[Krystal]

I was just wondering if they did so I can know for Acen 09.

[cloudacmaster]

I believe they do. I think they accept debt cards as well.

[davebb]

It's per vendor, as each vendor needs to comply to the requirements for the credit card industry in order to make transactions. But from the vendors I've seen, almost all do have CC support.

[Ashori]

I noticed a lot more this year did accept cards than they did in 2007. I think that is kinda cool for those who feel that it's a little safer and easier to carry a card than a bunch of bills and change.

Although I'll stick to carrying cash. XD Gives me more use for that little A-Cen change holder I bought this year. ^^

[Raiji Magiwind]

The handful I visited had some form of credit card/debit ability. If worse comes to worse, ask the vendor if they take plastic... and if you do find something by chance and they don't ask if they can hold it for you so you can get the cash, if you don't have the money right on you. A few of the vendors did that for me when I found a item and realized I didn't have enough cash or had to run off real quick to get the cash, if there reader decided to temporarily go out.

[Voxx]

It just depends on the dealers. Some do, some take only cash. Your best bet: take both. XD

[Lina]

-nods- Yup Yup. It depends on the dealer. I usually carry cash because a lot of people don't use the machines for credit/debit cards, as far as I know and I'd rather be safe than sorry. I don't wanna have to run to the atm to get cash and then find that thing I wanted wasn't there anymore. I was sad that I didn't get my Monokuro Boo bento box because I didn't have enough cash on me. TT 3TT

[Voltaire30]

I am the Department Head of the Exhibit Hall (as well as the AA/AS DH). I can not guarantee that dealers will have the ability to accept credit or debit. That is up to the dealer on how they wish to make transactions. I can say from experience that some dealers did accept such payment methods last year.

[Aya]

My boyfriend would love that! He's wants to use his Credit Card on Merhandise, and he's using his Debit Card on the Hotel. Ironic...But it's him.

This post has been edited by Aya: 23 April 2009 - 12:08 AM

[okaonos]

Like everyone else is saying...

It depends. Some vendors take only cash, some take credit/debit. Some take credit/debit BUT have a minimum purchase requirement. Most take checks as well. When in doubt, just ask the vendor themselves, or just look for a Visa/Mastercard sticker on the register.

[akiba64]

This caused me some grief last year, I was certain they'd take plastic, told they weren't soon after I got there, didn't know my pin number, had to borrow money from a friend, ended up they did take plastic, ended up getting overdrawn in the bank.

::eye roll w/ facepalm::

Oi, talk about an ordeal. But it wasn't eough to ruin my time!

[Aya]

okaonos, on Apr 23 2009, 01:11 AM, said:

Like everyone else is saying...

It depends. Some vendors take only cash, some take credit/debit. Some take credit/debit BUT have a minimum purchase requirement. Most take checks as well. When in doubt, just ask the vendor themselves, or just look for a Visa/Mastercard sticker on the register.

True.

Both of his are Visa's. So he won't have a problem. I will just have to tell him to be careful on the thing, because he really wants to use his card.

[Kankokujin]

Keep in mind that although the vendor you are hoping to buy from may accept plastic, you'll be less likely to get a good discount on them if you use a CC.

This post has been edited by Kankokujin: 23 April 2009 - 12:33 AM

[kenkendazo]

Time to jump on the bandwagon. It depends on dealers. There is an atm machine somewhere but it tends to run dry very very very fast.

[akaikurama]

Suigetsu, on Apr 23 2009, 07:40 AM, said:

Time to jump on the bandwagon. It depends on dealers. There is an atm machine somewhere but it tends to run dry very very very fast.

Yes, I remember the one in the CC that had the long line ever time I went through there.

I did also note that some of the dealers did charge a fee if you use CC/DC, but they usually post it or tell you that there will be an added fee.

[Oreo_Otaku]

If you're going to the ATM, try getting money beforehand away from the convention center.

[Tiamat97]

pretty sure they do, last year my friend used his debit card at the vendors he bought things at, so i dont see why they wouldnt

[CrimsonAnime]

alot of the ones I stopped it did take credit but they often charged an extra dollar or two on your price for the luxury. Try to stick with cash. Less of a hastle and you don't pull what I did and almost go over your balance...

[wastedutopia]

It's interesting that so many of you are saying that dealers are charging extra fee's to use visa/mastercard, or requiring minimum purchases. Visa/mastercard mechent agreements specifically say that this isn't allowed and the credit card companies can refuse to allow the business to accept credit cards if the merchants break the rules. Since I'm guessing most of these vendors do a majority of their business online, it seems really stupid of them to break the rules.

If you are paying with a credit card and they try to charge you an extra fee, let them know that they are not allowed to do that. They can offer a cash "discount", but saying they are going to charge you a dollar extra if you want to use your card isn't allowed.

