Can I collect credit card information from participants in Rhode Island? What are the requirements?

Collecting Credit Card Information in Rhode Island

Rhode Island has laws that regulate the collection of credit card information. The following information is based on the Rhode Island General Laws.

According to RIGL 6-30-6, providers are prohibited from printing or reproducing any part of the credit card account number, other than the last five digits or other characters, on any receipt provided or made available to the cardholder. The credit card expiration date is also prohibited from being printed on any receipt provided or made available to the cardholder. However, this section does not apply to a credit card transaction in which the sole means available to the provider of recording the credit card account number is by handwriting or by imprint of the card.

Additionally, RIGL 11-49-3 outlines the various ways in which obtaining a credit card through fraudulent means is considered theft and is subject to penalties. This includes taking a credit card without the cardholder’s consent, receiving a credit card with knowledge that it has been taken without consent, and purchasing or selling a credit card of another.

Therefore, if you are collecting credit card information from participants in Rhode Island, you must ensure that you are not violating RIGL 6-30-6 by printing or reproducing any part of the credit card account number, other than the last five digits or other characters, on any receipt provided or made available to the cardholder. You must also ensure that you are not obtaining credit card information through fraudulent means, as outlined in RIGL 11-49-3.

Verbal Applications for Credit Cards

According to RIGL 6-30-5, persons engaged in the business of granting or extending credit by use of credit card may take a request, verbally or in writing, for any credit card. Therefore, if you are engaged in the business of granting or extending credit by use of credit card, you may take a request for a credit card verbally or in writing.

Conclusion

Based on the Rhode Island General Laws, you may collect credit card information from participants in Rhode Island as long as you are not violating RIGL 6-30-6 by printing or reproducing any part of the credit card account number, other than the last five digits or other characters, on any receipt provided or made available to the cardholder. You must also ensure that you are not obtaining credit card information through fraudulent means, as outlined in RIGL 11-49-3. If you are engaged in the business of granting or extending credit by use of credit card, you may take a request for a credit card verbally or in writing.

Please note that the applicable law governing a credit card plan in Rhode Island is RIGL 6-26.1-13, which states that an agreement governing a credit card plan shall be governed by the laws of the state of Rhode Island, and any other law of this state limiting the rate or amount of interest, discounts, points, finance charges, service charges or other charges or fees shall not apply to extensions of credit under a credit card plan operated in accordance with this chapter ^[2.1].

Source(s):

• [2.1] Applicable law.

Jurisdiction

Rhode Island

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