Buy a gun online without a credit card

Postal Money Order

Bank Cashier's check

No, it is something you need to work out with the seller before buying/bidding.

I'll expand a bit. When buying from an individual it is very common. When buying from a business via gunbroker it is less common. Online retailers on a standard web store and an option at checkout, rare.

It would depend on the retailer. And on an auction site (e.g., Gunbroker, Gunauction, etc.) nearly all sellers state which form of payment they accept. If they don't, you can always message them before hand.

Online retailers? Sure, there are many that accept other forms of payments than just online CC transactions.

Two off the top of my head are Buds (MO, personal checks, ACH, etc) and Centerfire Systems (MO, personal checks, Check Fax).

I don't think I've ever encountered a GB or GA seller who wasn't happy to take a USPS Money Order.

Bought a lot of guns on GB. Never used a credit card. Most sellers charge about 3% more for using a credit card. Used to use bank check but they started charging more for them than a money order. Use USPS Money order now. Never been a problem. If in doubt check with seller first.

+1
Any seller who won't accept a USPS Money Order would have to be nuts.

There is no safer way to transfer money and not have the buyer back out and cancel.

Unlike bank and QuickShop money orders??
Once a USPS Money order is sent, there is no canceling it.

It's good as gold.

rc

hokiemojo said:

Do online retailers allow this? I thought about buying a prepaid visa, but fees are insane. Any thought? Thanks in advance!

Click to expand...

Try prepaid American Express. $1 monthly fee, no activation fee.

Bud's and Kentucky Gun Company offer a 3% discount for "cash." That means money orders and checks (personal or cashier's.) I'm certain most of the other online firearms retailers do as well.

Of course, with checks, the order does not ship until the check clears.

Can't you just go to your local credit union and sign up for a debit card account? If not, as mentioned above, the US Postal money order is the way to go.

Some may accept electronic checks, faster than waiting for paper to clear.

KYGUNCO encourages (or used to encourage) sending in payment instead of using a credit card.

USPS money order is all I've used. Never a problem.

Postal money orders guarantee the seller gets his cash. It does nothing for the buyer. There is no postal inspector filing charges for mail fraud if you dont get what you paid for. I'll pay extra to use a credit card for gun purchases.

I learned the hard way that using a credit card is the best option even if you are charged an extra percentage. This is more important when making a purchase of a used firearm.

I've used a personal check to buy from a seller on GunsAmerica to avoid the typical 3% CC surcharge. The only downside was that I had to wait (a) for the the seller to receive the check, and (b) verify that the check would clear before the firearm was shipped to my FFL. In the end the whole process, from placing the order to having the firearm in my hands, took 10 calendar days.

All I ever use is a CC for online purchases. I like the protection if the seller turns out to be a flake [Hasn’t happened to me yet] and I get my purchase a lot sooner. I don’t like the 3+/-% up charge, but it’s a drop in the bucket compared to the shipping and FFL transfer fees.

CDNN used to take personal checks, probably still do.

Too bad there isnt a legit version of gunpal. Run by somebody other than ben cannon

hokiemojo said:

Do online retailers allow this? I thought about buying a prepaid visa, but fees are insane. Any thought? Thanks in advance!

Click to expand...

Bud's Gun Shop does the e-check thing as a "cash" price. Give them your account number and routing number and they simply withdraw the money from your account.

Depending on your credit card rewards, the 3% is actually less than that. The CC I use is 1.5% cash back, so the difference I'm actually paying is only 1.5%, and:

-Transaction happens instantly/shipping is faster
-No driving around to the bank or PO to acquire a certified check/money order and mailing it
-Transaction can be disputed on your end if something goes wrong

I'll take those upsides in exchange for what is normally just a difference of a few bucks.