airborne1
Jan 30, 01, 10:53 pm
In speaking with both American Express (I'm an Amex Sheraton Starpoints card holder) and Visa (Mileage Plus) both stated different policies with respect to acceptance and/or purchase limitations in interacting with their merchants.
Visa Mileage Plus (First USA) stated that they have specific contracts or agreements which limit how much a consumer can purchase with specific merchants (like auto dealers)Not that they have them with all dealers, but they do with some. In addition I'm interested in merchants which "normally" accept Visa/MC, whether they can refuse to accept the card in a specific transaction.
Clearly someone who has the credit line and wishing to get something back for their purchase (FF miles) would want to use it where they can. My understanding is that this is regulated by state law; i.e. some states allow a merchant to limit the amount of purchase (assuming too on special contract with the credit card company).
Does anyone have any specific information regarding these questions? Additionally any information specific to any California state laws would be appreciated.
An American Express agent stated that merchants "could" limit minimums, for example, so long as all other cards (Visa, MC), which are taken by the merchant, ALSO are limited by that merchant, with respect to minimum purchase amounts allowable, etc.
I've read other threads regarding a merchants refusal to allow a purchase to take place (often auto dealers) even though they "accept" the specific credit card (Visa, for example). One thread stated that this is a violation of Visa Intl.'s agreement with the merchant. Is is correct? Again, isn't this specific to individual state law or individual/special contracts a merchant may have with Visa?
I like everyone else want to be able to use my card whereever possible. Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Airborne1
Visa Mileage Plus (First USA) stated that they have specific contracts or agreements which limit how much a consumer can purchase with specific merchants (like auto dealers)Not that they have them with all dealers, but they do with some. In addition I'm interested in merchants which "normally" accept Visa/MC, whether they can refuse to accept the card in a specific transaction.
Clearly someone who has the credit line and wishing to get something back for their purchase (FF miles) would want to use it where they can. My understanding is that this is regulated by state law; i.e. some states allow a merchant to limit the amount of purchase (assuming too on special contract with the credit card company).
Does anyone have any specific information regarding these questions? Additionally any information specific to any California state laws would be appreciated.
An American Express agent stated that merchants "could" limit minimums, for example, so long as all other cards (Visa, MC), which are taken by the merchant, ALSO are limited by that merchant, with respect to minimum purchase amounts allowable, etc.
I've read other threads regarding a merchants refusal to allow a purchase to take place (often auto dealers) even though they "accept" the specific credit card (Visa, for example). One thread stated that this is a violation of Visa Intl.'s agreement with the merchant. Is is correct? Again, isn't this specific to individual state law or individual/special contracts a merchant may have with Visa?
I like everyone else want to be able to use my card whereever possible. Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Airborne1