Are there fees for card payment?
kom-mis-SYOH-nee — four syllables, stress on third. Plural of 'commissione'.
Ask before paying by card in smaller establishments. Some Italian restaurants, despite the legal requirement to accept cards, add a small surcharge for card transactions.
'Commissioni' = commissions/fees. Some restaurants pass the card processing fee (typically 1-2%) onto customers. This is controversial legally — EU rules generally prohibit surcharges on standard cards — but it still occurs in small businesses.
C'è un supplemento per la carta?
Is there a surcharge for card?
Alternative way to ask about card fees.
Preferite contanti o carta?
Do you prefer cash or card?
Indirect way to gauge their preference.
Qual è il metodo di pagamento preferito?
What is your preferred payment method?
Open question about their preference.
Since 2022, Italian law (Decreto Fiscale) requires all businesses to accept card payments and prohibits adding surcharges. However, some small businesses informally discourage cards by claiming technical issues. Knowing your rights helps — you're entitled to pay by card without penalty.