Credit Cards at Restaurants/Bars

[stevej37]

It might be a regional thing....but around here, the payment slip at bars/restaurants has changed lately. I've seen it the last three days at the local places.

When the waitstaff returns with your invoice and credit card...the line for signing has been replaced by a line that says "No Signature Required" Just fill in the tip and total lines and you're good to go.

I like it...I never left a readable signature anyway. (The little metal tray made that impossible.)

[GH85Carrera]

For years using the point of sale terminals with electronic checkout or paper receipt, I just made a wavy line and it always was fine. The signature is just an afterthought and the card has been approved already.

[stevej37]

The 'point of sale' terminals have fizzled around here. Too many complaints about the fixed tip amounts and the waitstaff waiting at the table for the finish.
Even though the tip am't can be changed...some didn't like it.

[Dixie]

Presumably the credit card companies made the interchange fee for restaurants the same if there's a signature or not That's pretty smart as the transaction becomes easier for everyone, especially the customer.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by stevej37

It might be a regional thing....but around here, the payment slip at bars/restaurants has changed lately. I've seen it the last three days at the local places.

When the waitstaff returns with your invoice and credit card...the line for signing has been replaced by a line that says "No Signature Required" Just fill in the tip and total lines and you're good to go.

I like it...I never left a readable signature anyway. (The little metal tray made that impossible.)

Places have been going to that for a while, usually on bills of $X or below. I think the number that I've seen the most is $25, but I think it depends on the establishment.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by stevej37

The 'point of sale' terminals have fizzled around here. Too many complaints about the fixed tip amounts and the waitstaff waiting at the table for the finish.
Even though the tip am't can be changed...some didn't like it.

I have places where I go where they sometimes print the receipt and hand it to me (no signature) but also no tip or way to tip.

It's my understanding that in the EU, many/most places you pay at the table because the waitstaff has a terminal that they bring with them with the bill. I think I've run into one or two places that does that, but most in the US don't seem to have adopted that yet. As more and more places go to small tablet based terminals, maybe it'll catch on. That way your CC never leaves the table or your sight.

[stevej37]

The small terminals started around here a few years back, but as I mentioned, it's dropped off a lot because of complaints.
The terminal is usually three sided (so that it stands upright) with a small (maybe 5") touchscreen with a slot for your credit card.

[Targa68]

There was a time, when you made a purchase you would be ID

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Targa68

There was a time, when you made a purchase you would be ID

With ID signature compared to CC slip signature. I have not seen that happen in decades.

Advance Auto has a cutoff before a debit card pin is required. That may be only for commercial customer purchases though.

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by Targa68

There was a time, when you made a purchase you would be ID

Back when they used these...

[Targa68]

Yup

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by stevej37

Back when they used these...

My new credit card and debit card do not have raised lettering. That would be useless for the cards. The front is just the graphics from the credit union, and on the back, just printed on it with ink is my name and CC number.

[herr_oberst]

[QUOTE=GH85Carrera;12134742I just made a wavy line and it always was fine. [/QUOTE]


I've done variations on these themes for years. Or ski tracks.. Or a little lawnmower...or...

[pwd72s]

Restaurants (don't go to bars these days), I use cash...zero chance of card # theft.

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

I've done variations on these themes for years. Or ski tracks.. Or a little lawnmower...or...

After signing, does the waitress say "Thank You Mr. Dinghy"



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