So I got in the back of a cab today and I saw...

[Dport7674]

Originally Posted by MassVt

It's pretty annoying to stand behind someone in a grocery store who insists on paying a bill of $8.63 with a credit card...my God, take a 10-dollar bill out of your wallet/purse, and get on with it.........

I hate waiting for some old dinosaur to dig around for the 3 cents to go with their 10 dollar bill so that they don't get pennies back. Have your debit card out and ready to swipe...my God.

[Humboldt1]

I manage the commercial banking relationship for a larger cab company in Choicago.

Credit card processing fees are 2.5 to 3.0 depending on interchange rate, not 5 to 10 percent.

Cabbies prefer cash as it allows them to cheat on their taxes. Also, cash is quicker as others noted before. Still, it is mostly about not paying taxes.

I don't usually take cabs and usually just have cash on me.

[MassVt]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

I think it's actually faster, since it eliminates the need to open the cash register to make change. And it also eliminates people fishing around for correct change.

Now check writing is another story...

Yes, the check-writing, followed by the credit card back-up, is the slowest method around..

And, by the way, I stood behind someone yesterday who paid for a $2.50 food purchase with ...you guessed it...a credit card..

I've also noticed that those who consistently pay with a credit card or a debit card to be a bit younger than myself, so there's a financial "generation gap" there as well..

Old habits die hard, and I usually carry about $60-120 in cash in my wallet at any time, so I don't expect my tendencies to change anytime soon; credit cards are great, but I'm not paying for groceries with a VISA or a MasterCard.

[Humboldt1]

I bought a milk shake at McDonalds last night using a credit. 3.19. I just swiped my card, way faster than paying cash. I usually have 100 to 200 on me at all times just in case but often prefer credit card as I get 1 percent back on all purchases and it saves me getting change.

I think credit cards are faster. Btw debit cards are not being used by the more financially savvy. Debit cards are less protected than credit cards and do not give you float, though they sometimes come with rewards, which you can get on many credit cards. Debit cards are more appropriate for people who are prone to spend money they don't have.

[Humboldt1]

I bought a milk shake at McDonalds last night using a credit. 3.19. I just swiped my card, way faster than paying cash. I usually have 100 to 200 on me at all times just in case but often prefer credit card as I get 1 percent back on all purchases and it saves me getting change.

I think credit cards are faster. Btw debit cards are not being used by the more financially savvy. Debit cards are less protected than credit cards and do not give you float, though they sometimes come with rewards, which you can get on many credit cards. Debit cards are more appropriate for people who are prone to spend money they don't have.

[Irishtom29]

Originally Posted by Dport7674

I hate waiting for some old dinosaur to dig around for the 3 cents to go with their 10 dollar bill so that they don't get pennies back. Have your debit card out and ready to swipe...my God.

You had to wait, eh? That's too goddam bad, what a hardship.

My God.