Bar Tab Processing
Overview
Bar Tab Processing handles the card-on-file workflow for bar tabs. When a guest opens a tab with a card, the POS communicates with the card terminal to capture authorization. This screen guides staff through the authorization process and confirms when the tab is successfully opened or if an error occurred.
Prerequisites
- A card payment method (CardConnect or NMI) must be configured and a payment device must be assigned to your POS tablet.
- The guest's check must be open before starting a bar tab.
How Bar Tab Processing Works
Bar tab authorization is initiated automatically when a staff member swipes, taps, or dips a guest's card to hold a tab open. Once started, the Bar Tab Processing screen appears and displays the current status:
| Status | What it means |
|---|---|
| Waiting... | The system is initializing the connection to the card terminal |
| Waiting for device... | The POS is communicating with the card reader — the guest should interact with the terminal |
| Processing... | The authorization request is being sent to the payment processor |
| Success. | The card has been authorized and the bar tab is open |
| Error message | The authorization failed — the message describes the reason |
During Processing
- Do not close or navigate away from the Bar Tab Processing screen while it shows Waiting for device... or Processing... — this can interrupt the authorization.
- Once Success. appears, the tab is open. You can tap anywhere on the screen or tap Close to return to the check.
If Authorization Fails
- When an error message appears, the Close button becomes active.
- Read the error message for the reason (e.g., declined, connectivity issue).
- Tap Close to dismiss the screen.
- Try the authorization again or ask the guest for a different card.
Troubleshooting
Screen is stuck on "Waiting for device..."
- Confirm the card terminal is powered on and connected to the network.
- Confirm the correct Default Payment Device is assigned to this POS tablet in back office.
- If using a CardConnect terminal, run the Check Connection test in back office to verify the terminal is connected.
"Success" appears but the tab seems missing
- Check the Home Screen for the guest's table — the check should appear with an open bar tab.
- If the check is not visible, log out and back in to refresh the session data.