The Italian Competition Authority closed 11 cases related to credit card surcharges between late 2023 and 2024. Six companies were fined a total of EUR 112,500 for applying surcharges on payment instruments, contrary to consumer protection laws.

Companies like Altraepoca S.r.l., Take it slowly by un’altra Sicilia, and TICKETSMS S.r.l. were fined for illegitimately applying surcharges on payment instruments in sectors like tourism and events, with some failing to specify the amounts. Other companies like Blupark S.r.l. and De Pretto Eventi Store S.r.l. faced fines or commitments for similar practices.

Additionally, República Gráfica SL was fined EUR 40,000 for charging consumers commission fees for using PayPal on their e-commerce portal. The company acknowledged violating the Consumer Code and removed the surcharge in January 2024. La casa della Divisa faced commitments after charging consumers a surcharge on school uniforms when paying with PayPal.

The Authority also addressed cases of moral suasion, such as the Municipality of Pescara, U.N.E.P. at the Court of Novara, and Service For Fun S.r.l., which applied commissions or surcharges for various services. The Authority's actions aim to protect consumers' rights and ensure a fair payment system without discrimination.