Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKNIS): Consumers using a debit card to transact business in St. Kitts and Nevis are not subject to spending more than necessary as some businesses claim. However, the rules are different when using a credit card.
The application of a minimum spending requirement was highlighted in Wednesday’s (November 01, 2023) edition of InFocus, which featured staff from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. Communications Officer Tricia Rawlins noted that the department received multiple reports about persons being forced to spend more money unnecessarily.
“We know that was against consumer rights because you as a consumer, if you don’t want to spend a certain amount of money you shouldn’t be forced into buying things that you don’t necessarily need or spend money that you don’t have,” said Ms. Rawlins.
Upon investigation, officials at the Department of Consumer Affairs discovered that imposing a minimum purchase requirement for debit cards was also against Visa’s policies and regulations.
“If a consumer is using their debit card to facilitate payment they (businesses) should treat it as cash because if you swipe a debit card the money comes off instantly,” she stated.
The same is not the case when using a credit card as the rules allow that a minimum purchase amount can be established.
The public is advised to take note of the information and report any violations to the Department of Consumer Affairs at 467-1550 or email consumeraffairs@gov.kn. Persons can also send a private message to www.facebook.com/consumeraffairsskn.