There was a time when ATMs were not required to altert you to their transaction fees prior to completing a transaction. The fed changed that to require ATMs to notify the user regarding any fees and allow the user to back out of the transaction before it was processed in order to avoid paying the fee.

I agree, there is a feel of "bait & switch" with regard to ATM card fees for purchase transactions, as in our Arco example. However they do indicate the fee on labeling at their pay stations, and since I've only used my ATM card once at an Arco I cannot recall if their system prompted you with an on screen alert regarding any fees prior to confirming that you want to pay with ATM.

If I'm going to buy gas at an Arco I'm always prepared with cash. However, since Costco started selling gas, and Safeway for that matter, I almost never go to Arco. I figure that since Costco forced me to get an Amex just to use their pumps, well that is the only thing I use the Amex for.

 

Go back 15 years, and Exxon would advertise 2 prices... Cash price and Credit card price. The CC price was always much higher.