On the Menu: Checkout Fees for Plastic

Stores in most states, including New Jersey, can now start charging you a fee when you pay with a credit card.

According to nj.com, as of this past Sunday (January 27th), merchants who accept credit cards issued by Visa and MasterCard will be allowed to add a service charge to the purchase price.

An online article in International Business Times states that some merchants began charging between 1.5 percent and 4 percent of the total purchase price on all transactions to cover processing costs to credit card companies.

Apparently, Wal-Mart, Target, Sears and Home Depot said they have no plans to add a credit card surcharge.

But beware, you might have to pay at other retailers, including online.

So maybe the skillet is a good idea. :-P