News Summary
New regulations aimed at banning ‘junk fees’ took effect in Massachusetts on September 2, 2025. Attorney General Andrea Campbell announced that these rules will enhance consumer transparency by requiring businesses to disclose total prices before payment. The regulations seek to eliminate surprise costs, allowing consumers to cancel trial offers easily and ensuring that all additional fees are included in the displayed price. While airline tickets remain exempt, these measures aim to foster fair competition and address hidden fees that burden consumers.
Boston, Massachusetts — New regulations aimed at banning “junk fees” officially took effect in Massachusetts on September 2, 2025. These rules, described as historic by Attorney General Andrea Campbell, are set to enhance consumer transparency and safeguard consumers from hidden costs that inflate the advertised prices of goods and services.
The new regulations mandate that businesses operating in Massachusetts—including hotels, concert venues, and rental properties—must provide clear disclosure of total prices before consumers enter their payment information. This includes unavoidable fees such as towel use charges in hotels or processing fees for credit card payments. The regulations aim to eliminate surprise costs that consumers often encounter only after they have provided personal information during transactions.
One of the key aspects of these regulations is the requirement for companies to allow consumers to easily cancel trial offers before any additional charges are incurred. This measure targets trial offers and subscription services that obscure total costs and complicate cancellation processes.
While the regulations cover a wide range of industries, airline tickets remain exempt as that sector is federally regulated. However, for other purchases—such as food at restaurants—businesses are mandated to display total prices on menus. Any additional fees applied must be included in this displayed price, making it easier for consumers to understand what they are paying for.
The regulations were announced in March 2025 under the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act and establish state-level enforcement mechanisms that align with recent federal efforts to crack down on hidden fees. Consumers can report unfair junk fees on the Attorney General’s website, ensuring that there is a channel for grievances related to non-compliance.
Under the new rules, restaurants can still charge service fees for large parties; however, they must incorporate these charges into the total price of items sold. This provision aims to address concerns from restaurant owners, such as Lauren Friel, whose establishment, Rebel Rebel wine bar, relies on a 23% “hospitality included” fee. Friel criticized the regulations, stating that they disrupt her business model.
Despite brand concerns, the Attorney General’s office has committed to providing resources and guidance for businesses to assist with compliance. Campbell emphasized the importance of transparency within the marketplace, especially in the wake of rising consumer costs that have been impacting households across the state and the nation.
In summary, the new regulations in Massachusetts are designed to promote clear communication regarding costs, helping to build trust between consumers and businesses while fostering fair competition. As the landscape of consumer transactions continues to evolve, these measures are a proactive step in addressing the burden placed on consumers by hidden fees.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Consumer Protection
- Boston Herald
- Google Search: junk fees massachusetts
- NBC Boston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hidden Fees
- Realtor.com
- Google News: junk fees regulations
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
