Liz Weston: Is it legal for my auto club to not accept credit cards as a form of payment?

Liz Weston told a homeowner that it’s legal for an auto club to require a membership fee even if the customer doesn’t use many club services, including roadside help. The questioner said their $59 yearly membership fee is tied to keeping their home and auto insurance with the club, and that cancelation would occur if the fee isn’t paid. Weston explained that regional auto clubs in the American Automobile Association system are mutual-benefit membership organizations that offer insurance and other services to members, so opting out can mean losing coverage. She also said companies in the U.S. generally can choose which payment methods they accept, including whether credit cards are allowed.