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

[nsl]

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?

 

[mstem]

Get a credit card!

The one firearm I bought online, I used a credit card as I do when I buy anything online.

 

[ATF]

If the seller is a reputable dealer a check or bank transfer is fine but never send these to unknown individuals. Credit cards and Paypal are the best because you can claim your money back if there is a dispute. Credit cards usually give up to 180 days to initiate a chargeback. The same applies for CC's used through Paypal. Though the seller may charge extra for CC transactions. Paypal will. You can always use a friend's CC and pay the money into their card before you purchase even if the cost is above their credit limit.

 

[usm1rifle]

Credit card is best but I also use a USPO money order sent certified mail, return receipt. That way if the seller says it is lost and you request a replacement, you can prove they received it. A USPO money order never expires and could be cashed years later.

 

[doublesharp]

With no cc or dc it would seem to me that mo is your best/easiest option. You could do bank wire transfer but my bank charges $35 for that and you've got the hassle of making it happen.

I use a visa cc and don't see much downside. Pay it off every month and monitor charges regularly online.

 

[usm1rifle]

If the seller is a reputable dealer a check or bank transfer is fine but never send these to unknown individuals. Credit cards and Paypal are the best because you can claim your money back if there is a dispute. Credit cards usually give up to 180 days to initiate a chargeback. The same applies for CC's used through Paypal. Though the seller may charge extra for CC transactions. Paypal will. You can always use a friend's CC and pay the money into their card before you purchase even if the cost is above their credit limit.

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...

 

[ATF]

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

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

Didn't know that. I know they've got a bug up their a$$ about tobacco. Anyway haven't been caught yet
Thanks for the heads up

 

[Jim1392]

With the gun purchases I have made online I used a credit card. I don't mind paying the extra fee that is usually involved just knowing that I'm covered incase the seller is not on the up and up. I just have a problem dropping a money order into the mail to someone half way across the country that I don't know even with good feedback.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Depends on the site.

At Bud's Gun Shop I send them a check.

At GrabAGun I use my Discover card.

 

[peyton]

I did bank wire transfers for all my purchases from members on this forum while I was deployed in the desert. The US Military Postal System was unpredictable in getting mail in or out. (I got to vote twice in the last Presidential Election because a whole Shipping Container of Absentee Ballots got "lost").

 

[Gamecock]

Ditto credit card.

 

[Marine Corps Air]

I've read several posts in the past regarding risks/potential problems associated with money orders. However, from the above responses, other forum members have not had major problems. Only dealing with a reputable seller is my first "Go-No Go" decision, regardless of the firearm or the price.

My favorite method is a cashier's check, payable to the seller by my bank, and sent to the seller via Priority Mail, with a tracking number. I have bought many firearms using this method and have never had a problem for the seller or my bank.

When Bud's has what I want, I'll send them my bank info (account number and routing #) for an electronic funds transfer (withdrawal) from my checking account. If you're concerned about fraud, open up a separate checking account and only keep sufficient funds in the account to cover your firearm purchases.

My other favorite method, when I can convince the seller to agree, is to go to the local branch office here in Georgia for their bank and deposit the cash in to their business bank accounts. They can call the branch themselves before I arrive and provide the branch officer with their account info if they don't want me to have it. They will have the funds in their account in five to ten minutes. I have made three firearm purchases using this method without any problems.

I have also used my credit card. I don't mind the 3% upcharge. It's a small price to pay to obtain the transaction security that is mentioned above by other members.

 

[old bear]

American Express is my favored credit card, as they provide excellent customer protection. If the seller is an established retailer, I pay by personal check if I can.

I've found that most sellers will accept personal checks, with the understanding that goods will not ship until the check has cleared their bank.

 

[Ματθιας]

There's also a prepaid credit card.

 

[Absalom]

I think that's the most important thing to keep in mind:

With all other forms of payment, be it money order, cashier's check, debit card, or cash, your money is gone, and if something goes wrong, you have to try to get it back.

With a credit card, it isn't, and you don't. I have disputed quite a few charges in the decades since I got my first card (although none gun-related), and I've never ended up having to pay one of those.
On the other hand, I don't even want to think about the battles for refunds...

 

[Jack Flash]

What is the best way if you have no debit or credit cards?

Is there a reason you do not have a credit card?

Someone suggested using a friend's credit card. I would say that is a lot to ask of a friend! Especially if you do not believe CCs are a good idea in the first place.

Others have posted to the effect "if it is a reputable dealer ..." Since it is an "expensive rifle" you might want to buy ONLY from a reputable dealer. If you know nothing about the seller, you may want to reconsider. Sure, he may be honest but there are a lot of sellers who aren't.

 

[the ringo kid]

I mainly use my bank issued credit/debit card but--ive also done transfers too without a hitch. Luckily, my bank doesnt charge any fees to do transfers.

 

[ClayCow]

Credit card for everything

 

[THE PILGRIM]

I prefer credit cards.
I have sent personal checks to Buds and Forum members.

 

[Gamecock]

I consider the debit card to be a curse on humanity.