages the public to report any shop not following these rules. Acquiring banks have been told to ensure merchant compliance. Persistent violations could lead to action under the Payment System Management Act or other sanctions. The goal is to protect consumers and promote secure digital payments.
The association insists card payments must be treated the same as cash, with no added costs. Adding surcharges discourages digital payment use and forces people to carry more money, which increases personal risk. Shifting the cost of electronic transactions onto the consumer is considered unfair.
PAN encourages the public to report any shop not following these rules. Acquiring banks have been told to ensure merchant compliance. Persistent violations could lead to action under the Payment System Management Act or other sanctions. The goal is to protect consumers and promote secure digital payments.
