Is it required by state law (CA) to show ID when paying by credit card? Whats the deal on this?

Question

I need to know, in California, whats the deal with merchants asking for I.D.? I recently got married and changed my last name but my new credit cards have not yet come in. A cashier at a large retailer denied my purchase because my last name on my credit card did not match my drivers license even though I showed her my work PHOTO I.D. which also has my old last name (i also showed her ALL of my other cards that have my old last name). Later on, I paid by debit card (which she accepted because of the entire pin number ordeal), and the debit card had my old last name as did the credit card.

So is it legal?

Answer 1

there is no law about this. the credit card companies want the stores to ask for id, but the stores do not want to hassle the customers. I have been asked for id on a 5.00 purchase, and not asked on a 90.00 purchase from the same store.
for a really fun time, let your new hubby try to use a card with your name on it, preferably right after you have successfully used a card with his name. I threatened to sue a major warehouse club because they were always letting my wife use cards with my first name, but would not take the same cards if I showed one with her first name. They caved

Answer 2

It is now becoming a practice here in TX to ask for an ID even when using a debit card PIN number! Merchants are supposed to verify the user of the card. Best Buy will not accept a credit card unless it was signed before you entered the store, and the signature matches that on your ID. It isn't a law, but it is to protect you and them from credit card theft, and lawsuits. You could potentially sue them if someone using your card was allowed to purchase from them, because they failed to ID them. It is merely a safety net, although annoying...I'd rather have them ID me every time, then have them not ID and be stuck with a huge problem.

Answer 3

merchants and other places where you use your credit card have the right to ask for identifications. if the name doesn't match with one is printed on the card than the transaction can be cancelled. futhermore, if you had not signed the back of the card they are allowed to ask for ID (every card has the message that you must sign your name). if you find yourself in simliar situation in the future where you don't have a proper ID or forget to carry one, just call the card company (the number is on the card) and get an approval code for the purchase you are making. the merchant also could call to verify your matching address to process the transaction.

Answer 4

I think stores ask for your ID when you make credit purchases because it is a line of credit and its approved instantly because it doesnt require instant money like debit cards. Debit cards require the pin # before the purchase can be approved and requiring id for credit purchases are just probably requirements for reducing the use of stolen credits cards.

Answer 5

Yes. There is a Law in Canada that allows merchant to check for ID. This law is under debate. Visa and MasterCard have told some complainers that it is ok to check for ID in that State.

You should of showed your marriage licenses. That should of worked.

Answer 6

I doubt there's a law requiring it, but if a store has accepted stolen credit cards often enough, they might have decided that it's a smart thing to do.