echo
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Like some of the others posted, the cashier is supposed to check the signature on the back of the card to the slip that a person signs when checking out.
There is nothing legal or illegal about requesting or not requesting ID when a credit card is used. Though it is against credit card policy for stores to require ID when a credit card is used.
If you fail to sign a proper signature on the back of the card, you would be voiding the protection the credit card companies offer for ID theft. Which could mean that if your card / card number is stolen and used, you could be held liable for the full amount that was charged by the thief.
If your card is properly signed then you could only be liable for up to $50.00 |
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lt_gunz
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Legally, you have to sign your credit card to validate it. Also, legally, cashiers should be checking photo ID with a signature and comparing it to the signature on the card for all transactions in order to prevent fraud. Sadly, there are very few stores who enforce this policy.
If you write "See ID" on the back of your card, it is not valid, and legally the cashier can take it away from you. "See ID" is likely not your signature.
The best thing to do is sign your card with a ball-point pen just as you would any other document, and when you hand your credit card to the cashier, also hand him/her your signed photo ID. This way, they pretty well have to check the signatures. |
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Steveo
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To compare that signature with the signature on the card. The card could have been lost or stolen before the person had a chance to sign it. |
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DramaGuy
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checking the signature on the card against the signature on the receipt is one way to verify the identity of the cardholder. It used to be used much more often and may still be used by some merchants. If lost or stolen the possessor of the card will usually sign the name so that they can pretend to be the cardholder who doesn't have their ID with them. |
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uknow
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Yes, like the other answers- it is for legal purposes. If there was any big dispute about the purchase or a claim the card was stolen, then the signature on the back could become a big deal. In everyday situations, it is most likely not. However, to be safe, I always sign my name AND add CID. This way the cashier DOES have your valid signature but is looking at your picture to make sure. Most places such as Starbucks or some high-end stores don't ask because they don't want to "offend" their "big spenders". However, legally, they should!
I can't say how many times I've been able to use my dad's or my boyfriend's card (with their permission of course!) without any questions being asked. But on the other hand, I have been stopped from using them at other places. Even for something as silly as 2 sandwiches at Quiznos! |
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Grandma of six
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I have written on my card not my signature but to 'ask me for my ID', it protects you from other people using your card, the cashier should check your signature on the back compared to your signature to use the card, unless you use your pin number. |
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stephenweinstein
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The cashier is supposed to compare the signature on the card to the signature on the piece of paper that you sign at the store. Most do not.
The idea is so that if your card is stolen by someone who cannot sign a matching signature on the piece of paper, the store will refuse the transaction or call the police. I have never seen this happen. |
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Grammaton Cleric
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Good question. As stated for many people, hardly any store cashier asks to see my ID to back up a signature that is basically worn away anyways.
I'm pretty sure you have to sign the card to match your signature on a legal ID as there might be people of the same name as yours and without a matching signature... there's not much proof of ownership without matching signatures. There may be a lot of 'John Smiths' out there, if your name was actually John Smith. Hence, the card is not authorized in your actually signature.
In a perfect world, cashiers are supposed to compare the credit card signature to the license signature. Even if it's the store policy, that doesn't mean that every cashier will enforce it.
Going back to the first point, my credit card signature is hardly recognizable from wear and the actual signature bar is almost half worn away... so, what is it's true worth? Not much, I guess. |
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AmericanPatriot
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Who looks at them anymore? You pass it through the reader then put it back in your wallet. |
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Fran J
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to compare signatures but yes it is better to ask for a photo i.d. |
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Cristal
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So that the cashier can compare your signature on the back of your card to the signature on your drivers license, although they rarely ever do. Also if you don't sign the back someone can steal the card and sign the back with your name. Nobody would no the difference. |
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kessie
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when and if i sign one, I write, "see I.D." |
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Brad M
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I don't! I write "Photo I.D. Required". Even then most clerks don't look at it. |
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oldestme
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That is what the so called banks that issue them want you to do to make it legal. I sign mine and people never look but no big deal. I never use it that much anyway. But the bank is the one who wants you to sign it to make sure that it is legally issued by them. |
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poohs_sexy_lady
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They want to compare the signature on the back with your signature on the slip. I have had Target cashiers stop me because it is a new card and unsigned. They are rediculous about it. Also, some of the signatures have worn off on my cards. |
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I need help!
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I guess so they have something to compare the signature to on the paper you sign for them. |
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x x
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So the oerson that is accept the card has it to compare signitures when you sign
NEVER sign your name, place this instead
"ASK FOR ID" |
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