The settlement, if approved by a judge, would resolve dozens of lawsuits filed by retailers in 2005. The card companies and banks would also allow stores to start charging customers extra for using certain credit cards in an effort to steer them toward cheaper forms of payment. Read more



It is simply that, merchants (e.g., gas station) can charge extra (say 2.5%) for credit card users. It is up to the merchants to do that or not to do that since it may discourage their customers to go to other card-free stores.
We have to wait to see how it all plays out; i.e., whether (1) only a select few start charging credit card users, (2) most or all stores follow suit, or (3) all find out it is not a profitable proposition and eventually drop such a practice.
As a consumer, we need to (1) be careful to ascertain whether the stores at issue (i.e., we are charging for purchases or billpay) is charging extra, (2) analyze whether it is worth it; i.e., with card rebates whether it is worthwhile to pay cash instead, (3) locate other stores which offer similar price range without credit card fees.
Thus more work for us as prudent consumers for the near-term. If all merchants start charging credit card fees for the long term, we may opt for cash/check payments/debit card for all purchases and ditch credit cards (note: only MC/Visa at this point) entirely; which is not a bad option to me personally (I am sick with credit card complications:D).
Hope this clarifies a bit.:-)
