Consumers in the United States are increasingly burdened by a wave of surcharges, which include fees for credit card payments, restaurant wellness contributions, and additional charges for services like trash collection. This trend is largely attributed to companies trying to recoup rising costs amid inflation. A recent survey by the University of Michigan revealed that consumer sentiment has plummeted to its lowest point ever, surpassing levels seen during the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a 2025 J.D. Power study, 34% of small businesses have begun implementing credit card surcharges, while 20% of restaurant operators now add fees to customer checks, a rise from 16% in 2022. Experts indicate that consumers often overlook these surcharges until checkout, a phenomenon known as the “lock-in effect,” where they are less likely to abandon a purchase once committed. While some consumers accept temporary surcharges, many express frustration over their prevalence and the perception that they are here to stay. As companies label these fees as necessary due to external pressures like fuel costs, consumers are left feeling manipulated, leading to increased skepticism about pricing practices.