Rogers has recently announced a 1.6% credit card processing fee on bills, effective January 17, 2027, for customers who choose to pay their phone or internet bills via credit card. This fee applies only to credit card payments, and other payment methods, such as direct debit, are exempt. Customers in Quebec and those on certain specialized plans are also exempt from this fee. Rogers justifies the fee as reflecting the costs they incur from credit card companies. However, Rogers has also provided some exemptions, including for Quebec residents and specific customer groups. For instance, Rogers has stated that customers on “select specialized plans,” such as Connected for Success customers and former Shaw Mobile customers on migrated plans, are exempt from the fee. Quebec residents are exempt due to the province's Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits such fees. Rogers has also provided a statement, explaining that the fee is necessary to cover the costs associated with processing credit card payments, which have increased by nearly 40% since 2020, now totaling about $150 million annually. This fee comes after Telus implemented a similar fee in 2022, and Rogers has not yet followed suit. However, Rogers has not yet implemented the fee, and Bell has not yet announced a similar fee. Rogers has also provided a list of other carriers that have implemented this fee. To manage this fee effectively, it is recommended to switch to a different payment method, such as direct debit, which is not subject to the fee. Alternatively, customers can explore alternative payment methods, such as online banking or mobile payments, which may also be available. It is also important to stay informed about the latest developments and to contact Rogers directly to discuss the fee and alternative payment methods. Rogers has stated that customers can change their payment methods easily, and they have provided resources to assist with this process. Rogers has also provided a statement that the fee is necessary to cover the costs associated with processing credit card payments, which have increased by nearly 40% since 2020, now totaling about $150 million annually. This fee is not unique to Rogers, and other carriers have also implemented similar fees. Rogers has also provided a list of other carriers that have implemented this fee. In conclusion, Rogers' implementation of the credit card processing fee is a significant change for customers who use credit cards to pay their bills. It is important to stay informed and to explore alternative payment methods to avoid this fee.
