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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.

Steven Dashiell
Steven Dashiell

Updated

Fact checked

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 Filter values 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
CardMatch™ from creditcards.com
CardMatch™ from creditcards.com
See terms
See issuer's website
300
Use the CardMatch tool to find cards you're likely to qualify for with your credit score, without a hard pull on your credit.
See offer
View details
Seventh Avenue Credit
Seventh Avenue Credit
$0
5.75% to 25.99% fixed
300
Buy now, pay later with payments as low as $20 a month.
Apply now
View details
Net First Platinum
Net First Platinum
Up to $299.40
N/A
300
Build your credit history with an unsecured line of credit.
Apply now
View details
Horizon Gold
Horizon Gold
Up to $299.40
N/A
300
Get a $500 credit limit and no interest on purchases when you shop at the Horizon Outlet with this unsecured card.
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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