Paying the bill at a restaurant seems like it should be simple, but it’s easy to mess up if you don’t know the proper etiquette. With some tips on how to pay gracefully, you can avoid looking like a fool when the check comes.
Get The Check From The Server
When you’re ready for the bill, signal your server by making eye contact or placing your napkin on the table. Don’t stack your plates or make a big show of getting ready to leave – this may rush your server unintentionally.
The server will place the check near the person who requested it, or in the center of the table if it’s unclear who is paying. If you are treating the table, speak up and ask the server for the check when you’re ready.
Review The Bill
Take a quick look at the bill to ensure it’s accurate. Check for extra charges or incorrect items, and point out any issues to your server right away. It’s much easier to fix mistakes before paying.
If you need to split the bill evenly or pay separately, ask your server to divide it up before running any cards. Some restaurants have payment tablets that allow you to split bills easily from your seat.
Indicate You Are Ready To Pay
Once you’ve reviewed the check, place your payment inside the bill folder or check presenter. Position it at the edge of the table to signal you are ready to pay.
Cash should stick out visibly. For credit cards, a corner peeking out is enough to get the message across. Avoid closing the folder or holding onto the bill – the server won’t want to grab it from your hands.
If you want to pay part of the bill in cash, note the amount you’d like charged to your card Write it on the receipt or tell your server to make things clear
Allow The Server To Take The Payment
When the server collects your payment, don’t try to hand it off or pass it to them Let them pick it up from the table to avoid confusion. Digging in your wallet as they wait or waving your card around won’t get you out any faster.
Your server may briefly walk away with the bill, or process payment right at the table. Once they return, feel free to put away your wallet and gather your things. You can chat briefly, but don’t camp out too long after paying.
Leave A Good Tip
Before you leave, be sure to leave a tip for your server, even if you used a card to pay. The server often has to share tips with other staff, so don’t stiff them if you had good service. 15-20% is standard for decent service in most U.S. restaurants.
If paying cash, leave the tip visibly on the table so your server can collect it easily. When paying by card, write in the tip and total before signing the receipt.
Avoid Bill Squabbles
If dining with a group, work out the bill situation ahead of time to avoid awkward “check fights”. The polite offer-and-accept dance goes: “Let me get this.” “Oh no, I couldn’t possibly let you.” “But I insist, I would love to treat you.” “Well in that case, thank you! Next one’s on me.”
Don’t put your server on the spot by trying to force them to take your payment over someone else’s. Be subtle about sneaking your card to pay if you don’t want to make a scene.
Ask For A Doggy Bag
Before leaving, ask your server to box up any leftovers you may want to take. It’s perfectly acceptable in a full-service restaurant, just be polite about it. Only request a to-go box for food you actually plan on eating later.
Exit Smoothly
Once it’s time to leave gather your belongings calmly and make your way out of the restaurant. Avoid lingering too long and blocking the table after paying. Give a friendly goodbye to your server and thank the host on your way out.
Paying the check is the last impression you’ll make, so handle it gracefully. With the right etiquette, you can exit a dining experience smoothly and avoid bill paying blunders. Just be polite, pay attention, and show your appreciation for good service through a generous tip.
Common Restaurant Bill Paying Questions
Paying the restaurant bill prompts a lot of etiquette questions. Here are some common conundrums answered:
Who should the server hand the check to?
The server will place the check near the person who asked for it or in the center of the table if it’s unclear. If you are treating everyone, ask for the check to make your intention obvious.
How can I pay if I’m seated at a booth?
Place your payment at the very edge of the table, the spot closest to where your server approaches. Don’t hand it directly to the server across the table.
What if I need change from cash?
Ask your server for change before they take your payment, not after. Servers often don’t carry enough cash to make change for large bills.
Should I stack plates to help the server?
No! Stacking plates and napkins makes bussing the table trickier for restaurant staff. Just place used plates at the edge of the table and bundle napkins.
What’s the etiquette for splitting checks?
Ask your server to split bills before any cards are charged. With modern payment tablets, dividing bills is easier than ever.
How can I discreetly pay the bill to avoid fights?
If your dining companions insist on paying, sneak your card with the check while they aren’t looking. But avoid confrontations if you can.
Is it ok to ask for a to-go box?
Absolutely. Just ask your server politely to box up your leftovers after paying the check. Only take home what you know you’ll eat later.
How long after paying should I stay at the table?
Don’t overstay your welcome once the check is paid. Finish any drinks, grab your things, and make room for the next guests.
What’s the standard restaurant tip amount?
15-20% is the typical tip for good service in U.S. restaurants. Make sure to tip based on the pre-discount bill total.
Paying the restaurant bill with grace takes some know-how. But with these tips on smooth payment etiquette, you can avoid fumbles and exit dining experiences seamlessly. Just pay attention, be polite, tip generously based on good service, and try to avoid bill paying conflicts with your dining companions. The finishing touches of an enjoyable restaurant meal should be simple, stress-free, and handled with class.
How to Pay at a Restaurant with a Card
FAQ
What is the process of paying at a restaurant?
Typically, a server will drop the bill off at a table, then leave. Customers put their credit or debit cards on the table. When the server comes back, she takes the cards from the table and puts them on a fixed POS terminal so that the transaction can be completed.
How does paying with a card at a restaurant work?
Your server drops the check at the table, and you leave your card. Your server will come by and take your card. Payment will then be processed at the main point of sale (POS). This may take a few minutes or several minutes, depending on how busy the restaurant is and how many tables the server is responsible for. The server comes back with your receipt and walks away.
How do I pay my restaurant bill discreetly?
If you prefer using cash, you can discreetly handle the bill by paying the waiter in advance. If you can, give the waiter or hostess some cash when you get to the restaurant and let them know you’d like to pay for your table.
Can I pay a restaurant bill with a credit card?
Paying for anything with a Credit Card, online or offline, is simple. How do I pay with a credit card in a real store? To pay for your purchases in a store, whether it’s a restaurant, a grocery store, or a shopping mall, just show your card at the cash register.
How do you pay a restaurant bill?
There are two ways to pay at some restaurants: you can hand the bill to the waiter or take it to the cashier. Your server will be able to tell you how this works. The person in charge will take your credit card, ring up the charges, and give you a printed receipt either way.
Can you pay a restaurant bill with a credit card?
When your card is swiped to be charged, you might worry about its safety, how to figure out a tip, or when the charge will show up on your bill. Thanks to the fact that credit cards are used a lot in restaurants, the process is now very efficient. Paying a restaurant bill with a credit card is very straightforward.
Should you pay your bill at the end of a restaurant meal?
Most people think that paying their restaurant bill at the end of a meal is an easy, straightforward process that goes without saying. Or should be. It never fails to amaze me how many people screw this up. The ideal execution of bill getting-and-paying should be a near-non-event.
How does a restaurant pay a credit card?
The restaurant gets paid for by your credit card company, and you pay them back later, either all at once or in monthly installments. When you pay your credit card bill each month, keep in mind that if you carry a balance, you may have to pay interest.
How do I use my credit card at a restaurant?
You might be able to swipe or insert your credit card right into a restaurant’s portable payment device or electronic tablet if they use those to take payments. Follow the instructions provided by the server or on the payment device itself to complete the transaction securely.
How much do you tip a restaurant?
Tipping is usually between 15% and 20% of the total bill in many countries, but it’s up to you to decide how much to leave. Not wanting to leave cash as a tip? Many restaurants let you add the tip amount to the total bill and charge it to your credit card instead.
