at so many different businesses, I wonder if some people will finally stop using a card for every single trivial purchase and start using cash.

One reason some people are chronically broke or can't possibly save a penny, is that by using a card for everything, the actual cost isn't as noticeable. In addition, there's always some sort of minimum amount to be able to use a card, and I've seen people add stuff to their purchase to meet the minimum. Pay cash, folks, it really isn't that hard.

but as to minimums to make purchases, I have not noted that very often anymore. At some smaller places certainly it continues, but I suspect you can enter a major chain store, buy a candy bar with a charge card and not a word would be said.

a major purchase of some kind, such as an airline ticket or a hotel room, I am aware of the minimum amounts only because of signs I see or that someone in front of me in a line grabs something else to bring the total up to the minimum. I would have thought that the major chain stores' check-out registers would be programmed to insist on the minimum purchase, but I have no idea.

I went 3 times during that time. Relieved I am not involved. Hopefully St. Louis gets this situation straightened out soon.