"If nothing else the carry permit saves you some cash since the permit to purchase expires in 1 year, your carry permit is good for 5, thus with a permit to carry you only incur the cost of the Background check every 5 years as opposed to once a year."
There is no charge for a "Permit to Purchase" in Minnesota, good for one year. There is a maximum charge of $100 (which most counties charge) for a "Permit to Carry" which is good for five years and can be used for a "Permit to Purchase". As stated, a NICS check is still required.