The card didn't work so Ops friend had to beg for money so they could pay their tab. Its not that complicated.

No need to be a dick, 45... It is confusing, if OP was the one who couldn't pay, why weren't they the one begging for money while the friend watched? Why was the friend the one begging for OP?

He might not have been allowed to leave the restaurant?

They lonely didn't trust him not to dine and dash, so his friend was sent to obtain payment while op stayed as collateral. But really, if neither can afford the meal on available funds and it's got to be put on a credit card, they both need to review their budgeting skills.

Yeah but why does the friend have to beg is the question I'm asking. If OPs card was declined then I don't see why the friend has to be the one begging, unless as previously stated the OP wasn't allowed out of the store.

I have zero credit cards.. If I don't have money for something I do without or save for it. A back-up card is just asking for more debt than you can afford.

Unless, you know, you use something called self control.

Having a back up card "just incase" is not the definition of self control.

What if you go out into the city and someone steals the money out of your wallet. You might need that "just in case" card for food or taxi. Or if you are on vacation and it happens.

@105 What I meant by 'just in case' is in case there's a mishap that causes your first card to be declined, like the number was stolen, or you forgot to pay your bill on time, because that happens. Not because you were a twat and maxed out your first card. Maybe your skull is too thick to comprehend that?

I personally would never have a credit card. I'm good with money anyway, but my mum is in so much debt from having them I don't see the point in possibly getting into the situation in the first place. Debit card and carry some money on you.

Credit cards are very helpful in building a credit score, which will save you money in the long run with lower interest rates on car and home loans. There are other ways to build your credit score, but as long as you can be responsible with payments (paying off the complete amount on the due date, even) it's an easy way to build credit. At some point in their life, most people experience debt (most people don't save up to buy a house with cash, they take out a mortgage from the bank). In the end, it is about understanding and managing your finances effectively.

What are you trying to even say

My eyes won't stop bleeding.

I got this. I've studied their language. yo dawg, wut u sayin? da OP had no $$ so he wuz on lock down. ya dig? OP was collateral, he is no goin no weres w/o payin... Ah shit, my brain, ugh, can only do that for so long.

Growing up in a low income area, I have noticed that the people who get declined on credit and have no debit balance, no cash and a friend with them in the same state, 9 times in 10 knew that going in and intended to dine and dash. Here the staff simply detains them at the restaurant or pub until they can get someone there to pay or the police arrive to process them for theft. The only time "I'm so sorry, I'll pay you tomorrow" works is if they knew your name and face before you sat down, and expect to see you tomorrow anyways.

yes, because technology is completely hassle free, and cards can never be damaged

You can still run a damaged card. The bank either has it blocked, which only takes a phone call, or there are not enough funds.

That's not always the case. My card was canceled by the bank one for a slip up. I couldn't reopen it with a call I had to physically go to the bank. I'm just lucky the people trusted I'd come back

@40, depends on how damaged, you can damage a card without knowing to the point of it not working anymore, I know from experience.