[BorisMelnik]

I prefer the privacy of the waiter going and coming back - there are a lot of social norms involved in "getting the check" and bringing the terminal to the table would really disrupt that, possibly for the better but who knows.

Imagine going out with some clients and getting "insufficient funds" notice what an embarrassment that would be...the waiter acts as a buffer or could in some cases get your attention.

But your definitely right from a security perspective and privacy this is much better...other than the insane fees they collect :)

[lotophage]

> I prefer the privacy of the waiter going and coming back

I don't. I creates an opportunity for credit card skimming.

[thetinguy]

What do I care if they skim my credit card? It’s not my money until I pay my bank. I can report a fraudulent transaction and request a new card right from my bank’s app.

[user9182031]

..and then be forced add the new card to every service you have set to auto-pay like Amazon, Steam, Audible, Verizon, etc.

[gbear605]

One solution is to have one card for autopay services and one for restaurants.

[vageli]

Another solution is for the merchant to bring the card reader to you.

[kylegordon]

And therein lies the disjoint between a credit based culture and debit based.

[BorisMelnik]

they could skim right in front of you and you wouldnt know..or maybe you if your an engineer but the other 99% would not

[sleet]

You can always go to the cashier to pay in private.

[goplusplus]

How does putting your card in the reader / tapping at the table change that? You still have to sign + tip at the table in front of everyone.