merchant fees charged to TfL
Request ID: FOI-1743-1920
Date published: 20 September 2019
You asked
Under the freedom of information act can you please supply me with the following information.
what fees TFL are charged through their merchant account by their processing bank for customers paying by credit and debit cards.
Thanking you in advance
We answered
TfL Ref: 1743-1920
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 9 September 2019 asking for information about merchant credit card fees.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require.
TfL does not charge commission in accepting credit cards for travel. However, if you are referring to Merchant Service Fees (MSF), which are the costs of accepting credit card payments we are not obliged to provide you with the cost of accepting bank card payments as this information is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 43(2). In this instance the section 43(2) exemption has been applied as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice our commercial interests. These costs form part of contracts with our Merchant Acquirers, and therefore are the subject of competitive tenders and subsequent negotiations. Disclosure of the current cost of accepting card payments could hinder our ability to negotiate the best value for money in the future.
The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, particularly where public money is concerned, but in this instance the public interest in ensuring that we are able to obtain the best value for public money outweighs the general public interest in increasing transparency of our processes.
If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Sara Thomas
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
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