Debit cards offer a convenient way to pay for things in almost any situation but minimum purchase amounts can quickly turn an easy swipe into a big expense or inconvenience.

Minimum purchase amounts are used by some stores as a way of balancing out the processing fees charged every time a credit or debit card is used.

While cardholders do not directly pay for these fees, the costs can be passed on in the form of surcharges or a minimum purchase requirement.

Some merchants will also use a combination of these two options as a way to deal with processing fees, suggesting a minimum payment amount and adding a surcharge for card purchases under that price.

The Cost Of Minimum Card Purchases

Minimum purchase amounts usually range from $5-$10 but some could be higher depending on what is being bought.

Some convenience stores and restaurants, for example, could have a suggested minimum of $20, while others may advise of a $10 minimum.

While it may not seem that hard to buy a few things adding up to the required card amount, it can end up eating away at your money if you always pay by card.

Say, for example, someone wants to buy a coffee before work but only has their card. In a café where the EFTPOS minimum is $10, they may have to buy several other things they did not plan on getting just to have a hit of caffeine.

What many people, including staff, may not realise is that merchants have a lot of discretion with minimum payments and can choose to waive them in some circumstances.

If, for example, someone makes a purchase of $9 and there is a $10 minimum, the store manager may be able to approve the purchase anyway.

At any rate, it may be worth asking for an exception because you never know when you may get it.

It can also be a good idea to keep a bit of cash handy to make sure you do not buy more than you need or get charged extra fees for using your card.

That way you can make the most out of using a debit card without paying for the service.