Can gun shops and FFL dealers accept credit cards?

Why do processors decline gun stores?

Most declines reflect the acquiring bank's own policy, not a card network rule. Federal bank examiners note that most acquiring banks compile their own prohibited and restricted merchant lists. So approval for a firearms merchant account depends on which bank underwrites it. Federal policy has also shifted. An August 2025 executive order targets debanking over lawful business activities. An OCC and FDIC final rule, effective June 9, 2026, bars those regulators from citing reputation risk against banks. It also bars them from requiring banks to close accounts over disfavored lawful business. The rule governs regulators. It does not require any bank to approve a particular merchant.

What is the firearms merchant category code (MCC 5723)?

MCC 5723 is a merchant category code for gun and ammunition shops, approved by the International Organization for Standardization in September 2022. Before it, gun retailers were classed under general codes such as sporting goods. Visa paused its rollout on March 9, 2023, citing legal uncertainty from state laws. States now split two ways:

• Bar assigning a firearms-specific code: a number of states, including Texas and Florida.
• Require acquirers to assign it from May 1, 2025: California, Colorado, New York.

The require states cover dealers whose largest sales come from firearms, accessories and ammunition; New York also covers ammunition dealers. These laws keep changing, so check your state's current statute.

Can you buy a gun online with a credit card?

Yes, but paying online does not complete the transfer. A dealer may not sell or deliver a firearm to a non-licensed buyer from another state. A narrow in-person exception covers rifles and shotguns. For interstate sales, GAO explains that the seller ships the gun to a licensed dealer in the buyer's state. That dealer handles the paperwork and background check before handing it over. Ammunition works differently. ATF says no federal license is required for dealing in ammunition only. Check state law before shipping it. Online orders are card-not-present sales. Bank examiners flag mail and phone order sales for higher chargeback rates, a risk acquirers price in.