Surcharge

Shouldn't there be, in this gender-equality-sensitive era, a Ma'amcharge as well? Eh, maybe not.

Ok, so a surcharge is a previously established fee that usually covers the basic expenses of whomever is selling the good or service. The most common parlance in FinanceLand revolves around credit card merchants who establish a basic rate or fee or surcharge of, say, $100 a month, so that they can at least pay the people who service your account, and deal with disputes, theft, and whatever other computer needs they have.

The surcharge also applies to things like just-thrown-in-extras. Like...try to get a mortgage these days. There seem to be 18 surcharges for random things. No real reason for them, other than to line the pockets of the sellers. A bit like that song from Les Mis: "Master of the House."

Charge 'em for the lice, extra for the mice
Two percent for looking in the mirror twice
Here a little slice, there a little cut
Three percent for sleeping with the window shut...