Sorry – No Credit Cards for Orders Under $15!!

About a month ago, I went to a Thailand restaurant (picture below) at Matsonford Road. It was lunch time and I happily ordered the set menu, which cost about $7 or so. The lunch was ok, a nice spicy soup, noodles and a small desert.

Well, when it was time to pay, I produced my credit card (my Blue Cash to be precise). Lo and behold, the waitress said they did not accept any credit card for orders below $15.00 ! This was how the conversation went.

Waitress : Sorry Sir, but we do not accept credit cards for orders below $15.00.

Mr Credit Card : Where did that come from?

Waitress : We have stated that clearly at the door!

Mr Credit Card : Well, I did not see it and I do not carry cash. So you have to accept my credit card.

Waitress : Let me speak to my manager.

Manager : Sir, I’m very sorry but we do not accept credit cards for orders under $15.00.

Mr Credit Card : Well, I’, very sorry as well because I have no cash in my wallet and I do not carry my bank card around.

Manager : Well, there is an ATM machine across the road. You can use your credit card to withdraw cash.

Mr Credit Card : Well, I do not know my pin number and I don’t withdraw cash from a credit card (fees are too high).

Manager : In that case sir, we will have to charge you $15.00 for your meal.

Mr Credit Card : In that case, I will be walking out of here and paying nothing. It’s not that I do not want to pay, but I only have my credit card!

(I literally got up and was about to leave when they changed their minds).

Manager : OK Sir, we will make an exception this time. Please remember the next time you come here.

Mr Credit Card : Well, there won’t be a next time even though your food is quite good!

Moments later, when she gave me the bill for me to sign.

Manager : Sir, I hope you were not angry!!!

What idiots these jokers were! If they cannot cover the cost of a credit card charge, then raise the prices of the set lunch. I wonder how many customers have they pissed off because of this stupid credit card issue.

Anyway, a couple of weeks later, I was at the same area and this time I took my digital camera and took a few shots of the restaurant from outside. I did not find any sign saying credit cards are not accepted for orders below $15. But even if there was a sign that specifically said that, that was no way to treat a customer. They could have made the exception right from the start and explained to me nicely that in future, they would rather get paid in cash for orders below a certain amount.

Well, I’ll finally reveal the name of the restaurant – ChiangMai by Matsonford Road off Highway 476 (Exit 16) in PA. You can even see the number at the sign! They clearly stated that they accepted Visa, Mastercard or Discover (no Amex). But they sure handled me the wrong way. And I really guess you do not want to p*ss off Mr Credit Card when it comes to credit card payments!