Can a Circle K franchisee discriminate against Circle K branded credit card holders?

According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are explicitly prohibited from discriminating against Circle K credit card holders. The Credit Network Agreement requires franchisees to accept all credit cards designated by TMC Franchise Corporation (TMC) and to comply with all card agreements between TMC (or its affiliates) and various card issuers like VISA, MasterCard, and American Express. This obligation extends to treating Circle K credit card holders equally with holders of other credit cards.

This requirement ensures that all customers, regardless of their payment method, receive the same level of service and benefits at Circle K locations. Discriminating against Circle K credit card holders could damage the brand's reputation and potentially violate the terms of the Credit Network Agreement. Franchisees must adhere to ethical business practices and fair dealing in all interactions with customers, as outlined in the franchise agreement.

For a prospective Circle K franchisee, this means that they must ensure their staff is trained to treat all customers equally, regardless of the credit card they use. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in penalties or termination of the franchise agreement. This policy is in line with standard franchise practices, which typically require franchisees to maintain consistent service standards and protect the brand's image by avoiding discriminatory practices.