Is it illegal for LAX airport shuttle to refuse credit card payment? (fit in, gated)

[venicebeachcalifornia]

Is it illegal if the shady driver refuses to take credit card payment by claiming his credit card machine is "broken" and he asks for cash instead at the end of the trip? What will happen if you don't carry enough cash or have no money in the bank and insist on paying by credit card? Thanks!

[CSD610]

No one is legally required to accept credit cards and a lot of companies are dropping credit card acceptance and going to cash only because of the fees associated with accepting credit cards.

How do you know the driver is "shady"? Are you assuming the driver is telling a lie about the machine just to get your $5.00 fee?

[venicebeachcalifornia]

Actually a lot more than the $5 fee.

It was late at night. There was no other passengers around at LAX to share the van. I was carrying an oversize baggage. Driver said my original prepaid reservation was no longer valid due to this extra baggage. I had to go "exclusive" (read $$$$) and take the van by myself. The baggage wasn't that big and could easily fit into the cargo area of the van. I didn't want to get stranded at the airport so I didn't argue with him and just accepted the "exclusive" surcharge. Upon arrival at my house, I offered to pay with my credit card for the surcharge. He refused and claimed the machine was "broken". I felt I got gouged. The shady driver was clearly making money under the table on the oversize baggage. The surcharge would go straight to his pocket as he asked for cash.

[Texamichiforniasota]

There is nothing illegal about not accepting credit cards, but from what your describing it sounds like he was stealing from the company. I'd call the company and let them know (they may not care if you just call to complain about your experience, but they probably will care if one of the drivers is taking money from them under the table).

[Lovehound]

The only thing everybody is obligated to take is cash. It's printed right on the money: good for all debts public or private.

[quixotic59]

For future reference, ask him his name, pull out the old cell phone and call the company or dispatcher and verify his story.

[timtemtym]

Originally Posted by quixotic59

For future reference, ask him his name, pull out the old cell phone and call the company or dispatcher and verify his story.

My advice exactly. They would be the best to determine if there are additional fees for this bag.

[Lovehound]

While you are holding up everybody on the bus I'm pretty sure the bus driver will be radioing or phoning his supervisor requesting backup. You had better be right.

[David in the City]

I know if you're a taxi service, you are required to accept credit cards. I have a taxi driver in the family and there are very strict rules to running a taxi service. If you deny credit cards as an option, you can get your license suspended. I would take down his name and license number if that happens again.

[Harrier]

Originally Posted by Lovehound

The only thing everybody is obligated to take is cash. It's printed right on the money: good for all debts public or private.

Yep, and on the other side is printed "In God We Trust".

If you rely on credit card machines, you are on your own.