Credit Card Firms to Track Gun Buys in California with New Code

The decision aims to comply with state law and improve monitoring of suspicious transactions, amid national debate over gun control and rights.

Credit card companies American Express, Visa, and Mastercard plan to implement a new merchant code for gun retailers in California by May 2025, complying with a state law.
The new code will allow banks to track purchases deemed suspicious at firearm and ammunition stores, but will not detail specific items bought.
The move has faced opposition from Second Amendment advocates, who argue it could infringe on the rights of lawful gun owners.
Several states have passed or are considering legislation to ban the use of the new merchant code, highlighting a national divide on the issue.
Gun control advocates believe the code could help prevent mass shootings by identifying suspicious purchase patterns.