It can happen to anyone: Obama's credit card is declined

US President Barack Obama tells a story about how his credit card was recently declined at a restaurant, after signing an Executive Order to implement enhanced security measures on consumers' financial security at the Consumer Financial Protection Bu
US President Barack Obama tells a story about how his credit card was recently declined at a restaurant, after signing an Executive Order to implement enhanced security measures on consumers' financial security at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in Washington, DC, Oct 17, 2014. -- PHOTO: AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Apparently, even the President of the United States can have trouble with his credit card.

Barack Obama on Friday said his card was declined at a New York restaurant he went to while visiting the United Nations.

"I was there during the General Assembly, and my credit card was rejected," Obama said at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, where he unveiled new measures to stem credit card fraud and identity theft.

"It turned out, I guess I don't use it enough. So they thought there was some fraud going on," he said to laughter, adding "fortunately, Michelle had hers."

The President signed an executive order which adds "chip-and-pin" protection for US government cards and payment terminals, at a time when the financial industry is moving in the same direction.

"I was trying to explain to the waitress, no, I really think that I've been paying my bills," Obama said.

"Even I'm affected by this."

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