Do i have to sign the back of my credit card?

Question

or is it mandatory?

Answer 1

You don't have to sign it, but if you don't someone else can, and then when the store checks your signature, it will match theirs. Some people put check ID on it, so everytime you use it, they should be asking for your ID. That can also save you from someone stealing your signature.

Answer 2

It's not mandatory to sign it, but it is in your best interest. If you lose it and someone forges your signature, the clerk can determine if it is authentic by comparing it to the signature on the card. You should post on the back of teh card, "Check ID" and this will help the security issues as well. But signing it is in your best interest.
Some retailers require it (postal service) and others could care less.

Answer 3

Most cards, credit and/or debit say "not valid unless signed" as a practice, I do check id on every customer I help. So for your protection, there should be some type of mark on the signature strip, as to prevent fradulent purchases. Its only for your protection.

Answer 4

Yes it is mandatory and is for your protection. If someone tries to use your card and the signatures do not match, they will be stopped and the card confiscated.

Answer 5

No....however someone else can sign your name and use. Put "Check ID" on the back. Cashiers should be asking for your ID but this typically only happens at hotels, convenient stores and shops around Christmas time.

Answer 6

You don't HAVE to, but you should. The major credit card companies like Mastercard, Visa, and American Express all tell their merchants not to accept cards that are not signed. So to prevent refusal should sign.

Answer 7

Only if you want whoever finds, or steals it, a copy of your signature, lol....I have found that most people will not check the back of your card anyway, but in case they do, as a bit of extra security, I write on the back of my cards "PLEASE CHECK ID".....and then I always thank the clerk who actually does it for helping to protect my credit!

Answer 8

I'm not sure about the US but in Canada, it is getting more popular just to write on the back, "ask for ID". That way, if you card gets stolen, they dont have your signature and they can't use it as easily.

Answer 9

You are being foolish if you don't. Although most clerks do not check your signature, if your card is lost or stolen, your signature on the back could make the difference between identity theft---or not.

Answer 10

You could write "See ID" on the back of the card and show your drivers license.