What Your Credit Card Won’t Let You Buy

Turns out, American Express’ ban on the purchase of medical marijuana with its credit cards has reignited a longstanding debate: How much can a credit card company control what you buy? SmartMoney.com says that major credit card companies are making decisions about what they can and can’t buy with their credit cards. But, as of now there has been little pressure on card issuers to reverse their policies.

Companies have placed restrictions on other purchases such as online pornography and even bricks-and-mortar casinos. There are arguments that this infringes upon consumer rights while others feel some sympathy to companies avoiding such risks. So, as they say, “When in doubt, use cash.”