Why do restaurants in the US take your credit card, instead of simply bringing the machine to the table for payment?

2.00K viewsOther

In Canada, I haven’t seen a credit card taken by the waiter for payment since maybe the late 90s. However, the dozens of times that I’ve gone to a sit-down restaurant in the States, I have not once had a waiter bring the machine to the table. Having the machine brought over is much faster and convenient, and allows the customer to be sure of what is charged, so why hasn’t this caught on?

In: Other

31 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Anytime I’ve expressed to my server that I was in a rush, they’ve accommodated me. That being said, the presumption is that time isn’t of the essence.

The server drops the check and leaves. That allows the party to figure out who is paying and how much. Gives them a chance to look over the bill.

It’s also like the wrap up music at awards shows. The final conversations get to be had. Closure on the night. The credit card gets taken and everyone knows when it comes back the meal is over.

I’ve never ever ever worried about credit cards getting stolen. A couple of times in my life I’ve had some fraudulent purchases. Both times the cc noticed within a day wiped the charges and sent me a new card. It’s a non issue

You are viewing 1 out of 31 answers, click here to view all answers.