Junk Fee Compliance Checker (SB 478)
Enter your advertised price and the fees you add on top. See which fees California requires in the price, and the all-in price you should show.
Since July 1, 2024, any price a California business advertises to consumers must include every mandatory fee (Civil Code 1770(a)(29), SB 478). Only government taxes and fees and actual shipping costs may be added later. Restaurants, bars and other food sellers may show a fee separately if it is clearly displayed, with its purpose, wherever prices appear (SB 1524).
Junk Fee Compliance Checker
SB 478 Result
How this is checked
| Charge | In the advertised price? |
|---|---|
| Service, resort, cleaning, booking, convenience or "wellness" fees the customer can't avoid | Yes |
| Handling charges | Yes |
| Card fee when only cards are accepted | Yes |
| Fees to cover rent, security, wages or benefits | Yes |
| Sales tax and other government taxes or fees on the sale | No |
| Actual shipping or postage for a physical good | No |
| Optional add-ons, late or damage fees, avoidable card fees | No |
| Voluntary tips | No |
The math: each mandatory fee is added to the price (a percentage fee is taken on the advertised price), and the total is the price you must show. Excluded charges can be added at checkout.
Who's covered: sales and leases of goods and services for personal, family or household use, online and in person, including ticket resale. Sales for commercial use are not covered. Financial entities that give required lending or deposit disclosures are exempt for that transaction, and broadband providers following the FCC label are treated as complying.
Federal rule too: for live-event tickets and short-term lodging, the FTC's Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees (16 CFR Part 464) also requires the total price to be shown up front.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is California's junk fee law?
SB 478, the Honest Pricing Law, in effect since July 1, 2024. Civil Code 1770(a)(29) makes it a deceptive practice to advertise, display or offer a price that leaves out any mandatory fee or charge. The only things that may be left out are taxes or fees the government imposes on the sale, and actual shipping costs for physical goods.
Can restaurants still charge a service fee in California?
Yes. Under SB 1524, restaurants, bars, food concessions, grocery stores and caterers may add a mandatory fee to food and drink prices if the fee is clearly and conspicuously shown, with an explanation of its purpose, on every menu, ad or display that shows prices. Third-party food delivery platforms do not get this exemption.
Do credit card surcharges have to be in the price?
Only if they are unavoidable. According to the Attorney General, a card fee is not mandatory when customers can pay another way, such as cash. If a business accepts only cards, the card fee is mandatory and must be included in the advertised price.
Is it enough to disclose the fee before checkout?
No. The Attorney General says the advertised or listed price must already be the full price. Showing the fee at checkout, or advertising a price "plus a service fee" or "plus 3%", does not comply. You can still list a breakdown of what the total includes.
What are the penalties for hidden fees?
Consumers can sue under the Consumers Legal Remedies Act for actual damages (at least $1,000 in total in a class action), restitution, an injunction, punitive damages and attorney's fees. The Attorney General, district attorneys and some city attorneys can seek civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation under the Unfair Competition Law.
This tool gives general guidance only and is not legal advice. It follows the statute and the Attorney General's FAQ; courts decide how the law applies to a particular price.