What do you think about putting guns on credit cards?

[nico]

I want to buy an SKS in the next couple weeks, and have been planning on paying cash as I'd rather not have my CC company know what guns I own. However, I've been thinking it'd be a lot more convenient to put it on my credit card. I've read various bad things about paying for guns with a CC, but both my rifle and shotgun were purchased on my parents' cards (they were Christmas gifts), and nothing bad has come from either of them. I'd like to hear what you folks think about it? advantages? disadvangates? personal experiences?

 

[chris in va]

Wow, I didn't know there was a problem with that. I wonder if using a debit card has the same issue...

 

[nico]

Actually, I started this thread to learn more about whether it actually is a problem. I vaguely remember hearing that it can be used as a de facto registration by creative feds because CC companies can keep the purchase records indefinitely.

 

[Gunsnrovers]

all they know is how much you spent. on what they do not know. they can guess until the cows come home.

 

[dav]

Even long guns are registered here in Kali, so I certainly don't worry about using a credit card for my 'hobby' expenses.

 

[Greg L]

Oh, I thought this was an affiliate type of thread. That I'm kind of against fwiw .

 

[Standing Wolf]

I've been putting guns on credit cards for decades—and it took over two decades to whittle the balances down to manageable levels, too.

 

[jefnvk]

The only problem I see, is that the bill can get racked up in a hurry.

When I buy a gun at Dunhams, or Wal-Mart, they see $150 Dunhams #321 3/21. There is a lot of thing at Dunhams that I could have bought. Now, if it were Bob's Gun Shop, they may get a better guess, but I would think CC companies just wouldn't have the time to compile lists of gun owners. What benefit is it to them to keep a list? They are just happy you are spending money on thier card (and hopefully not paying it off right away)

 

[Azrael256]

I rather like the idea of not putting anything on credit cards. I suppose if you *need* a gun, then it's ok, but once you get beyond basic necessity, credit cards are just trouble.

 

[GreenFurniture]

Go ahead, buy all you want on the 'ol credit card. It's not like it is tied to the 4473 and Visa/Mastercard/Discover/Diner's Club are gettin copies and circulating them to the Brady bunch or the VPC.

 

[foghornl]

Putting a gun on a credit card keeps the wind from blowing it off your desk.


///Wise N. Hiemer mode off

I have used my credit or debit card for a few, but how are they gonna know what you bought at Gander Mountain? Now, if the transactions is from say Joes Gun Locker, well a reasonable guess could be made.

 

[pythonguy]

I'm in Standing Wolf's category on this, have many guns on credit cards, still paying for some. Its my own monthly bill the wife doesn't get involved with, also the primary reason I never taught her to shoot. My guns are all registered here in NY anyway, so it means nothing to me if a sporting good store is on my credit card bill. Besides, I'm NOT planning any crime, why would I care if the state or federal government knows I own guns?

 

[Zach S]

The CC comapny doesnt care how many guns you have, as long as they get their money.

They may actually want you to buy more, the more money you spend, the more they make off the interest. Especially if your payment is late...

I use my debit card so often that the owner of the range is surprised if I have cash.

 

[George S.]

Some shops will discount a price of a firearm if you buy for cash compared to using a credit card. Most CC companys discount about 3% so shops will usually have two prices posted about 3% apart with the credit card price higher.

I have bought a couple of pistols (and two rifles from the CMP) with my credit card and the transaction receipt has no information on it that points to a firearms sale.

Like any other credit card purchase, you do have some protection from the cc company if there are problems. Credit card purchases may also extend the original warranty for some additional period of time so you really need to know what your cc will do for you.

 

[Technosavant]

I use a card for all my large purchases, including firearms. It provides an extra measure of security.

Besides, the bank doesn't know WHAT you bought, only WHERE you bought it. They see a transaction from a store for x dollars, not "Springfield Armory 1911A1." Honestly, they don't remotely care what you buy, as long as the transactions are legit and you pay the bill on time.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I always pay cash for everything but it's more convenient to use a CC then send a check when ordering guns (to be sent to my dealer).
I had to wait over 2 months for a AK Pistol I ordered, I could check my CC online to see if it had been sent.

I never use a CC to buy a gun at the gun shows because the dealers usually charge more than cash.

 

[yorec]

Besides, I'm NOT planning any crime, why would I care if the state or federal government knows I own guns?

You're kidding right?

No worries here - I use 'em if I have to, but not otherwise - I like to save that 3%!

 

[anapex]

The only problem I see with it is the shops here charge an extra 3% to cover associated fees. Other then that as long as you manage your money good you should be fine.

 

[280PLUS]

You have to pay them back.

I've always hated that about credit cards

 

[williegee]

You have to pay back credit cards?

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

I usually put guns on my charge cards after paying part in cash. Couldn't care less if the card companies know I bought a gun because it's legal and none of their business anyway. Never had a problem. I'd just be careful about putting the whole cost of the gun on the card if you can't pay it back right away. Interest rate on some cards is terrible and takes forever to pay off. Other than that....

 

[HankB]

A couple of months ago, Discover Card was running a promotion of "an EXTRA 5% rebate" on any purchases made at a sporting goods store.

That knocked an extra $30+ off my latest gun purchase . . . which was already on sale.

 

[heypete]

Even long guns are registered here in Kali, so I certainly don't worry about using a credit card for my 'hobby' expenses.

Long guns most certainly are NOT registered in California. Only handguns, .50 BMG rifles, and "assault weapons" need be registered. Other than the 4473, no records are retained when purchasing long guns from dealers.

That said, I have no problem with purchasing firearms with credit cards. I prefer using cash, but the convienience of credit cards is so great. One must, of course, moderate oneself so as not to go deepy into debt.

I did many calculations this last week to ensure that I would be able to pay off my new Kel-Tec SU-16B at the end of this month. I should have saved up the cash ahead of time, but they offered me a discount if I bought that day.

 

[Old Dog]

Done it. Don't like doing it. Will probably do it again, though.
My reasons:
1. A "gotta-have" deal, but not enough cash on hand yet ...
2. Got a heads-up from the retailer the price of a planned purchase was going to go way up before I saved up enough cash (example: either retailer raising prices or something like SIG's massive price hike across the board on its new handguns this past few months).
3. Impulse buy that simply proved irresistable ...

 

[runswithscissors]

It's give and take

Many gun shops give a discount (2-3%) for paying cash. On the flip side, you can get points (airline, Cabela's ) for using credit card. I don't think that there is any problem with buying guns on credit card. The only people that know or care is you. Weigh you options and pick the best solution for you, as long as that involved buying and owning guns responsibly.