In the US cash is more convenient for paying dinner. Instead of the awkward dance of check -> put card -> bring back -> tip. You just pay it with tip, can easily round up or down a bit...
it still is wild that they take the card away from the table when tap payments exist so extensively, even in the USA.
Here in Canada, the servers often will bring the card reader at the same time as they bring over the bill, because the assumption is you're likely paying with a card, either credit or debit, so why not save the extra trips entirely?
I actually prefer it - I hate having the waiter hovering over me while i decide the tip + I can continue a conversation/finalize my bill at my leisure if my card is simply returned awaiting my signature.
How is that any different from the "awkward dance" of using cash and waiting to get change back? And trying to make sure you wind up with bills of the necessary denominations to be able to leave the right tip? Not to mention when you realize you misplanned and need to visit the ATM while someone stays at the table.
No, if we're talking only about convenience, a card wins every single time.
Huh. Weird. I feel like I can count on one hand the number of times in my life where I've happened to have bills that add up to exact change for a meal. Even allowing a couple of dollars to round in either direction. Like, I always need change.
Maybe different strategies for managing cash? Which it's never even occurred to me until now that could be a thing.
Here in Canada, the servers often will bring the card reader at the same time as they bring over the bill, because the assumption is you're likely paying with a card, either credit or debit, so why not save the extra trips entirely?