By James McNair
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Fast food is about to get a little slower.

Wendy's International said today it has begun honoring credit cards at more than 7,000 of its restaurants. It won't be a fast-food first, but the accelerated acceptance of plastic for low-priced meals at Wendy's and at market leader McDonald's represent another step toward cashless lifestyles.

Tom Mueller, president of the Dublin-based hamburger chain, said the company began accepting credit cards at test restaurants in July - and customers liked the convenience.

"And they appreciate the fact that the systems we've put in place ensure rapid service, both inside our restaurants and at the pick-up window," Mueller said.

By the end of the year, more than 70 percent of Wendy's will accept American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa cards. More will join the fold in 2004.

McDonald's said it takes credit and debit cards at about 3,000 of its 13,000 U.S. stores and is expanding that policy. Burger King did not return phone calls Thursday.

E-mail jmcnair@enquirer.com.