I was balancing my checking account where I very frequently use my Visa check card (and have for a very long time). I noticed a "swipe" for an amount that I was not familiar with, but at a walk up deli that I do remember going to. Now, I am aware that when you buy something, that you can write in your tip, and when Visa gets the signed slip they add the tip AFTER THE FACT. But in this case, the slip I signed was for the purchase amount, but my activity statement showed that the "initial/purchase" swipe at that amount PLUS a 20% tip. As I tip with cash and lined out the tip portion in my slip, when it was finalized and posted it only posted for the initial/purchase amount. But, how can a merchant get a slip for 1 amount, and "swipe" for another at point of service? Also, since they did "add" the tip, if I had not lined out that portion, would the Visa processing center leave the higher amount the one to post even when getting the slip I signed if the tip portion is blank? How does THAT work?
Please let me be clear, I am not having a problem with my credit, nor do I need links on how to get or clean up my credit. This question is on how the MERCHANT can do/get away with what they are doing…. Thanks.
Again….please, I do not want solicitation for other websites that can "search" for my answer. I am using Yahoo Answers for this purpose. If those websites are so great for my question, you can go get the answer and let me know what it is. Thanks.

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