So it turns out merchants are not allowed to enforce minimums for credit card purchases — at least under the agreements they sign with MasterCard and Visa. Extra charges for using plastic are usually a no-no too, although stores may offer discounts for buying with cash. This information came as something of a revelation for someone who almost always forgets cash. But I’m not sure how little old me would enforce it. Threaten the barista?

I know the credit card companies bleed stores with fees for each transaction. But I’m a lazy consumer. I want my $1.50 coffee now.