Yeah, those are the best of both worlds when you're not dining at an upscale place. Don't have to use cash, don't have to wait for them to complete two round trips just to leave.
I never understand why waiters don't give me a chance to hand them the card immediately when they drop the check. I don't need to sit with it for 10 minutes, especially after it took 10 minutes to flag you down for it. Years ago I was a waiter, so I don't really sympathize with an argument that they're too busy. The whole system could be revised.
If you want to review the check you're going to have to wait for a round trip. If not, just hand the card when the check comes or better yet, give them the card when you ask for the check.
In general I don't review the check until it's time to sign it. I've been told that's a bad habit but...well, if anything jumps out at me when I'm signing, I mention it then. And I think you might be surprised how many waiters seem to drop the check and simply leave.
I'm not talking about restaurants where you expect excellent service. I'm talking about restaurants where you can't take it as a given that they're going to be attentive to something you say when they put the check down.
On occasion—if I've been in a hurry, for example—I've gotten my card out once done eating and had it ready to hand to the server when they bring the check.
I never understand why waiters don't give me a chance to hand them the card immediately when they drop the check. I don't need to sit with it for 10 minutes, especially after it took 10 minutes to flag you down for it. Years ago I was a waiter, so I don't really sympathize with an argument that they're too busy. The whole system could be revised.