Michael Credit-card companies used to strictly prohibit merchants from charging higher prices for card payments. If a store broke this rule, the card company terminated its merchant agreement.
Over the years, however, this once ironclad rule has softened like a used diaper. About 15 years ago, gas stations began charging different prices for cash and card payments. A few years ago, I sat in a restaurant and rubbed my eyes in amazement for the first time because the establishment charged an extra 3% unless you paid in cash. And recently, at a liquor store in Florida, I had to watch helplessly as the cashier simply added 3% to the price of wine and beer because I paid by card. Apparently, the card companies no longer care.
Yet stores benefit enormously from card payments. Once, I overheard the owner of a corner store chatting with a friend, and the owner confirmed that 90% of purchases in his store are now paid for by card. Younger people in particular carry no cash these days, and without card acceptance, many purchases simply would not happen. In my opinion, it is downright shabby that stores are now beginning to pass the cost of this service on to their customers.
Personally, I now pay only in cash at bakeries, fishmongers, and similar establishments, if only because it means I do not have to deal with the tipping screen that the fine ladies and gentlemen in these stores brazenly bring up, even when their entire service consists of putting on a friendly face while wrapping the merchandise (Rundbrief 07/2021).