WASHINGTON–Visa, Mastercard, and American Express said they will now separately categorize purchases at gun shops, which is a victory for gun control advocates who have argued the decision will help alert law enforcement to potentially illegal firearm sales.
As CUToday.info reported here, numerous organizations, including policymakers, have been pressing for the additional category.
The payment processors announced the change on Saturday, after the International Organization for Standardization, a Geneva-based nonprofit, approved the creation of a merchant code for gun retailers, according to the Associated Press.
Prior to the change, gun store sales did not have a unique code and were considered "general merchandise.”
"Following ISO's decision to establish a new merchant category code, Visa will proceed with next steps, while ensuring we protect all legal commerce on the Visa network in accordance with our long-standing rules," the company said in a statement quoted by Insider.com.
Card Companies Issue Statement
American Express said it will work with its third-party processors and partners to implement the new merchant category codes.
"It is important to note that MCC codes are one of many data points that help us understand the industries in which our merchants operate," the company said in its statement.
In a statement to Insider.com, Mastercard said, "We understand and appreciate the significant policy imperative in reducing gun violence and see the recent bipartisan action in Congress as a positive step. We believe it is that type of effort that will meaningfully address the tragic gun violence facing the country."
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) had said prior to the change, "Mass shooters have repeatedly financed deadly massacres using credit cards, and bank CEOs need to step up to save lives.”
Gun Rights Advocates Object
Gun rights advocates had opposed the change.
Lars Dalseide, a spokesperson for the National Rifle Association, told Insider.com that the ISO's decision to create a firearm specific code is "nothing more than a capitulation to anti-gun politicians and activists bent on eroding the rights of law-abiding Americans one transaction at a time. This is not about tracking or prevention or any virtuous motivation – it's about creating a national registry of gun owners."
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