> You just paid a 0.3% "transaction fee" for your privacy. The Visa network takes on the order of 2+% to DESTROY your privacy. You're getting a really raw deal

> You just paid a 0.3% "transaction fee" for your privacy. The Visa network takes on the order of 2+% to DESTROY your privacy. You're getting a really raw deal here. I assume it is not the case in Sweden or most of Europe. Here in Belgium, the fees are maximum 5 cent or 0,2% whichever is lowest (apparently, to be lowered to 0,1%). It's a bit higher in France at 0,2% + up to 1% or so bank fees depending on the shop's bank, but that's still lower than anything I'm reading in this thread. So at least here in Belgium it's cheaper for me to use a card, according to your calculation. Which doesn't take into account what I must do with the change, as I can't always just use a new note and sometimes I'll have to count and use that change. I also have to go out of my way to find an ATM.