Report unwanted fees!

Definition

Unwanted fees can be described as business strategies designed to complicate price comparisons, encourage consumers to make choices that are not in their best interest, and prevent them from making informed decisions about their product or service providers. 

In practical terms, these are fees that are added here and there during the shopping process, but which have not been properly communicated to you, preventing you from making an informed decision. As a result, you end up paying unexpected additional fees, subscribing to services without your consent, or making unplanned purchases. It is therefore the notion of “surprise” that is the fundamental characteristic of unwanted fees. 

And we could all do without surprises like that!

For example. . .

You see an advertisement for a concert. The ad says tickets are $50. You go to the website and select your $50 ticket. You’re happy to have a seat! At the checkout screen, $URPRISE! You are asked to pay $87 instead. Yes, there are taxes, but there are also service and administration fees that have been added. . . This is a far cry from the advertised $50. What a disappointment!

Option consommateurs' goal

Unfortunately, these harmful business practices that affect your wallet are poorly documented in Canada. That’s why we’ve taken the initiative to gather all the relevant information in order to make recommendations to the government. Your testimonials are an integral part of this documentation process. 

Our representations to decision-makers will certainly aim to reduce, or even eliminate, the unwanted fees paid by Canadians. Help us defend your rights!

Categories of unwanted fees

Unwanted fees creep into a multitude of areas of activity. To help you complete the form below, here are some examples of fees that could be found in each of the categories covered. 

• Air travel

These may include additional fees for sitting next to your child, for choosing a meal, or for using Wi-Fi. Other examples include unexpected fees for checking your luggage that weren’t disclosed beforehand, or the cost you have to pay when flight cancellations require you to book a more expensive flight.

• Automobile (purchase or lease)

These may be amounts added to your bill for managing your contract (application fees, administrative fees), or the billing of additional compulsory insurance.

• Banking/financial services

You may have to pay unexpected fees when you withdraw money from an ATM that is not part of your financial institution’s network, when you want to close an account, pay by phone, make a cash advance, make an international transfer, or in connection with your mortgage (mandatory insurance, loan closure fees, etc.).

• Entertainment

This category refers, for example, to service fees that are added to your bill when you buy tickets to a show. Was a ticket advertised at $50, but it ended up costing you $85 because of various fees? Let us know! The same goes for a gym membership!

• Food

This refers to anything related to your grocery shopping or purchases from food delivery platforms. This could include fees added to the final screen that weren’t shown to you beforehand and that you didn’t expect.

• Online services

This category covers several types of transactions. For example, it includes online shopping sites and mobile apps for transportation services. It also includes various streaming platforms, where subscriptions renew automatically without notice, as well as situations where free trials end and unexpected billing begins. It also refers to a price increase for any subscription plan without prior notice.

• Real estate

During a real estate transaction, agency or file management fees may be added to your bill.

• Telecommunications (providers)

Internet, phone service, television… Telecommunications service providers may charge you installation or early termination fees before the end of your contract if you were provided with equipment.

• Tourism/accommodation

Maintenance fees or resort fees being added when you book your vacation: does it ring a bell? 

• Other

Are the unwanted fees you want to report not on the list? Tell us about your situation!

The following do not constitute unwanted fees...

• Taxes of any kind;
• Food prices, even if they have gone up;
• Tips (if you’re given the choice, of course!);
• Eco-fees listed on authorized products;
• Deposit fees.

Good to know

Your testimonial does NOT constitute an official complaint against the company in question. 

To file a complaint about unwanted charges, contact the Competition Bureau Canada.

For information about your rights and remedies as a consumer, contact the agency responsible for your province or territory. 
To view the list of organizations, click here.

Do you have questions about your rights and remedies in the event of a dispute with a merchant? Contact us.