Info on credit cards on bars?

Question

I'm just turning 21, and I was wondering if you can use credit cards on bars to buy cocktails and shots? How will the tip be charged? Is it better not to use a credit card? How will it be handled and how will the bartender keep track of my drink orders, will there be a chance that I'll be overcharged by accidentally adding a drikn I didn't order? How much is the right tip? And how can I figure out how to give a tip or not? And if I'm buying a drink for myself or for another person how will I tell the bartender that, are the bartenders responsible for tracking my orders?

I know this is a lot but answers would definitely help me when I turn 21 in a few days! Thanks!

Answer 1

Frankly, I think you are better off paying cash. Limits how much you drink, which is a good thing. If you want to use a credit card, tell your barmaid you want a tab. When you are done for the night, you give her your credit card, she does up the slip and brings it to you along with your credit card. You add the tip (there's a spot for it), total it and sign it.

There are bars and there are bars. On a really crowded night, or one where you don't have a table (and thus, maybe not the same barmaid), I'd just use cash rather than a card. Errors are more likely then. If you get good service, give 15 or 20% tip. I'd have to get pretty bad service not to give any tip. I've never had a mistake on a drink order on my tab at a bar (but have at a restaurant), so I couldn't tell you how common it is.

Answer 2

If you are going to use your credit card this is what I suggest. Find out what your PIN number is and withdraw some cash!! This helps out in two ways. First, when you get drunk you might end up spending A LOT more than you intended. If you get cash you can let the bartender know how much you have for your tab and once it is done you are done. This way the next day you will not shocked to see that your credit card is maxed out on drinks you dont even remember ordering. Second, you dont know that bartender personally. Not saying that he will rip you off....but there is always a chance. Better safe than sorry. As far as the tip goes....if you are only drinking beers you wont have to tip as much. The mixed drinks is where you want to tip because the better the tip, most likely the better the alcohol to soda mix. Last but not least, have fun but BE CAREFUL.......Studies show that most alcohol related incidents for people on the night of their 21st b-day happens in the "Power Hour" or the first hour of drinking. Make sure that you dont drink too much because of the risk of alcohol posioning. Be safe, have fun, and always have a backup plan to your backup plan when it comes to your ride home. Have a great 21st birthday!!!

Answer 3

the bartender is not there to rip you off, tip 2-3 dollars a drink if you want great service next time(he'll remember your name) and like a resturant the credit card company will put a small hold on an amount above the bill for possible tip, and you fill in the amount. when the tab is closed at the end of the night it will authorize the tip you wrote in and the hold will be gone. give a tip based on the service you recieved

Answer 4

A word to the wise,I seriously suggest that you take cash, NOT your credit card. If its a nightclub for drinking only(not a resturant) statistics show that 7 out of 10 people using their cards instead of cash get ''burned'' by either the waitress or bartender and this type of charge on your card is the hardest to dispute because alcohol is involved.Your credit card company usually sides with the ''bar''and if it comes to a ''court'' battle 9 out of 10 lose to the bar.

Answer 5

It depends on what they want it for. Sending them a fax is actually more secure than sending something online, because fax machines use phone lines, which can't be hacked like information sent over the web. The danger is not in the actual fax, the danger is in sending your credit card information to someone you don't know, regardless of the method. I don't understand why they need your credit card information....are you placing orders with them? If so, it's standard practice to do a pre-authorization on your credit card before they ship the order to you, and to do so without having the card present, they would need card #, exp date, CVV, and address. If you're not ordering something from them, they don't need your credit card information.

Answer 6

in a lounge type bar where you recieve personal table service or bar service and the music isnt so loud you cant think its perfectly ok to use your card....in a club....well....the chances of dispute over a bill are far greater! even if ure tender got it right after you've finished drinking your going to feel ripped off when the bill comes! lol its always a shock at the end of the night! i have NEVER padded a tab....no need to if ure a good tender......i have however had alot of tabs paid with the customer doubting his/her consumption....put it on my tab is so easy to say instead of breaking out the wallet!....
so jus for your own peace of mind and to make sure you help in the job of pacing your consumption i would reccomend that you run tabs only when the atmosphere is waaay laid back !!!

Answer 7

its up to you but i would suggest only buyin the drink with it and paying the bartender cash in a tip