NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, said it is encouraged by the announcement from Visa and MasterCard that the companies will “pause” plans to implement a special Merchant Category Code (MCC) specific to purchases at firearm retailers with their credit cards. The announcement was later echoed by American Express and Discover, which previously announced plans to implement the special codes.
NSSF sees this as a positive development in that the major credit card companies have recognized the hazards of implementing this special MCC for purchases at firearm retailers; however, this is an announcement of a pause, not an abandonment of these special codes.
The banks involved are suggesting the pause is due to pending legislation in a number of “red” states that would complicate the implementation of the program.
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