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Where UK Merchants Can and Cannot Recover Card Costs in 2026

Where UK Merchants Can and Cannot Recover Card Costs in 2026

The UK ban on consumer card surcharges has been in force since 2018, yet many merchants still apply fees that fall the wrong side of the line. This guide sets out the practical distinction between a surcharge and a service fee, explains how the rules apply to commercial cards, and offers a simple decision tree for 2026.