http://www.newsnet5.com/station/13756233/detail.html
POSTED: 6:16 pm EDT July 25, 2007
UPDATED: 6:38 pm EDT July 25, 2007
CLEVELAND -- More and more shoppers are pulling out their plastic these days only to be told that the purchase is too small to put on a credit card.
NewsChannel5's John Matarese reported that some stores, bars and restaurants are imposing a credit card minimum.
Dan Lindemann found that out when he was dining out one day and received his bill.
My tab came to $17.50 and the bartender just rounded it up to $20, because they have a $20 minimum on credit cards," said Lindemann.
He said he had to pay a surcharge simply because he didn't have any cash with him that night.
"I don't carry cash, they don't have an ATM, so I was pretty much stuck paying $20," Lindemann said.
It's a growing trend: restaurants and convenience store set the minimums to avoid processing fees on small purchases.
The manager of a pub said it has a sign warning about the minimum and that it's legal, but Visa and MasterCard have very clear policies.
Both companies said merchants are not permitted to establish minimum transactions, and if it happens to you, you should complain to your card's issuer.
While it's not illegal, Lindemann feels it's not right.
"Two dollars is not that big a deal. It's the principle. If they're doing it to me, they're doing it to other people," he said.
If you feel a credit card minimum is unfair, complain to the owner or manager. If they won't help, let them know you plan to contact your credit card company.
