Retailers may add surcharge in credit card transactions

 Retailers in 40 U.S. states can now charge up to 4 percent extra when consumers pay for goods and services with a credit card. These so-called "checkout fees" went into effect January 27, and do not apply to debit card payments. The fees are illegal in California, New York, Texas and seven other states. It is up to individual businesses to decide whether or not to add the fee. They also need to disclose it to consumers.