If you are using magnetic strip you're correct. For PIN & chip the PIN is sent to the card and verified by the card and the resulting "signature" is sent to the bank. The card has to be in for PIN entry.
An employee, above, said that it is for entering tip. Which would make more sense, but then the card would have to be inserted after the total amount I imagine but I can see how they would have a slightly different flow. Personally, I would want any terminal that I use to show me the final amount that I am going to pay before I put in my card. Lest I pay, walk away and the cashier adds her own tip.
An employee, above, said that it is for entering tip. Which would make more sense, but then the card would have to be inserted after the total amount I imagine but I can see how they would have a slightly different flow. Personally, I would want any terminal that I use to show me the final amount that I am going to pay before I put in my card. Lest I pay, walk away and the cashier adds her own tip.