Consumers are no longer to be charged extra for paying by debit or credit card, the government has said. From January next year, businesses will not be allowed to add any surcharges for card payments. The worst offenders currently are airlines and food delivery apps, and small businesses which typically add a fee for cards. In 2010 alone consumers spent £473m on such charges, according to estimates by the Treasury. It follows a directive from the European Union, which bans surcharges on Visa and Mastercard payments. However the government has gone further than the directive, by also banning charges on American Express and Paypal too. Campaigners welcomed the move, saying it was great news for consumers. Take-aways

At the moment those booking airline tickets with credit cards pay an extra 3% with Flybe, with a minimum payment of £5. Customers of Ryanair and Norwegian pay 2%. However Flybe has already promised to get rid of the minimum payment, and cut its charges. Ryanair said it would comply with any changes in the law....

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