Credit Cards and Fast Food

[jeffrey]

The $105 billion fast-food industry — searching for quick-n-easy ways to boost sales — is finally embracing the one thing it snubbed for years: the credit card.

By the end of 2004, McDonald's will be accepting credit cards at up to 8,000 of its 13,500 domestic restaurants, the company's chief financial officer, Matt Paull, told industry analysts on Thursday.

But Ronald McDonald isn't the only one eyeing your plastic. Wendy's accepts credit cards at 90% of its restaurants — where cashless purchases average 35% higher than cash. Burger King also is moving into the cashless fray with plans to have half of its restaurants on board by year's end.

Driving the fast-food industry's move to credit cards: Average purchases are higher and, yes, quicker. Many chains don't require signatures on credit card purchases, cutting way back on wait time... [read more at usatoday.com]