What is the correct procedure when a guest wants to pay with a gift card?

• A. Ask for cash only.
• B. Provide a printed coupon instead.
• C. Confirm balance in the POS, process payment, provide receipt, and confirm if change is needed.
• D. Ignore the balance and assume.

Answer: (C)

Start by recognizing that a gift card is a stored value payment method with a real balance. The correct procedure is to confirm the card’s balance in the POS, then process the payment using that balance, print or provide a receipt, and confirm with the guest whether change is due or if there’s any remaining balance on the card.

Verifying the balance before charging ensures the card has enough funds and shows how much credit will be applied. Processing the payment through the POS records the transaction, updates the card’s balance, and ensures proper accounting. Providing a receipt gives the guest proof of payment and a record of any remaining balance. Finally, checking if change is needed prevents giving the guest the wrong amount and clarifies whether there’s money left on the card for future use.

Choosing cash-only, giving a printed coupon, or ignoring the balance would create confusion, misstate the guest’s payment, and risk inaccurate accounting.