Should you sign the back of a credit card or should you not sign it?

Question

I know some people just put there to See ID or soemthing like that. What do you do?

Answer 1

Depends... Some retailers will not process an unsigned card.

I write on the back of my card: "PLEASE ASK FOR ID".

I have never had a retailer refuse to process a card that has that written on it. BUT: It is not really much help. ID theft in a world where so many transactions are not even taking place face-to-face is not going to be stopped by this measure.

Answer 2

Good Question and I'm not sure of the right answer to be honest.

Most stores have the Credit card machines on the Customers side of the counter and never handle the card, so they won't know if you sign it or write SEE ID on it or not.

Cashiers were always suppose to compare it to the signature on the credit card receipt, but I haven't had anyone(other then in the store I Managed) ask to see the card or look at the back; if I handed it to them.

If you make a large purchase OR if someone steals your card and attempts to make one, the store might ask to see the card and Identification, so maybe sign it and write See I.D. as well.

Answer 3

The problem is if someone gets a hold of your card they can then sign their signature. There are also some companies that will not accept a card unless signed. The US Post Office is one of these places.

The other side of this is that probably close to 75% of the salespeople do not even look at the signature. I do sign my card but also write "See ID". I only have about one or two out of every 10 sales people request my ID.

Now, some people think by not siging the card they can get out of paying because they did not agree to the terms. However, the credit card companies have gotten smart and added terms like "By signing OR using this card you agree to the terms".

Answer 4

First of all, most cashiers do not look at the back of the credit card anymore. In fact, my husband and I were in JCPenney the other day and they have, like most stores do, those little machines that you swipe your card through. After doing that, the machine instructed me to hand my card to the cashier, however, the cashier said that they have a new policy where they are not to touch customers' credit cards so they do not check them.

I used to just write See ID but I worked for a place that their policy was that they would not accepted a credit card that wasn't signed. I started signing it and writing See ID. Like I said though, most cashiers don't look at the back of the card so it is very very rare that I get asked for ID.

Answer 5

I sign it. But i've written on the back before SEE ID and they still dont ask! I would just sign your name and also put SEE ID

Answer 6

You can write "ask for ID" on the back - that way if someone gets ahold of your card, they do not have your signature to forge. That's what I put on mine, but most cashiers don't even look at it and never ask for ID. But, if someone else uses it - the signature will not be valid so you can fight the charges.

Answer 7

It depends. I personally sign mine but I know several people that put see id. You defiantly need to put something there tho, because if the store attended looks at it and it is blank they can refuse to accept it until it is signed, and you can't sign it there on the spot.

Answer 8

I sign in the top half of the space and then print below the signature "Verify Photo ID" and soundly berate the clerk if they don't ask...

Answer 9

I have See ID on it...that way if it's ever stolen no one can try to use it. When I did sign the back no one ever asked to see my id...which really bothered me.

Answer 10

Some retailers use the signature in the back of the card to compare with the signature on your license to verify you.

Answer 11

The ASK FOR ID....is the only way to go.....don't sign it..