Can retailers insist I show my license when paying with a credit card?

Question

I am getting sick of having to dig out my license every time I pay with my credit card. The back of the card is signed, but anymore that doesn't matter. No matter where I am shopping (I live in a VERY low crime area) I am asked to show ID.

Do I legally have to show ID or can I insist they rely only on the signature on the back? I live in Michigan if that matters.

Just wanted to add to everyone telling me it is for my protection. Assuming my card is stolen, my liability is limited to $50 under federal law, so they really aren't protecting me from much.

Dano N - Actually, I just found my answer. See page 29 of the Visa Card Acceptance and Chargeback Guidelines. It clearly states: "Although Visa rules do not preclude merchants from asking for cardholder ID, merchants cannot make an ID a condition of acceptance. Therefore, merchants cannot refuse to complete a purchase transaction because a cardholder refuses to provide ID. Visa believes merchants should not ask for ID as part of their regular card acceptance procedures.”

So "store policy" or not, they cannot force you to pay. Futher, I have found the credit card companies can, and do, impose $2000 fines for such actions.

Answer 1

With Visa, MasterCard and Amex--

It is against their policy for a merchant to require an ID if the card has a valid signature on the back.
A merchant cannot set a minimum or maximum charge when someone uses a credit card.
A merchant cannot add fees or surcharges for using a credit card (this is also against the law in some states)

If you are required to show ID by a retailer, you have the right to file complaints with your card issuer and with Visa, MC, Amex (which ever one that was used when asked for ID)

The punishments to the retailer can be - a warning, fines up to and possibly exceeding $2000 and also the possibility of losing the right to accept that particular brand of credit card (visa or mastercard)

edit+++++++
No DANO I don't work for a credit card company.
But it is obvious that you do not read the fine print - with that said - here's hoping good luck to you if you ever make a major purchase.
Always Read The Fine Print !!!!

Answer 2

ECHO must work for on of the major credit card companies to give that BS answer. Maybe the CC companies have a policy that says the retailer cant ask for ID or you get some BS fine. Maybe. The fact of the matter is that the retailer pays the CC company a fee every time they accept that card. Not the other way around. So I really don't think a CC company is going to fine someone who is paying them and besides that most retailers HAVE a company policy to check Id's and that is what matters. Good Luck 2 U

Answer 3

I worked in retail and I was told if the card is not signed YOU have to ask for id unless you use it as a debit and put in a pin then we didn't have to ask for id. I think it's great people ask for id because even though you may live in a small town someone still could easily get your card.

Answer 4

May be you could give me your card and whoever doesn't ask to see my ID I could use it. Just be grateful you do not have family like mine because I have to hide my purse and wallet from them any time I visit. Just for your info on the back of my credit card I wrote "See ID" and they still do not ask. Count your blessings. :)

Answer 5

I can't believe you are complaining about this. Everytime a retailer asks to see my id when I use a credit card I THANK THEM. It 's for our protection!

Answer 6

It's inconvienient but it's for your own protection. Just grin and bear it ;)

Go Pistons!

Answer 7

You have to show it or they don't have to accept it.

Whichever you prefer, but it is for your own protection.