The US Justice Department is said to be close to a decision on whether credit card companies can continue to forbid merchants from charging extra to customers who use credit cards to cover the cost of the credit card processing fees (usually 1-5% of the price).

The JD seems to be leaning towards letting the prohibitions stay in place, a setback for merchants groups, and, potentially, consumers. Unable to discriminate against more expensive shoppers, store owners are forced to raise prices on everyone, including those who pay in cash.

Visa, MasterCard Antitrust Decision by U.S. Said to Be Near [Bloomberg]

UPDATE: Amex Slapped With Antitrust Suit, Visa & Mastercard Settle

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