Even the president of the United States can have trouble with his credit card.

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

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“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.”

Obama signed an executive order that adds “chip-and-pin” protection for US government cards and payment terminals as the financial sector implements similar moves.

“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.”