Coast 2 Coast Relocation attempted to charge me an illegal 8% credit card surcharge Sacramento CA

Coast to Coast Relocation Attempted to Illegally Charge an 8% Credit Card Fee — Then Refused to Proceed Unless I Paid It
(California Civil Code § 1748.1(a) Violation)
 
In May 2025, while planning a move out of California, I contacted Coast to Coast Relocation for a quote. After an exhausting and confusing back-and-forth over pricing, I was ready to move forward — until the company demanded something blatantly unlawful: an 8% credit card surcharge, in direct violation of California Civil Code § 1748.1(a).
 
Let me be clear — this is not a gray area. California law is explicit:
 
California Civil Code § 1748.1(a): “No retailer in any sales transaction may impose a surcharge on a cardholder who elects to use a credit card in lieu of payment by cash, check, or similar means.”
 
Merchants in California may offer a discount for cash, but they cannot penalize customers for using a credit card. Coast to Coast Relocation did exactly that — and when I cited the law, they doubled down.
 
 
The Illegal Surcharge — and Their Response
 
 
After receiving a final price quote, I requested to pay by credit card. That’s when the representative, Tori, stated matter-of-factly:
 
“There are no exceptions with the credit card option…”
 
She reiterated this position after I explained the legal issue and pointed out that California prohibits surcharges for credit card usage:
 
“My supervisors are involved in every aspect… There are no exceptions with the CC fee.”
 
Despite being shown the specific law they were breaking, the company refused to acknowledge or correct the violation. Instead, they insisted the surcharge was standard policy and non-negotiable.
 
 
I Gave Them a Final Choice — They Chose Illegality
 
 
Frustrated by their stubborn refusal to comply with California law, I gave them a clear and professional ultimatum:
 
“You’ll have to ask yourself what you covet more: the illegal 8% credit card fee or the $6,500 sale.”
 
They chose the fee.
 
Even after hours of discussion, dozens of emails, and navigating their shifting pricing structure, they were willing to let the deal fall apart rather than remove the unlawful surcharge. At no point did they apologize, attempt to compromise, or show any interest in following the law.
 
Tori even tried to guilt-trip me into accepting the fee, writing:
 
“I’d rather not have to work a 20-hour day, but today has been worth it to finally have you booked and happy…”
 
But if violating consumer protection laws is part of their business model, I wasn’t going to be complicit — or manipulated.
 
 
Conclusion: Consumers Beware
 
 
Coast to Coast Relocation’s attempt to impose an illegal 8% credit card surcharge is a serious red flag. Their dismissive attitude toward California law and unwillingness to course-correct when confronted shows a lack of integrity and compliance that should concern any consumer — especially those located in or moving from California.
 
I encourage anyone reading this to report any similar experience to the California Attorney General’s Office, the Federal Trade Commission, or BBB. Businesses cannot be allowed to prey on consumers by hiding behind “policy” when that policy is clearly illegal.