Surcharge or Admin Costs?

Since 15^th September this year a new law has been passed that bans any company from adding a ‘surcharge’ to a credit card payment. Airlines are particularly guilty of this practise. According to the law, ‘administrative costs’ are not illegal as long as the payer is informed at the commencement of a transaction. It is reported that companies that do not comply with the new regulation can be denounced for fraudulent practice.

So, it appears that the new law says ‘surcharge’ is illegal, but ‘administrative cost’ is legal -  does anyone know the difference apart from the wording?

I imagine the intention is that "surcharge" is when you are charged extra for paying by credit card, but presumably in practice this will only be actionable when the shop/seller/restaurant publicly states the practice.  Otherwise, no doubt it will be an "admin" charge.

One thing that I find annoying is when you get a bill in Euros in a restaurant or hotel and you go through the credit card process to find you've got a receipt in £ sterling, without ever being asked!  Several times I've had this corrected and subsequently on each occasion when I see my statement at the end of the month I'm 1% or 2% better off by doing so.  Probably not a surprise.

With that surcharges and other hidden fees, I never used credit cards anymore. I learned my lesson the hard way that almost break my confidence.

I think the change implies that they can only charge you what the credit company charges them

Whats in a name - surcharge or admin