What method of payment do you use to buy guns, or anything else online?

S42N8 · Mar 30, 2015

CC for convenience & security.
Cash for nice discount.
Many times, cash is still king... But only with reputable dealers.
Private sales, OTOH, provide anonymity, and preclude those tragic boating accidents.

Evil Dog · Mar 30, 2015

usm1rifle said:
WARNING - PayPal will not allow firearms transactions. Read their terms of service.

If they find out, they will freeze the funds in your account for a few months. Ask me how I know...

That's way I keep basically a zero balance in my PayPal account. If I need to send someone money I will transfer it to PayPal from a separate bank account.

Acebow · Mar 30, 2015

One of the orneriest things a buddy did was to introduce me to Gunbroker. I've bought several (too many?) guns there, and always pay with a Postal Money Order.
On-line purchases from major companies, I'll use my small-business Debit Card. Not enough in that account to ruin us if it gets hacked or over-charged.
My daughter gave me one of those electronical book tablet thingies that I can order books from Barnes & Nobel. Haven't started the process of actually buying any books yet, but when I'm ready to, I'm gonna get a pre-paid or low-limit credit card just for that; a couple hundred dollars will cover a lot of books, and if it gets hacked, there's no huge hit on our finances. Acebow

raljr1 · Mar 30, 2015

I always use a US Postal Service Money Order and send my payment by US Mail. The Postal Service will aggressively pursue mail fraud and any one who fails to complete a transaction when completed using a US postal service money order sent by US mail commits mail fraud. I've never had an issue, but this gives me a level of confidence.

ClayCow · Mar 30, 2015

Acebow said:
One of the orneriest things a buddy did was to introduce me to Gunbroker. I've bought several (too many?) guns there, and always pay with a Postal Money Order.
On-line purchases from major companies, I'll use my small-business Debit Card. Not enough in that account to ruin us if it gets hacked or over-charged.
My daughter gave me one of those electronical book tablet thingies that I can order books from Barnes & Nobel. Haven't started the process of actually buying any books yet, but when I'm ready to, I'm gonna get a pre-paid or low-limit credit card just for that; a couple hundred dollars will cover a lot of books, and if it gets hacked, there's no huge hit on our finances. Acebow

Acebow...overcharge is that they can get you for alot. Why not so credit carda where you can only be liable for up to 50 dollars max?

ClayCow · Mar 30, 2015

raljr1 said:
I always use a US Postal Service Money Order and send my payment by US Mail. The Postal Service will aggressively pursue mail fraud and any one who fails to complete a transaction when completed using a US postal service money order sent by US mail commits mail fraud. I've never had an issue, but this gives me a level of confidence.

False but true. Sometimes. Depends in who is pursuing. Sometines it doesnt really get pursued.

Jack Flash · Mar 31, 2015

raljr1 said:
... The Postal Service will aggressively pursue mail fraud and any one who fails to complete a transaction when completed using a US postal service money order sent by US mail commits mail fraud. I've never had an issue, but this gives me a level of confidence.

I have to respectfully disagree.

I did have an issue and I do not believe it was pursued at all, certainly it was not pursued aggressively. I tried following up several times but the reps from the USPS pretty much ignored me. Fortunately, the MO was for only about 40 bucks.

Redeker · Mar 31, 2015

If you do not have a cc, look into getting one that has a 1% back option if paid off the following statement. I use one for online purchases, vacation expenses, and gas. The 1% can add up over the course of the year.

Jack Flash · Mar 31, 2015

Redeker said:
If you do not have a cc, look into getting one that has a 1% back option if paid off the following statement. I use one for online purchases, vacation expenses, and gas. The 1% can add up over the course of the year.

There are also CCs that charge 0% interest if you pay the bill off promptly.

Personally, I can't see how anyone can get along very well without a CC. I got my first CC when I was traveling for a company and I decided to rent a car on the weekend (yes, the company provided a car, but I had to share it with others). I found out that I could not rent a car. They insisted on a CC. This was circa 1990.

Unless you carry around bags of cash or have great friends who will wire you large sums of money, you really should have a CC for emergencies.

CAJUNLAWYER · Mar 31, 2015

nsl said:
I've bought several firearms and gadgets in the past via money order.
Seems there are a lot of places these days that will only take credit.
I guess money orders and bank checks are being faked to often.
I've also been told not to use debit, as it is not safe.
Anyway, I'm wanting to order a fairly expensive rifle.
What is the best way if you have no debit or credit cards?

wampum .

jtcarm · Mar 31, 2015

Hmm, I've never encountered anyone who required a CC. I've always used an MO. What's more, seems like a lot of GB dealers chrage extra for a CC.

One advantage, I guess, is that if there's a problem, you can contest the charge.

THE PILGRIM · Mar 31, 2015

I'm always willing to send cash to the folks who will accept Confederate money.

johngalt · Mar 31, 2015

Get a credit card and pay it off in full every month. I've never paid a penny of interest on mine.

AlphaSig · Mar 31, 2015

Bought 2 Smiths online (actually 3):
gunbroker and gunsinternational
Used a VISA credit card both times no problems ...

turbo6 · Mar 31, 2015

I'd use a check or a pre-paid Visa.

Money orders I would avoid, if they are lost in the mail or the seller is dishonest there is no way to recoup the loss as far as I know.

Taurus627 · Mar 31, 2015

I have never purchased a firearm on line but do a lot of other buying on line. I will use Pay Pal first or I have a dedicated account with a debit card that I can also use. With that dedicated account, I put in just enough funds to cover my purchase so if someone wants go go after it, it is empty 99% of the time and is in no way connected to my household checking account.

I gave up on credit cards years ago simply because of the interest and fees they charge. Now I know there is no interest when you pay the balance in full every month but how many people actually do that?

ClayCow · Mar 31, 2015

Jack Flash said:
There are also CCs that charge 0% interest if you pay the bill off promptly.

Personally, I can't see how anyone can get along very well without a CC. I got my first CC when I was traveling for a company and I decided to rent a car on the weekend (yes, the company provided a car, but I had to share it with others). I found out that I could not rent a car. They insisted on a CC. This was circa 1990.

Unless you carry around bags of cash or have great friends who will wire you large sums of money, you really should have a CC for emergencies.

All CCs dont charge interest if paid off inmediately. I think you have 28 or 30 days to pay without interest on most if not all credit cards. I am not aware of any who charge interest right away

Gamecock · Mar 31, 2015

Jack Flash said:
Personally, I can't see how anyone can get along very well without a CC.

I can't see carrying less than two credit cards. Worst case, I was in Portland, OR, and my CC company froze my card. NIGHTMARE!!!

So I always carry two, just in case there is a problem.

5Wire · Mar 31, 2015

Reputable online seller, I'll use debit plastic. Bud's, electronic check, USPS Money Order, and even regular check. Fraudulent selling or payment for firearms is a big no no with Federal jurisdiction.

Bozz10mm · Mar 31, 2015

Debit or credit card. Or I suppose you could get one of those prepaid Visa cards from Walmart.

What method of payment do you use to buy guns, or anything else online?

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