Firearms Sellers Say They’re Being Choked Off From Payment Processors

dailysignal.com ^ | Jan. 12, 2015 | Kelsey Harkness

[PROCON]

Go to a gun show, and you won’t find many merchants using PayPal.

You’ll also find few vendors using popular payment processors such as Square, Stripe and Spark Pay.

That’s because some payment processors explicitly prohibit the use of their systems for online — and some in-store — sales of firearms, ammunition and certain accessories.

Retailers in the gun industry say they’re being discriminated against.

“Being shut out from mainstream payment processors makes us feel like we are part of some type of shady business when, in fact, there is more regulation and documentation required for federally licensed firearms dealers than most businesses,” said Trevor Blandford of Terminal Performance Associates in Caroline, Va.

Blandford, 21, has been working gun shows for his family’s business since he was 14 years old. Recently, his parents named him general manager of Terminal Performance, which is known for its custom-built pistols and rifles and originally finished wraps. He and his family sell their merchandise online and at local trade shows.

[PROCON]

The program, initiated inside the Justice Department, is known as “Operation Choke Point.”

Holder and Obama.

[WayneS]

Okay, so maybe I should start a payment processing company called “GunPay”.

[TheThirdRuffian]

States should make it a felony for banks to refuse to do business with gun dealers, etc.

Put them in a Hobson’s choice.

[IllumiNaughtyByNature]

this.

[combat_boots]

The Fedgov is stiffing Colt right now. Purly accidental, no doubt. /puking

[Blue Jays]

Sounds like a solid business plan!
Could you imagine if virtually every firearm purchase was via a single high-quality payment processing company?
That new upstart company would make a bundle. :-)

[Gaffer]

I’ve been with AMEX since 1981. The FIRST time I try to buy a gun and they refuse, I dump them, period. Same with Visa.

[Renegade]

I’ve had no problems with Discover and Capital 1.

[PROCON]

Perhaps because you’re not a licensed gun seller, or are you?

[Dubya-M-Dees]

Maybe the gun sellers should publicly refuse to sell gun shaped cakes for gay weddings because they can’t complete the financial transaction and some judge somewhere might compel the banks!

[Old Sarge]

Retailers in the gun industry say they’re being discriminated against.

OH, YA THINK?

[Renegade]

No,but Paypal wouldn’t approve one of my ammo purchases and firearm purchases.

[petro45acp]

What ever happened to “full faith and credit” or “legal tender for all debts, public or private?”

KYPD

[dware]

Good. Couldn’t happen to a better bunch. Perhaps they’ll think twice about jumping into bed with the Feds just to make a few bucks. FFL dealers should be ashamed of themselves, making money on the destruction of the 2A. Karma sucks.

[buckalfa]

"That new upstart company would make a bundle."

My exact thoughts until it hit me that it would also provide the Feds with a more easily accessed electronic record of gun ownership.

[TurboZamboni]

Cash is king.

[Pecos]

That only applies to actual currency, not private credit or payment companies.

[JimRed]

There’s my opportunity. When I win the MegaMillions Lottery I’m going to open a banking and loan service for gun stores and other “eeevil” endeavors.

Then I’ll use the income to fund wounded veterans and their families.

[rickomatic]

What ever happened to “full faith and credit” or “legal tender for all debts, public or private?” KYPD

"We do not accept any bills larger than $20."

What indeed?

[LouAvul]

I pay cash. Vendors charge the extra 3% if you charge. Also, I don’t shop gun shows. Those guys still think it’s 2008 and there’s a panic on. Gunbroker for me. At least for my last few purchases.