Aldi customers unimpressed by new surcharge sign that confuses card payers

Aldi shoppers have laid bare their confusion surrounding ‘hidden fees’ at the checkout after spotting a sign about card surcharges.

A customer shopping at the store took to a popular Facebook group complaining about being charged an extra fee while using their debit card at the budget German retailer.

‘OK maybe THIS was the sign. Although it only says Visa and Mastercard it also DISPLAYS the EFPOS logo. (So maybe I just thought EFTPOS was included). Will make sure I check next properly time,’ the woman said, sharing a photo of the sign.

It read: ‘In order to continue to offer top quality at incredibly low prices – guaranteed, we advise that a 0.5 per cent surcharge will apply to all Visa or Mastercard transactions (including contactless transactions), to cover additional costs,’ the notice read. 

The logos for Visa, Mastercard and EFTPOS are also featured at the bottom of the sign. 

Previously, Aldi customers were aware that if they tapped their debit cards at the checkout they would be charged a surcharge, but if they inserted the card the fee would be forfeited.

But the new sign reads that all transactions will incur a fee, which is what confused regular shoppers.

This definitely makes it sound like it’s all transactions, I’m so confused,’ one commenter said. 

‘ALDI should not put the EFTPOS logo on that sign,’ said another.

A spokesperson for Aldi weighed in on the ensuing drama to confirm that inserting your card is still the best way to avoid a fee.

An ex bank teller took to Facebook to share how the system works.

‘If you think of it this way. When you tap a Visa or MasterCard product the computer can’t tell if you’re using your money or borrowed money Ie debit or credit,’ she said.

‘You get charged. To avoid it, insert and tell the computer it’s YOUR money by hitting savings or cheque depending how the bank set up your card.

‘Here are some clues. See how the card has the credit card company logo and the 16 digits? That means the register can’t tell if it’s debit or credit unless you tell it. 

Previously, Aldi customers were aware that if they tapped their debit cards at the checkout they would be charged a surcharge, but if they inserted the card the fee would be forfeited

‘The other older cards with eftpos written on it is a savings or possibly cheque account. These are being phased out. I know ANZ wasn’t sending these out much anymore. 

‘If yours expires it’s highly likely you’ll get a replacement Visa debit card without notice. It’s a safer product for fraud etc. But you need to learn how to use it.

‘The trouble is the bank sends you a boring 80 page book and who will read it.’

The Aldi website confirmed: ‘We also accept all major credit cards, except American Express and Diners Club. Please note, however, that there is a 0.5% surcharge on all credit card purchases to cover the cost of the service.

‘ALDI offers Visa and MasterCard as payment methods for customers, as well as contactless transactions, however there are very high costs associated with accepting these cards.

‘Rather than ALDI inflating prices across the board to compensate for the credit card acceptance costs (like most of the retailers do) ALDI instead allows customers to make the choice as to the payment method they prefer.

‘This allows customers who choose the lower cost method of payment, to receive the direct benefit by way of lower prices.’