why do cashiers act like using a debit card for a small purchase is strange?
i don’t carry cash because i have already been robed twice and lost money more then a few times in my life and i have found its just better to use my debit card for everything, it is also a good way to monitor my spending as it is all listed for me on my bank web page. just today i was buying a soda at a convenience store, it was 1.29 and i used my debit card , the Russian cashier thinking i didn’t understand his language was on the phone and said "this f%6#$ng jerk is buying a Pepsi with a credit card ,what the f*7%K" first of all it clearly states its a debit card though it can be run as credit, second of all why would it matter? if it costs them extra to process credit/debit cards they can charge a surcharge so it shouldnt be that. i cant be the only person who never uses cash.
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
3 comments
Seabiscuit on November 22, 2009 at 6:24 am
Whenever I see some chump write a check or use a debit card for just a few dollars, I think that guy is a loser that does’nt even walk around with a couple bucks in his pocket. Sorry chief, if this person is you then I’m that guy standing behind in line laughing at your cheap as s. Hurry up.
WitchyWoman on November 22, 2009 at 6:24 am
Its probably because it takes longer to process a debit card transaction than it does cash.
I see your point about not carrying cash but thats a bit extreme, using a card for a bottle of pop. Why not keep a limit of about £20 cash on you, than at least you won;t get hassle in the shops.
Kevin on November 22, 2009 at 6:24 am
The biggest reason is that a debit cards costs more to process, for the merchant. Most merchant accounts pay a flat fee of about $0.35 per transaction. So for a $1.29 purchase, they lose most of their profit.
Running it as a credit card, they only pay a percentage (depending on the merchant, anywhere from 1.2% to 2.9 or higher). On average, running it as a credit card below $14 is cheaper, and as a debit card over $14 is cheaper.
As to a surcharge, it is against the credit card company’s policy for a merchant to charge a surcharge. This came about in the 1970’s when companies charged 3-4% surcharge per transaction if a customer used a credit card.
It is actually quicker to run a card, than it is to tender cash and return change. Especially now with minor purchases, as they do not require a signature.
Personally, I simply see it as a cost of doing business. They can always ask if they can run it as a credit card, and save their profit. I also never carry cash, because all my banking is electronic (so I never set foot in the bank).