Thread: How many cards will you try?

If your customer's card is declined, will you let them try again with a different card? How many cards will you let them try before requesting cash?

For me, if a customer uses another card after the first one is declined, I ALWAYS ask for photo ID.

Asking for photo ID *should* be something we all do as soon as a credit card is pulled out. Unfortunately, I know that it's often not the case. I agree that it's smart to ask after one declined card; even if you risk offending the customer who's already been embarrassed by a declined card!

I see how it make sense from a merchants perspective but customers do not like going through so many steps.

Originally Posted by saayedalam

... customers do not like going through so many steps.

If customers give us valid cards, they will not be inconvenienced. The only time I ask to see ID with a credit card is if the card is not signed, or if the customer is acting weird - hiding the card from me, looking at the card while he's signing, glancing around, etc. I would rather embarrass a crook than to let him get away with using a stolen card.

I would not try more than one card, but that is just me. Because, if one card is declined wouldn't the chances be high that all of their cards may be declined as well?

I have to say I have never been asked for my identification, not even when I use my debt card from the bank. That really does not make me feel very safe.