In BC, taxis cannot add a credit card fee on top of the fare. Since a 2023 decision by the Passenger Transportation Board, taxi and ride-hail companies may not charge passengers anything beyond their advertised rates to recover card transaction costs.
What the rule says
The Board decided that licensees may not collect extra compensation from passengers to recover or offset transaction fees. The rule applies across taxis, ride-hail, limousines and shuttles, and it came out of an industry consultation that closed on February 8, 2023. The Board’s reasoning was that a ban gives passengers clarity, protects them from unexpected charges and treats all transportation sectors the same way.
Why companies pay for cards
Card networks such as Visa and Mastercard generally charge businesses a transaction fee of 2.5% to 3.5%. The Vancouver Taxi Association told the Board that 75% of its customers pay by card and that renting a card machine costs $25 to $35 a month. A company that wants to cover these costs can build them into its Board-approved advertised rates by applying for a rate change, so the cost shows up in the posted fare and not as a separate line.
What a driver may and may not ask
- The fare you were quoted or the metered fare is what you pay, whatever the payment method.
- A separate card surcharge added at the end of the ride is not allowed under the Board’s decision.
- Extras that are part of the approved rates, such as an airport fee, are a different matter and should be shown in the fare breakdown.
If you are charged a card fee
Ask the driver or dispatcher what the extra amount is for and request a receipt that lists each charge. If a company still adds a card surcharge, you can contact the company first and then the Passenger Transportation Board, which regulates taxis in BC. Some companies set their own policies on cash and cards, so ask about accepted payment methods when you book. For an idea of what a ride should cost before you pay, try the taxi fare estimator.