Although I've read that it's against credit card company rules for merchants to use a minimum purchase amount, I was wondering if there was "etiquette" for using cards.
When I was young I was taught not to use a credit card if the purchase was below 20 dollars, and that you should use cash for something less than 20 dollars. Not because of the credit card fees that a merchant has to pay, but that it was rude.
Anyone else ever taught this? If merchants don't ask for a minimum, is there a standard? Or were my parents just strange?
2006-11-27 10:15:25 · 5 answers · asked by Bookworm 6 in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
No, your parents weren't strange. What you describe is what I had also learned. But, times have changed. I use a card that I can use as a debit or credit card. As do many other people. I am not sure if the fees charged to the retailer are less than they once were, but the security of the payment (credit card company will pay, then chase down the non-paying customer) is a big advantage for using cards like Visa, MC or Discover. There is no 'official' minimum, except in stores that require it.
One of the reasons I learned the lessons you mentioned was also as a guideline for learning that money spent on a credit card was no different than the cash used for the same purpose.
2006-11-27 10:27:19 · answer #1 · answered by eilishaa 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've alway done the same. I'm embarassed to use a credit card for a $2 or $3 purchase. Perhaps that was part of their generational concern? For time's sake (of the people in line behind you) and for merchant's fees, I still try to avoid using credit cards for very small purchases in "mom and pop" type stores. Otherwise, I think it's fine to use them.
2006-11-28 22:16:40 · answer #2 · answered by ty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never heard of Credit Card Eitiquette. It is a hassle for merchants to handle small purchases. The fees associated can sometimes be almost as much as the purchase. I dont think its so much as rude as the just an inconvenice to all the involved parties.
2006-11-27 18:30:32 · answer #3 · answered by klynhew 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've never heard of this, or of any particular etiquette when using a card. Now that we have debit cards, I pretty much give them my card for everything, except a REALLY small purchase, like under a dollar - beats walking around with a bunch of cash.
2006-11-27 18:24:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't mind a minimum purchase...
stop these 2 and 3 dollars purchases..............
20 dollars ok with me..
2006-11-27 18:24:28 · answer #5 · answered by cork 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