Credit Card required to make reservation - What would you do

OK...So I called to make a reservation for Thanksgiving dinner at one of L'ville's finest. After confirming the time I was asked for my credit card number to confirm the reservation. Hmmmmmm, I'm thinking. OK, so I give them the credit card number and then I'm asked for the expiration date AND the 3 digit security code on the back. At this point I started asking questions like "who has access to this information" and "where is this data stored"...To which I am told that the info is entered (manually I assume) into the restaurants "reservation book". I'm then told not to worry "because only employees of the restaurant have access to the book"

We ended up coming to something of a compromise wherein I gave them the credit card number but refused to provide the expiration date or the 3 digit security code. In the time since making the reservation I have come to some conclusions on how I would handle this situation (differently) in the future. So I'm curious...is this a common requirement when making reservations for upscale holiday dining AND what does the forum think of this type of "requirement" ?

I have experienced this many times on the West Coast during holidays....Thanksgiving specifically.

Well, the obvious question is do they charge your credit card if you no show? Did they advise you of this?

And I think it would good to name the restaurant to give others a heads up. If it's the restaurants policy then it is public knowledge...

And I think it would good to name the restaurant to give others a heads up. If it's the restaurants policy then it is public knowledge...

OK...I wasn't to anxious to name the establishment lest I be accused of slamming the place...but I suppose "public knowledge" in this case isn't necessarily a bad thing.

It was The English Grill.

A lot of Louisville restaurants take credit card numbers to hold reservations on big days. I've experienced it at probably 5 or 6 different restaurants over the past few years for Oaks night and New Years Eve. I will give the information, but only after being very clear about the cancellation policy. Generally it's been my experience that you only get charged if you're a no-show, and it's usually a $30 charge or something in that range.

Yes, there's always a risk in giving your credit card information out, but this situation is probably no more risky than handing it to a server that whisks it away for 5 or 10 minutes, buying something online, letting a hotel run it for incidentals, or giving it to the Boombozz guy taking your delivery order. I wouldn't sweat it, really.

Personally?

I'd do what Steve did on the later and give them the last 4 numbers along with all my personal contact information (phone number). If an establishment required a full CC to make a reservation for a specific event, then I'd not do it over the phone; rather in person. Or I would look elsewhere, but this is my own personal choice.

A lot of Louisville restaurants take credit card numbers to hold reservations on big days. I've experienced it at probably 5 or 6 different restaurants over the past few years for Oaks night and New Years Eve. I will give the information, but only after being very clear about the cancellation policy. Generally it's been my experience that you only get charged if you're a no-show, and it's usually a $30 charge or something in that range.

Yes, there's always a risk in giving your credit card information out, but this situation is probably no more risky than handing it to a server that whisks it away for 5 or 10 minutes, buying something online, letting a hotel run it for incidentals, or giving it to the Boombozz guy taking your delivery order. I wouldn't sweat it, really.

I diagree to an extent. That server has 5 to 10 minutes to write down your information and/or use your card. If this information is being written in the actual reservation book then the employees (all of them, not just one server) have at least until Thanksgiving to access the information, if not until that reservation book is no longer being used. And then you have to wonder if they destroy the book properly.

There's a reason the credit card transaction receipts no longer include your whole CC number, much less the other magical information (exp. date and security code).

That would be a no-go for me.

Perhaps you could offer to give them a check for the no-show penalty amount (usually somewhere between $25-50, depending), so they can be guaranteed to collect? Then they wouldn't cash it if you meet your end of the bargain, and you can reclaim the check at the end of your meal. These restaurants have to discourage no-shows by making it somewhat painful if you cause them to lose serious revenue on a major holiday. The check idea is a way to make it less painful on your credit accounts and peace of mind. Sure, the check may bounce, but there's just as much of a chance that you could be giving them a bogus card number.

Perhaps you could offer to give them a check for the no-show penalty amount (usually somewhere between $25-50, depending), so they can be guaranteed to collect? Then they wouldn't cash it if you meet your end of the bargain, and you can reclaim the check at the end of your meal. These restaurants have to discourage no-shows by making it somewhat painful if you cause them to lose serious revenue on a major holiday. The check idea is a way to make it less painful on your credit accounts and peace of mind. Sure, the check may bounce, but there's just as much of a chance that you could be giving them a bogus card number.

I would give a credit card number before I gave someone a check. Credit card liability in the case of fraud is limited by law to $50. Someone with your checking account information, can get checks printed and basically clean you out.

It was just a thought for those who are uneasy giving all their CC number away.

Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to go withdraw all my money from the bank and sew it into our mattresses.

It's not that uncommon. I would give them the number, 99.9% of the time a restaurant is only going to charge you if you don't bother to call and cancel if you can't make it. I think that's rather fair. I can't tell you how many times I've been burned at other jobs on big holidays when not requiring a cc number.

The problem isn't necessarily with the number itself, it is more about the expiration date and 3 digit security code being WRITTEN DOWN somewhere and stored for a period of time. That book goes missing, someone is having one hell of a Christmas without spending a dime of their own cash.

Also guessing that the reservation book is probably not edited after the event, so that information could be sitting there for months after the reservation date. That is some seriously low hanging fruit for identity theft or credit card fraud.

I believe your CC company would advise you against giving the this info out. Not sure but unless the info is secured, the restaurant maybe violating its processors rules.

That info sitting around at the front desk is one hell of a liability for the restaurant.

The problem isn't necessarily with the number itself, it is more about the expiration date and 3 digit security code being WRITTEN DOWN somewhere and stored for a period of time. That book goes missing, someone is having one hell of a Christmas without spending a dime of their own cash.

Also guessing that the reservation book is probably not edited after the event, so that information could be sitting there for months after the reservation date. That is some seriously low hanging fruit for identity theft or credit card fraud.

John, etc.

THIS was my major concern. I mean, yeah, I can respect an establishments need to "guarantee" you are going to show up (particularly a "high end" place during the holidays) but if my current mood prevails I will be disinclined to provide this kind of information in the future. Kinda frustrating really. I mean it's one of those damned if ya do and and damned if ya don't kinda things.

I believe your CC company would advise you against giving the this info out. Not sure but unless the info is secured, the restaurant maybe violating its processors rules.

That info sitting around at the front desk is one hell of a liability for the restaurant.

To be fair I was told the info ("reservation book") is held in the "sales office" each day until the restaurant opens at 6pm. Then (apparently) it is retrieved by the restaurant manager. As far as who has access to it during the time the restaurant is open...I have no idea.