Surcharge on credit card by Travel Agents

Friday, 19 June 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

I have seen several correspondences on this matter earlier, including on the Daily FT, yet there is no satisfactory explanation from the authorities on this continuing exploitation of the customers.

It is the Government policy to discourage cash transactions. But Sri Lankan Travel Agents discourage credit card payments by imposing a two and half percent surcharge on credit card payments.

No other business penalises credit card payments in this manner. We cannot understand why Travel Agents are allowed to do this.

Recently I took my family on holiday to an Asian country. Airfares and accommodation came to a large sum. The additional two and half percent imposed on the credit card was very painful to bear. In addition, we had to pay for Visas, taxis while also obtaining foreign exchange (the rupee has fallen sharply now).

There is no point in authorities making a statement that this surcharge is illegal. They must prosecute Travel Agents who charge this unlawful penalty on credit card users.

We hope even now this most unfair surcharge is banned by the Government.

Rohan Jayatunga