In this report, we review the interaction of formic acid (HCOOH) with transition metal surfaces, as studied with the tools of modern surface science in an ultrahigh vacuum environment. Our goal is to provide a broad overview of the fundamental adsorption and decomposition processes which HCOOH undergoes at the surfaces of these metals. The metal substrates include Cu, Fe, W, Ni, Ru, Ag, Pt, Au, Rh and Pd.