A Maryland gun store has sued Capital One, alleging the bank blocked its access to payment services after labeling the business a prohibited industry. Conservative group Consumers’ Research launched a campaign highlighting the case and similar complaints, adding to ongoing scrutiny of the bank’s practices.
The Rockville-based United Gun Shop filed the lawsuit after receiving messages in 2025 and 2026 from Capital One and its partner Melio Payments indicating the store could not use the platform because it participates in the firearms industry. A prior version of Capital One’s terms prohibited payments related to ammunition, firearms, and related accessories, though that language has since been removed. The suit, first reported earlier this month, claims the cutoff caused significant damages and violated state law.