How long does the Circle K Credit Network Agreement last?
Circle_K Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
This Agreement shall be effective commencing on the Effective Date and, except as set forth in paragraph 6 below, shall remain in effect for the same term (including any extensions thereof) as (a) the CIRCLE K® Convenience Store Franchise Agreement between TMC and Purchaser for the operation of the Circle K Business at the Premises, if no motor fuel is offered for sale to the public at the Premises (as defined below) or (b) the Circle K® Motor Fuel Agreement or Circle K® Branding Agreement, as applicable, between TMC and Purchaser, for the sale of Circle K-branded motor fuel at the Premises.
The Convenience Store Franchise Agreement, the Motor Fuel Agreement or the Branding Agreement pursuant to which this Agreement was executed by the parties shall be referred to herein as the "Underlying Agreement".
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 100)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Credit Network Agreement's term is tied to the Underlying Agreement. The Underlying Agreement refers to either the Circle K Convenience Store Franchise Agreement (if no motor fuel is offered) or the Circle K Motor Fuel Agreement or Circle K Branding Agreement (if motor fuel is offered). Therefore, the Credit Network Agreement remains in effect for the same duration, including any extensions, as the relevant franchise agreement.
For a prospective Circle K franchisee, this means the Credit Network Agreement, which governs participation in Circle K's credit card program, is not a standalone agreement with a fixed term. Its duration is entirely dependent on the length of the franchise agreement itself. If the franchise agreement is terminated, expires, or is not renewed, the Credit Network Agreement will also terminate immediately.
This dependency is a common practice in franchising, where ancillary agreements are linked to the main franchise agreement to ensure consistency and operational control. The franchisee should carefully review the terms of their specific franchise agreement (Convenience Store, Motor Fuel, or Branding Agreement) to understand the exact term and renewal options, as this will directly impact the duration of their Credit Network Agreement with Circle K. The franchisee should also note that TMC can terminate the Credit Card Program by giving the Purchaser 48 hours' prior written notice, and TMC may, at any time and with or without cause, terminate the Circle K® credit card privileges of Purchaser without terminating this Agreement or any other agreement between TMC and Purchaser.