Credit Card protectors (?)

TX-starlight · ‎03-10-2010

I wasn't exactly sure where to post this ?, but here goes....

I have started to order these several times, just haven't convinced myself yet. My concern is...when you are in a resturant & the "wait person" takes your card with the bill to complete the transaction somewhere else...what are the risks of your card being scanned in the "wait persons" possession???

Thoughts anyone???

Sunshine Kate · ‎03-10-2010

I've read it's highly likely a waitperson can scan and/or record your information. That's why it's advised to pay in cash.

Restaurants are the worst places because your card is taken away from you for awhile. I only use my credit card if it's always within my reach and I prefer to scan it myself.

If you really want to be safe, always pay with cash.

ceekay · ‎03-12-2010

It happened to a guy I work with. We went to lunch and by dinner time the credit card company had called him about unusual charges. Only place he had used the card for several weeks was in the restaurant. So, I cannot say how often it happens but I know of one instance. "They" say you should not let your card out of your sight, but I am not quite sure how that would work in a restaurant without it being very awkward.

Sunshine Kate · ‎03-10-2010

Speaking of cards, I had a gift card to a major name restaurant and I gave it to the waitress. To make a long story short, she added an extra tip to the bill that I didn't see on the bill itself, but somehow she deducted it from my gift card.

I don't trust gift cards anymore.

glb613 · ‎03-09-2010

I no longer pay with a credit card at any restaurant where the waitress/waiter takes my card. I know of too many people who had it used by others when doing that.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

When i got my credit card passport it came with one of these protectors and that made me think that they may be a good idea. I do carry my passport in my wallet and I do keep the protector on it - I purchased the set from QVC and I use them for my 2 credit cards and for my drivers license, as they recommended that you use one for your license when I got my Fl. license a few years ago.

Dumac · ‎09-30-2010

When we were in Canada (B.C.) two years ago, we noticed that at every restaurant the waiters came to the table with a portable device to swipe the credit card in front of you. Then they handed it to you to insert the tip amount. We were so impressed that this system was pretty universal there. We were told it was also used in Europe .And the info is not stored on the device (unlike similar devices that are now being advertised here). As usual we are way behind in technology of this sort...

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

On 2/26/2014 Dumac said:
When we were in Canada (B.C.) two years ago, we noticed that at every restaurant the waiters came to the table with a portable device to swipe the credit card in front of you. Then they handed it to you to insert the tip amount. We were so impressed that this system was pretty universal there. We were told it was also used in Europe .And the info is not stored on the device (unlike similar devices that are now being advertised here). As usual we are way behind in technology of this sort...

The only downside of this system is that I don't like entering the tip while the waiter is at your elbow staring at you. Everytime I used my Discover Card in Canada, the credit card machine had all of the prompts in French.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

dooBdoo · ‎06-27-2010

On 2/26/2014 Dumac said:
When we were in Canada (B.C.) two years ago, we noticed that at every restaurant the waiters came to the table with a portable device to swipe the credit card in front of you. Then they handed it to you to insert the tip amount. We were so impressed that this system was pretty universal there. We were told it was also used in Europe .And the info is not stored on the device (unlike similar devices that are now being advertised here). As usual we are way behind in technology of this sort...

Dumac, I think you might be talking about Square (Jack Dorsey's company), which is being widely used in the U.S. I've paid with it a couple of times, at an art show and paying cab fare, with no problems. It's an interesting concept.

Few things reveal your intellect and your generosity of spirit—the parallel powers of your heart and mind—better than how you give feedback.~Maria Popova

Deadeye Daisy · ‎01-18-2011

Canada doesn't use Square. Like most places in the world with the exception of backward countries like the US and most of Africa, Canada uses cards with an EMV embedded chip. This is NOT the same as the RFID chips you may have in your credit cards, driver's licenses and passports in the US.

The small machines used in the rest of the real world are brought to your table or to you in a store. If in a RFID sleeve, they must be removed to be scanned. They read the EMV chip and you use a PIN. 4 digit pin used for the credit card is NOT the same as the one used at an ATM. The machines don't 'read' the magnetic stripe. If your card has only a magnetic stripe, it may well be declined or it will have to be taken from you and entered manually at another station in the establishment; alternately, you may end up paying in cash or washing dishes. ${#emotions_dlg.devil2}$

Don't get me wrong. Square is very handy. I use it so I can take AMEX transactions for my Tupperware business, as TW doesn't accept AX. It's just not what commercial establishments use in the real world.

You can request a credit card with an EMV chip from your credit card company. I have ones from AMEX and VISA, as I'm often outside the US. Be prepared to pay a fee for one, unless you spend a lot every year.