Oh, I know why they do it, but if you're going to try to run it as a debit transaction regardless of which button I press, why even bother having separate credit and debit buttons on that screen? At least Home Depot gets it and runs it as a credit transaction when I hit cancel on the PIN screen.Its because it costs less money to the retailer when you choose 'debit'. And the king of retailers is the king of saving money too.
Of course, within a year or so, it'll no longer matter, as the processors will be forcing a move to the chip and PIN system the rest of the world uses... Thanks, Target, ya stupid jackwagons.
Here's the process at Wal-Mart:
Hit Finish and Pay.
Press Credit.
Swipe card.
WM machine says, "hey, moron, you meant to push "Debit." Here's the PIN entry screen for a Debit."
Cancel.
WM machine says, "oh, I don't know how you want to pay. Cash, Credit, Debit, or Check?"
Credit.
WM machine says, "well, if you must. Sign here, selfish bastard."
I skip step 2 (the false choice) by simply swiping my card. At least I don't gave to press "Credit" twice.
Here's the process at Home Depot:
Press "Finish and Pay."
Swipe card.
HD machine says, "this is a debit card. Got your PIN?"
Cancel.
HD machine says, "cool, I'll run it as credit. Sign here, please. Have a nice day!"