What is a zero-dollar check?
A zero-dollar check is a bill on which the customer owes nothing at the end of their transaction because all the charges have been paid off by discounts, comps, promotions, gift cards, loyalty points, etc. The payment the customer owed was paid by other methods, thus ending up at zero dollar check on the POS. The zero-dollar check must still be processed by the POS system for the restaurant, and the bill recorded for auditing purposes.
Restaurants may issue $0.00 checks to accompany:- Comps
- Employee meals
- Promotions
- Loyalty programs
- Full gift card redemption or guest recovery.
How Does a Zero-Dollar Check Work in Restaurants?
Here's how the process typically works:
- A customer makes an order.
- Eligible discounts, comps, gift cards, or rewards are entered.
- The balance is now $0.00.
- The POS system closes the check and saves the transaction.
- Transaction is in sales and audit reports to review.