More info here:

http://consumerist.com/consumer/csr/mega-u...tion-168646.php
Report mastercard violations - http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/c...violations.html

Cash is definitely the easiest thing to use at a con, especially if you plan on trying to haggle some bargains. I carry around cash to buy small items, but use my card if I want something expensive. I can also understand that some people are leery about carrying a couple hundred dollars around with them in such a crowded place where it is easier for things to get lost or stolen. Just because you choose to use your card doesn't mean you should get hassled by the vendors for it. When they agreed to take cards, they agreed to fallow all the rules put forth by the CC companies.

Random fact: They also aren't allowed to require you to present ID to use your card.

[TheStrongJaeger]

wastedutopia, on Apr 24 2009, 07:18 PM, said:

Random fact: They also aren't allowed to require you to present ID to use your card.

And if you write "See ID" on your card they are supposed to instantly refuse it. Comparing your signature to that on the card is the only thing they are allowed to check.

[gloomy07]

When the vendors ask for a minimum purchase or charge a fee to use a credit card, I don't know if they are really charging you for the convenience or luxury of using a credit card. I think they might be charging you a fee because they have to pay the company they rent the electronic credit card reader from a transaction fee each time a card is swiped.

Per transaction fees

In credit card merchant accounts, fees are paid per transaction: Each time a merchant accesses the payment processing system to authorize a customer's purchase, the merchant is charged a fee.

So by using a credit card, the vendor is losing money on the sale because he or she has to pay the transaction fee for using the credit card reader. With cash it's a full profit.

This post has been edited by gloomy07: 01 May 2009 - 05:34 PM

[sammy-45]

Also the convention center charges the vendors fees to use secure lines to process these charges that are done. They could pass that charge on to you, it is not something that is being charged by the cc compines to be used by the vendor, but rather a fee that is being charged to the vendors to have the option to use a cc.

This is why not all vendors will take cc, because not all want to pay the extra fees to take them.

[wastedutopia]

Oh, I understand why they do it. I'm just letting everyone know that technically it isn't allowed and if it bugs you then you should let the person you are buying from know that they shouldn't be charging you an extra fee. They will probably not charge you the fee because they don't want to get reported. Credit card transaction fees are just a cost of doing business, like paying employees or electric. I have a small business, so I know how it works. I don't take CC at all at festivals because it is just too expensive, but I would never go and then try to charge people a fee. If nothing else it is incredibly tacky.

This is a huge peeve of mine.

[TheStrongJaeger]

Exactly right. I used to work in Merchant Processing, so I know how it goes as well. Businesses are charged flat fees and percentages for accepting cards. Passing any or all of those fees on to the consumer is against Visa/Mastercard regulations and all Merchant Processing contracts. They are simply not allowed to do it. As wastedutopia said, if anyone does you can have them reported and they'll lose their ability to accept credit cards.

[gloomy07]

Oh I see, after reading both of your posts I think I have a better understanding of what you were trying to say! I suppose it makes sense that credit card transaction fees are part of having a business and yes, like both of you say, having the customer pay for those fees, now that I think about it, is unfair. Well, the both of you have given me a lot to think about, I'll keep your advice in mind if I try to use a CC in the dealer's room. I'll pass this on to my friends as well. It's nice to have people who have this business experience here on the forums.

[GXP_agent_Zack]

Acen is one of the few times a year I actually carry cash on me. Except for the hotel, I pay for everything in cash. You just never know whether or not a dealer will take a credit/debit card (though many now do). With the popularity of debit cards nowadays, I would assume more will accept them this year than any other year. Still, better safe than sorry.

[Tande]

I'm worried about my debit card not working - It doesn't work when its run as a credit card (it used to, its weird). Will there be any ATMs close by that won't run out of money as fast as the one at Anime Iowa >3>;;?

Of course, bringing a credit card too, but it has less of a limit than what my debit account has.

[Oreo_Otaku]

probably not. Unless the Hyatt/ATM people learn their lesson and keep extra cash somewhere so they can replenish the machines. If only they check on the ATM every morning and night... Get enough money beforehand so you don't have to worry as much. Maybe a few hundred and keep it in a travel pouch?

[kenkendazo]

Oreo_Otaku, on May 2 2009, 11:59 AM, said:

probably not. Unless the Hyatt/ATM people learn their lesson and keep extra cash somewhere so they can replenish the machines. If only they check on the ATM every morning and night... Get enough money beforehand so you don't have to worry as much. Maybe a few hundred and keep it in a travel pouch?

Indeed, I have never run into any money problems at the con because I always brought my cash beforehand. That also helps to curb how much you spend if the cash on you is all that you are willing to spend.

[sammy-45]

Also Travelers checks are really good to use if you don't want to carry cash. Lots of times if they are stolen you can have that money refunded to you, and the vendors have to take them and treat them as cash, so you will get change back in cash.

Just something I thought I would share.