Originally Posted by
BostonMark
First, Barclay's Bank runs the MasterCard program so I'm assuming you were talking to Barclay's Bank not US Airways people?
Second, credit card merchants absolutely can require a minimum for using a credit card and most do. They can not require a minimum for using a debit card.
Third, restaurants, even in the US can add gratuities to your bill. Some in New York now add 18-20% on parties of 5 or more.
Finally, there often is a foreign exchange surcharge added by the credit card company - not 5% but still a surcharge for the foreign exchange transaction.
(1) Of course, the card issued through Barclay's. But when I call about my MC, the agents only refer to my card as a "USAirways MasterCard". The agents never mention Barclay's in any way -- although they are likely working for Barclay's.
(2) See crunchie's reply.
(3) I was not charged 5% as a gratuity. I was charged 5% for using my MC. Again, see cruchie's reply.