Restaurant requesting my card to keep behind the bar.

Marvel1

Sorry to hijack, but I'm wary now as to handing card over and keep it on you.  When I visted the USA, the restuarnts took the card from me to swipe (away from me) and they returned the card and I had to sign the receipt - is this ok?

jon81uk

Marvel1 said:

Sorry to hijack, but I'm wary now as to handing card over and keep it on you.  When I visted the USA, the restuarnts took the card from me to swipe (away from me) and they returned the card and I had to sign the receipt - is this ok?

We used to do that in the UK 20 years ago before chip and PIN started. Its a safe as it was back then, the waiter might go and clone the card by copying the magnetic stripe, but in a reputable restaurant its unlikely.
I wouldn't worry about it that much. Be more cautious about the tip, when they swipe the card its just a pre-authorisation, you then write the tip amount on the slip when signing and the waiter then adds it to the bill after you have your card back. Write the tip amount on your copy of the bill too. They might mis-read it, or they might add more dishonestly. If the bill is $20 and you add $5 tip keep an eye that your statement is for $25 not $26 or $30. I've only had it happen once and I think it was a genuine mistake reading my handwriting, as the $5 became $6 so I didn't worry about the extra dollar.

Marvel1

jon81uk said:

Marvel1 said:

Sorry to hijack, but I'm wary now as to handing card over and keep it on you.  When I visted the USA, the restuarnts took the card from me to swipe (away from me) and they returned the card and I had to sign the receipt - is this ok?

We used to do that in the UK 20 years ago before chip and PIN started. Its a safe as it was back then, the waiter might go and clone the card by copying the magnetic stripe, but in a reputable restaurant its unlikely.
I wouldn't worry about it that much. Be more cautious about the tip, when they swipe the card its just a pre-authorisation, you then write the tip amount on the slip when signing and the waiter then adds it to the bill after you have your card back. Write the tip amount on your copy of the bill too. They might mis-read it, or they might add more dishonestly. If the bill is $20 and you add $5 tip keep an eye that your statement is for $25 not $26 or $30. I've only had it happen once and I think it was a genuine mistake reading my handwriting, as the $5 became $6 so I didn't worry about the extra dollar.

Cheers, the first time I went and they give the receipt and pen, I had to Google what to do lol.  As tipping over here on the card machine you have the option to enter amount.

backinbusiness

I'd find a new favourite eatery!