Windows Phone 7 owners who use their credit cards for app purchases may be in for a bit of a rude surprise when they get their next bill – despite charging in Australian dollars, Microsoft are processing the transactions in Singapore, meaning banks will be charging WP7 users international transaction fees.
As Long Zheng at I Started Something discovered, because Microsoft bill each purchase seperately, it’s possible that buying a 99 cent app could end up with a 101% surcharge thanks to these bank fees.
The fees will vary depending on the bank, but it’s a huge kick in the teeth for Windows Phone 7 early adopters who aren’t using Telstra’s bill payment system for apps.
We asked Microsoft about the issue and we’ll update when we get here’s their response:
“Microsoft has been made aware that some customers may have been charged a bank transaction fee when making credit card purchases from Windows Phone Marketplace in Australia. We are currently investigating this as a priority and will provide more information when we can.”
In other words, suck it up, early adopters. Sad face.
[I Started Something – Thanks Brad!]