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How To Get Around Credit Card Minimum Purchase Requirements

A credit card minimum purchase requirement doesn't have to be an obstacle.

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Steven Dashiell
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Many stores these days have implemented a minimum purchase amount for credit cards. If you have run into this situation, and want to know how to handle it, then here are a few things you should know.

Minimum purchase amount

There are a couple of primary reasons stores will implement a minimum purchase requirement. The first is they’re trying to offset the interchange fee they need to pay when they process a credit card transaction. This fee can add up, particularly at stores that offer smaller purchases such as convenience stores.

The other reason is a bit simpler: they want you to buy more merchandise. The truth is, you have the right to use your card despite any minimum purchase amount set by the store. Stores that refuse to accept credit card payments under a certain threshold are actually violating their agreement for merchant processing.

That means if the store won’t accept your payment, you have a right to call Mastercard or Visa to file a complaint. In the end, it’s up to the merchant to work with the card networks to create a fee system that works best for them.

Compare store credit cards

Name Product Annual fee Purchase APR Recommended minimum credit score
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
$0
15.24% variable
740
An impressive cashback card that offers up to 4% back on everyday purchases like gas, travel and dining all for the cost of a Costco membership.
Apply now
View details
Sam's Club® Mastercard®
Sam's Club® Mastercard®
$0
14.9% to 22.9% variable
670
Earn up to 5% at Sam's Club with Plus membership, 5% cash back on gas (on up to $6,000 annually, then 1%), 3% on dining and 1% on all other purchases.
See offer
View details
Principal Platinum Card
Principal Platinum Card
$177.24
N/A fixed
300
A store card with a $750 credit line for use at Horizon Outlet.
Apply now
View details
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Compare up to 4 providers

Bottom line

In the end, minimum purchase requirements can’t stop you from using your credit card for a given purchase. You might want to weigh whether the complaint process is worth the time and effort, however.

Compare the top credit cards to find one that best suits your day-to-day spending needs.

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