Minimum purchase requirement? Not for a debit card.

By: Jenn Schanz
jschanz@klkntv.com

We've all seen the ten dollar minimum signs at bars. But if you're cashing out with a debit card, it doesn't apply.

Card minimums at gas stations, convenience stores and bars were introduced back in 2010 with the Dodd Frank act.

Although the act focuses mostly on large scale financial regulation, there's a small amendment that allows retailers to impose a minimum purchase of up to ten dollars, but only for credit cards.

Those who end up paying minimums on their debit cards, might be getting trapped into spending more money.

“It makes me consider a second drink more than I would have before,” says bar goer Ian Murphree.

Many bars advertise a blanket “card minimum,” or a “suggested purchase requirement,” creating a gray area for customers.

Assistant manager at Brewsky's David Wacker says his bar doesn't require minimums for any type of card, and business is better for it.

“We'd rather have you come in and have your business than send business out the door because of some ten dollar policy.”

A recent report says illegal minimums for debit cards aren't going anywhere, and businesses most likely, won't be held accountable.

“It makes me upset because you don't always want to use your debit card. Even more so than a credit card. Being told you have to use it for so much is a bit invasive,” Murphree says.

Visa released a statement urging cardholders who do experience a minimum purchase requirement for a debit transaction to report it by contacting their card issuer by calling the number on the back of their card.