Louisiana consumers will receive added protection at the checkout counter beginning August 1, when Act 751 takes effect statewide. The new law prohibits businesses from charging customers an additional fee or surcharge for using a debit card to make a purchase.

The legislation was signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry and is intended to prevent consumers from paying extra simply for accessing money directly from their bank accounts through debit card transactions. While the law bans debit card surcharges, it does not prohibit credit card surcharges that may otherwise be allowed under state and federal law.

Under Act 751, businesses that currently add fees to debit card purchases will be required to update their payment policies and point-of-sale systems before the law takes effect. The Louisiana Attorney General has the authority to enforce the law, and consumers who are improperly charged a debit card surcharge may be eligible for reimbursement.

Supporters of the measure say the law provides greater transparency for consumers and helps ensure that the price displayed at the register is the price customers pay when using a debit card. The change is expected to affect retailers and merchants across Louisiana that accept electronic payments.

Beginning August 1, Louisiana residents who choose to pay with a debit card should no longer see an additional charge added solely because of their method of payment.