For a fun night at a bar, all you really need anymore is a smartphone with a ride sharing app and maybe a credit or debit card. But using cash can get the bartender on your side, and actually save you some money if you’re not planning to stay very long.




Say you’re going to meet some friends at a bar. You order a drink, hand the bartender your credit or debit card, then they ask if you want to leave your tab open. When you tell them you’d like to close it, they tell you there’s a $10 minimum so you’ll have to order something else. Can they do that? As Nich Hines at VinePair explains, yes, it’s perfectly legal and not changing anytime soon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, businesses can set minimum dollar amounts for purchases made with cards as long as it isn’t more than $10. So for most bars, that $6 beer is going to cost you another $4 plus tip if you don’t have any cash on you.


Is That $10 Credit Card Minimum at the Bar Legal? | VinePair