Does a company have to disclose an upcharge prior to authorizing a payment? Specifically a utility company accepting Mastercard/Visa that does not disclose the upcharge (5%) until the screen after authorization. (Asking for a friend.)

They are in violation of the VISA merchant rules for convenience fees:

Disclosed clearly to the Cardholder:

o As a charge for the alternative payment channel convenience
o Before the completion of the Transaction. The Cardholder must be given the opportunity to cancel.