Why is the credit card reader so difficult for some people?

[Anonymous]

I’m in my mid-40s. I’ve evolved right along with the credit card reader. I’ve paid for groceries with a check before. I remember when you used to have your credit card ran through a reader. I remember when magnetic strips became a thing. I remember when tap-to-pay became a thing. The newest credit card readers aren’t new.

So why is so is it so confusing for certain people? It’s like they’ve never used their credit card before, ever. It’s so streamlined and simple, yet it takes them f-o-r-e-v-e-r. What does wrong?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m in my mid-40s. I’ve evolved right along with the credit card reader. I’ve paid for groceries with a check before. I remember when you used to have your credit card ran through a reader. I remember when magnetic strips became a thing. I remember when tap-to-pay became a thing. The newest credit card readers aren’t new.

So why is so is it so confusing for certain people? It’s like they’ve never used their credit card before, ever. It’s so streamlined and simple, yet it takes them f-o-r-e-v-e-r. What does wrong?

Every single card reader is different. Every one.

[Anonymous]

Yeah I'm pretty quick with it, but "where do I tap" is often unclear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m in my mid-40s. I’ve evolved right along with the credit card reader. I’ve paid for groceries with a check before. I remember when you used to have your credit card ran through a reader. I remember when magnetic strips became a thing. I remember when tap-to-pay became a thing. The newest credit card readers aren’t new.

So why is so is it so confusing for certain people? It’s like they’ve never used their credit card before, ever. It’s so streamlined and simple, yet it takes them f-o-r-e-v-e-r. What does wrong?

Every single card reader is different. Every one.

This is why I like to do Apple Pay. Just getting the phone near the reader is enough to make the transaction go through.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m in my mid-40s. I’ve evolved right along with the credit card reader. I’ve paid for groceries with a check before. I remember when you used to have your credit card ran through a reader. I remember when magnetic strips became a thing. I remember when tap-to-pay became a thing. The newest credit card readers aren’t new.

So why is so is it so confusing for certain people? It’s like they’ve never used their credit card before, ever. It’s so streamlined and simple, yet it takes them f-o-r-e-v-e-r. What does wrong?

Every single card reader is different. Every one.

This is why I like to do Apple Pay. Just getting the phone near the reader is enough to make the transaction go through.

I use my watch (Garmin) for Garmin pay. It's so convenient and quick.

[Anonymous]

I’m quick but when it’s not working ..it’s not me.

This one yesterday said “tap or insert card,” and it just wouldn’t begin authorizing

I have a feeling the employee needed to hit a button first. Because after trying tapping, inserting (nothing), swiping, I tried inserting again and it worked.

[Anonymous]

I've never seen someone "struggle" with a functional card reader. Taking an extra second to locate the tap feature doesn't qualify. Maybe you're just impatient, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m quick but when it’s not working ..it’s not me.

This one yesterday said “tap or insert card,” and it just wouldn’t begin authorizing

I have a feeling the employee needed to hit a button first. Because after trying tapping, inserting (nothing), swiping, I tried inserting again and it worked.

Also my dad had an issue when we out to a fast casual lunch. He planned to pay, and the card reader wouldn’t take two of his cards. I could tell everyone was thinking what an old guy he is. I ended up paying just to keep the line moving. It’s not him, it was something with his cards. Because the employee and I watched as he did it all correctly.. Shrug.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m in my mid-40s. I’ve evolved right along with the credit card reader. I’ve paid for groceries with a check before. I remember when you used to have your credit card ran through a reader. I remember when magnetic strips became a thing. I remember when tap-to-pay became a thing. The newest credit card readers aren’t new.

So why is so is it so confusing for certain people? It’s like they’ve never used their credit card before, ever. It’s so streamlined and simple, yet it takes them f-o-r-e-v-e-r. What does wrong?

Many of them are just surprised to learn they have to pay.

[Anonymous]

I am awful at tapping. I get embarrassed and usually don't do it because it never works for me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am awful at tapping. I get embarrassed and usually don't do it because it never works for me.

Because it's not a tap. You need to hold up your card on the reader for like 5 seconds to make sure it's captured the signal. And maybe your card is finicky and you need to hold up the part that has the tap symbol (a sideways "wifi" icon).

[Anonymous]

In my case I mostly use credit cards for online purchases and cash for most face to face purchases. Card readers aren’t all the same. It’s nice that you’ve evolved along with the technology OP. You probably also make more purchases than I do.
I can easily go a couple of months without using a credit card reader. I’m good. I have other skills that matter more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am awful at tapping. I get embarrassed and usually don't do it because it never works for me.

Because it's not a tap. You need to hold up your card on the reader for like 5 seconds to make sure it's captured the signal. And maybe your card is finicky and you need to hold up the part that has the tap symbol (a sideways "wifi" icon).

And you can only get the magical tap to work if the cashier has hit whatever button they hit and the light on the tap part is flashing at that moment, or if there is a message on the screen, or it beeps for you, or, or. Get the idea yet OP?

[Anonymous]

It's because the spot where you tap is different on every damn card reader.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In my case I mostly use credit cards for online purchases and cash for most face to face purchases. Card readers aren’t all the same. It’s nice that you’ve evolved along with the technology OP. You probably also make more purchases than I do.
I can easily go a couple of months without using a credit card reader. I’m good. I have other skills that matter more.

So you really have nothing to contribute to this thread. Move along Janet.