Originally posted by Chinadoll
... What someone told me was that they'll run the card through for the amount they think they'll get tipped to make sure it is approved for that amount.
Then go in at the end of the night or next day and adjust it to the correct amount.
Don't *think* it's supposed to work that way...

The "accept" or "reject" decision isn't made "In Advance" - it's made by the CC Company when the card is processed. The Tip amount has to be added on the bill and entered in so that the total (including the tip) is the only dollar amount given to the CC company.

There should be NO Way for an employee to alter the amount after the card is processed and returned to the owner.

One way to avoid problems - NEVER "give" your Card to anyone other than the Cashier - who should process it (with or without the tip) in plain sight. Then *CHECK* your receipt to be certain the correct amount was processed!

Often times either the cashier will get backed-up and have several cards & bills piled up for processing; or several waiter/waitresses will be lined up trying to use the terminal - often times they'll lay down a card & bill to wait on someone... a chance for your card to "stray"...

Much less chance of something going wrong if Your card stays in Your hot littl hand until the moment for processing actually happens - with You *watching* it happen!