We’ve posted a lot of stories of businesses requiring customers who pay with a credit card to make minimum purchases, or pay a surcharge, or show ID. And as we’ve repeatedly said, the businesses’ merchant agreements with the credit card companies forbids these practices. A reader wrote in to argue that this might not be true, as many businesses contract with third-party credit card processors, and are not bound by the merchant agreement. So we did some investigating.
minimum charges
Jack In The Box: That'll Be A $30 Minimum Charge For Credit Or Debit, Please
By 3.13.08
This last evening I was hungry and decided that I wanted Jack In the Box. So I went to the Manhattan Beach, CA store on Sepulveda Ave. When I pulled up and was beginning to determine what I wanted for dinner I noticed a sign on the order board. It stated that in order to use a credit card it required a 30 dollar purchase, ID and a signature. While I have seen minimum payment requirements before at various liquor stores and restaurants I have never seen one so high especially for a drive thru window…
UPDATE: Requiring Minimum Credit Card Purchases is a Violation
By 4.26.06
A day without ice cream is like a day without sunshine.
UPDATE: Requiring Minimum Credit Card Purchases is a Violation
By 4.25.06
Amy’s Ice Cream has a new sign (right) that seems to say that the $10 minimum charge is suggested, not required. The sign we originally posted (left) was one a store manager had replaced the ‘official’ sign with, according to Steve.
UPDATE: Requiring Minimum Credit Card Purchases is a Violation
By 4.24.06
Our article on the minimum credit card fees charged at Amy’s Ice Cream generated quite a little uproar. Amy is pictured, left, helping award Lonnie Williams with the “Best Transition” small business award in Austin. It’s made from left-over toffee ice cream.
UPDATE: Requiring Minimum Credit Card Purchases is a Violation
By 4.21.06
My my, how the rocky road of customer service melts and leaves a sticky trail.
MEGA UPDATE: Requiring Minimum Credit Card Purchases is a Violation
By 4.20.06
Erik went ahead and consolidated the merchant policies of Discover, Mastercard and Visa, which leads to a startling conclusion.
UPDATE: Requiring Minimum Credit Card Purchases is a Violation
By 4.19.06
We’re scratching our heads and going in circles and starting to get dizzy.
Requiring Minimum Credit Card Purchases is a Violation
By 4.19.06
Having to purchase a minimum amount at stores might not just be annoying, the merchant could also be in breach of contract with the credit card companies.
