$5.00 OR WE CAN'T ACCEPT YOUR CARD!
I've written about this before - so here goes again. I've warned Insite readers it is against MasterCard and Visa policies to make you spend a certain amount on money to use your credit or debit cards. I've even showed you a copy of the actual policy. That rule stated if you find someone requiring a minimum purchase to use your credit or debit card, it should be reported to the credit card companies. Now, I guess I have to make that call against the city of Houston. I was in the city's gift shop / Visitor's Center Tuesday when I noticed a sign near the check out area. It read - Credit / Debit Card Purchases Minimum $5.00. I don't know why the city has chosen to break the credit card rule but they have. There is a cost associated with accepting credit / debit cards but there is a benefit to accepting them - you get more business from those who don't carry cash. I think the city should remove that sign and follow the rules. What if you can't afford to buy $5.00 worth of stuff from the Visitor's Center?
The Rules:
Visa says its bylaws clearly state that merchants must not establish a minimum transaction amount. That's done, "To protect Visa cardholders so they can expect to use their cards anywhere, anyhow and anytime Visa is accepted," says a spokesman.
"If Visa finds out about a violation, Visa will issue an enforcement letter to the acquiring bank that enables the merchant to accept the card. It's up to the acquirer as to how to deal with the merchant."
MasterCard is also emphatic about dealing with violations although MasterCard deals with them directly.
What you do the next time you're told there's a minimum to use a credit card probably depends on how you feel about the issue. If you're sympathetic toward the merchant's plight you'll save the card for bigger purchases.
On the other hand, if you're trying to rack up every cent on your credit card for more frequent flier miles, you might rustle up your best steely eyed gaze and say, "That's not allowed."
If you'd rather complain with less fanfare, write to Visa at askvisacorporate@visa.com. MasterCard complaints will be accepted at 1-800-300-3069.
Why on Earth would there be a minimum debit card purchase. Makes no sense.
ReplyDeleteI'm not positive, but I think they do that b/c anything less than $5 or $10 actually costs the merchant money to process the transaction. Meaning they actualy lose money instead of making it. However if it's against the bylaws to do that...the merchant should just eat the loss. JMO.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you told me this. I experince this problem at gas sattions owned by people from "the middle east." After trying to buy a soda in one of their stores and being told no, I will never give those people business again. Also there is a place in Prairie View called the Donut Shop, which says you have to buy $2 worth to use a card. And also a Donut place in Waller off of 290 that sets a certin amount you must purchase to use a card.
ReplyDeleteWhy are people so dam dumb Isiah. If it cost the merchant more to process the transaction then FOLLOW THE RULES AND EITHER TAKE IT OR DON'T TAKE IT. YOU DON'T HAVE THE OPTION TO PICK AND CHOOSE. THE CREDIT CARD COMPANIES SET THE RULES NOT YOU!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis one bothers me all the time and each and every merchant I run across that do this, I take their address and name of the store and report it to the credit card processor.
I think EVERYONE should do this so we can pressure the merchant just stop taking cards if you think your going to lose money.
Cheap ass was probably trying to buy a soda for $1.25 on his card.
ReplyDeleteOkay you think that if you have cash then someone is going to ask you for some...Which is true...That's why I only carry at most $5 in pocket unless I'm going to the club then it's a whole lotta ones...