What do you think about putting guns on credit cards?

[Nightfall MVII]

I have now bought two handguns and two rifles on a cc. they do not know what was bought, just how much was spent.

 

[mtnbkr]

I try to avoid using CC for "fun" stuff. If I don't have the cash, I don't really need it (food and living expenses being paid for before recreation).

Now, if I came across that "deal of a century", you better believe I'd whip out the plastic, but for a gun purchase I have time to plan for? No dice.

Chris

 

[Elkslayer]

Let's see, the CC stmt sez I spent $660 at Bozo's sporting goods. Yep, all on fish hooks!

 

[Relayer]

I think about how muc I'm going to enjoy shooting/fondling this new gun!!

 

[eeyore]

The timing of this thread is kind of funny. Over lunch, I was in a local pawn shop and saw a guy try to buy a gun. It was a 16" Bushmaster with what I think was a muzzle brake (vent holes were only on the top half) and real collapsible stock. I'm not an AR-15 expert, but I was surprised by the $1040 total and the shop owner claiming such guns were hard to find. Evidently it had been on the shelf for less than 24 hours.

On topic, the buyer tried to pay with a credit card, but was initially refused. The checkout guy dialed in and in the process of trying to get the purchase approved answered the question "what is he buying?" with "a firearm". My jaw dropped, and I think the buyer was a little perturbed. They asked why that mattered, but I didn't hear the response.

I've never seen a credit card company endorse the right to privacy. I do my best to not give them my business, but when I do I assume that they are collecting as much information as they can.

 

[jsalcedo]

My visa debit card was declined when I went to buy some ammo at the range.

I called them on my cell phone and the customer service rep said that "alamo
cartridge and gun" was a suspicious purchase so they put a hold on my card.

I told them that it no concern of theirs and to reactivate my card immediately.

I still buy guns and ammo on my card and haven't had a problem since.

 

[Typhoon]

I agree that the California gun purchase regulations render the credit card/no credit card argument moot, so why not use it for that purpose?

I use my AMEX for just about everything. It provides the protection and convenience of a credit card (Buyer’s Protection Plan, the ability to dispute purchases, etc.) but requires the discipline of cash (must pay off the balance every month). (Yes, you can sign up for the flexible payment option for large purchases, but I have used that only once).

Over the years I have racked up a tidy number of Membership Rewards points, so in the next couple of months I can either get free airfare overseas (if I really want to go there, still undecided) or a pretty nice electronic goodie/gift certificate.

The amusing thing is that I’ve been putting my firearms training on the card for a couple of years now. My year-end summary statement lists that training under the category of “Health Care!†Hee Hee! Can’t argue with that!

 

[nico]

Thanks for all the replies. Does anybody in MD happen to know if On Target gives a discount for cash (or charges extra for credit cards)? I've never carried a balance on a credit card and don't plan on starting now, so interrest isn't really a big issue. It's really about convenience more than anything for me.

 

[MillCreek]

I buy almost all of my guns with a credit card, particularly off of Gunbroker or any other transaction that is not face-to-face at a bricks-and-mortar store. I will glady pay the 2-3% extra to have the protection of disputing a charge if need be.

I pay off the balance in full every month, so the interest rate is meaningless, and I earn 1% of my credit card purchases applied towards my REI dividend. I am not worried about my credit card company knowing where I purchase items, but would rather have 'Bill's gunshop and range' on the statement than 'Mistress Exotica's Dungeon of Pain'.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

I know a lot of gun companies give a cash discount, or alternatively charge more if you put the gun on a credit card, but I believe this practice is in violation of the agreement between the credit card company and the gun store.

If I recall, the credit card agreement forbids the store from charging more if a purchase is placed on a charge card.

Anyone in the retail business know for sure?

 

[Sam]

I'll just put it this way.
The Bank charged me 3.4% for giving you the convenience of using the card.
Do you think I'm going to eat that percentage? Same result as if they raised my taxes 3.4%.
I'm not the one who paid that percentage, you are.

I quit taking cards last year, knocked off 3% on my prices and made lots more money.

Sam

 

[Atticus]

I have a credit card from a local gun store....although Wells Fargo is the actual CC company. Anything over $200 is financed under a 6 months same as cash agreement. Anything beyond six months is charged 24% interest. I look at it as a trial period. I make the minimum payment until I decide to keep the gun or sell it. Either way, I pay it off before interest begins. It's also a good way to improve your credit rating. Other than a few villagers in remote Tibet...nearly eveyone knows I own guns.

 

[P12]

I specifically apply for those 0% interest for 12 months cards just for the purchase of toys.

That way I can use someone elses money to play with and make small monthly payments and leave my money in the bank.

 

[JohnBT]

All the gun stores around here take my checks and thrown in some ammo or cleaning supplies as a bonus for not making them wait on the CC company to send them the money.

I used to always pay cash, but the daily withdrawl limit on the ATM just won't cover it these days.

John