Could someone please explain to me why I am charged by travel agents for using my credit card when booking a holiday, while all other purchases using the card are free?

I can buy petrol, food, clothes, household goods and even a car if so desired, without extra charge. But when it comes to holidays I have to pay in the region of two per cent commission.

Paying a deposit of £200 works out at about £4, but to pay the balance of £2,000 would then cost a further £40.

Is this another money-spinner for the banks or the travel agents?

DG RUGMAN, Maple Avenue, Kidlington