Businesses must honor advertised Visa card payments, says ministry

The Ministry of Commerce has stated that businesses are not permitted to refuse credit card payments if signage or any indication shows that such cards are accepted, emphasizing that businesses must adhere to the payment methods they advertise to customers.

The ministry explained on its official X account that if a business refuses to accept a credit card or demands additional fees for its use, customers can file a complaint through the Balagh Tijari app.

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The clarification came in response to a query from a follower who said he runs a business specializing in car services and oil sales with limited profit margins. He asked whether he could accept only Mada network payments and not Visa cards due to high fees, and whether this would violate regulations, especially since his payment terminal does not support Visa cards.

In its response, the Ministry of Commerce reiterated its position on credit card payments, stating that any indication of acceptance obligates the business to process such payments. Customers may report violations or extra charges through the designated app.