do fitness clubs legally have to accept cash instead of credit cards?

Question

I really dont want to give my account info or my credit card a club Id like to join and they refuse to take cash.Can they do this?

Answer 1

If you owed them money, then they would have to accept it. US currency is legal tender for all debts, public and private, within the US.

However, that doesn't cover new purchases, so the business can accept whatever payment form they believe is appropriate for their business.

Now in this case, they much prefer the credit card on file. They know that many people start using their facilities for a few weeks, then slowly get out of the habit, and often stop altogether. Because it is on a credit card draw, they can continue to be paid for years.

Answer 2

Wow, that is a tough question.

I worked in a business where accounts were mostly paid by check. On a few rare occassions, we had people that bought small items (under $100) with cash. We also had sales reps that LOST the cash!

I was the accounts receivable manager and then I made it a rule. If someone wishes to pay with cash, give them directions to the two post offices that are very close (within 4 miles driving of the business). Have them get a USPS money order and pay for their purchase using the money order. NO MORE CASH! I was tired of having to be kind and make excuses for people that lost the greenbacks (very odd that they never lost the checks).

So, my advice would be to pay with a check or money order.

The only thing that you might want to do if they really give you a hard time is this...take a dollar bill out of your wallet and slowly read it along with them; it clearly states, "This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private." In other words, if you are doing business in the United States of America, you have to accept US currency as payment.

http://www.creditmanagementworld.com

Answer 3

The reason this fitness club wants your credit card is because they are going to charge a membership fee every month to your credit card. They will make you sign a contract and that contract is binding whether you decide to use the membership or not. If they won't take cash, this is the reason. You should look for another fitness club.

Answer 4

Depends on the shops policy, it should be displayed. Do you still have the receipt. If so you should be able to get a cash refund. If you do not have the receipt then they do not have to give a refund of any sort so taking the offered credit note would be wise.

Answer 5

Technically no, because FRNs (Federal Reserve Notes {a promisary note}) are legal tender, if you are using real money(gold or silver) They must accept it.
I once went to an auction where a lady bid $20.00 silver coin while everyone else were bidding with bank drafts and FRNs up in the $100,000.00 range. she won.

Answer 6

yeah they can - and lose business - which is their perrogative