What did we do with all of our free time before the advent of the chip reader? Those extra thirty seconds of wait time while the machine reads the chip in your debit or credit card can seem endless.
In the past year, chip cards (or “Europay, Mastercard, and Visa” – EMV cards) have become the standard debit and credit card for the U.S. While they might provide a more secure transaction when you pay for groceries, they definitely do not provide a faster experience.
On my personal journey with a chip card over the past year, I think I’ve discovered how to make the most of it.
So, what can you do while waiting for the chip reader?
One. You can learn something new. I’ve had several (very meaningful) conversations about kale guacamole with my local Whole Foods staff, and they’ve recommended their favorite granola bars, all while the chip reader loaded.
Two. You can make new friends. One of my favorite local coffee shops has a chip reader that takes the longest time to process. However, the rewards from that have been the greatest. The extra time provides the perfect opportunity to get to know the people you see everyday – the people who hand you your coffee before your day gets started. The baristas and I greet each other by name, and we’re no longer shadowy background players in each other’s lives – we’re friends. Chip reader = community builder!
Three. You can collaborate creatively. While I was waiting for the chip reader to load at Brewpoint Coffee, the barista complimented me on my fingerless gloves (knitted by my talented grandma). The barista explained that she was a knitter, and she was curious how they were made, so I gave her the pattern. We became fast friends, and have swapped crocheting and knitting tricks ever since.
Four. You can give a compliment. The chip reader gives ample time to say something nice.
Five. You can make an impact. It’s said that the average person will meet about 80,000 people in his or her life, and many of these meetings will be brief encounters with cashiers, baristas, and clerks – possibly in front of the chip reader. This is both an opportunity and responsibility to spread kindness. The chip reader is a built-in opportunity to make more meaningful conversation.
Six. You can take a deep breath. Maybe it’s okay that the chip reader slows us down. It’s the perfect reminder that nothing is in our complete control. And whether we want to or not, we are forced simply to wait and be.
