Do Antique Stores and Auction Houses Earn a Bonus?
How antiques and auctions code
An antique shop or art dealer rings up under an antique or art-dealer retail category code, and an auction house under a similar retail or auction code, none of which is a standard bonus bucket. So most cards earn their base rate. Buying the same items through an online marketplace can code as that platform instead, a case like eBay and marketplace purchases.
Premiums and surcharges
Auction houses often add a buyer’s premium, a percentage on top of the hammer price, and some dealers and auctioneers add a card surcharge to cover processing. On a large purchase these fees dwarf any rewards, so factor them in first. Some high-value auction payments must also be made by wire rather than card.
The best card for antiques
Since antiques and auctions have no bonus category, a strong flat-rate card earns the most on what you can charge, and a large purchase can help toward a welcome bonus. Run your spending through the rewards calculator to find the best base-return card, and see options in best cash back cards.
Frequently asked questions
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