[mabrodis]

So do you sign your credit and/or debit cards? On the back of the card, in the little spot do you actually sign it or just put "SEE ID"?

I always would sign them before, then learned about how it's safer to just put "SEE ID" so if stolen they likely could not be used (although honestly I couldn't care less if someone uses it after stealing, I will pay nothing, been through that many years ago)...most places have no problem with the "SEE ID", then again most places glance at it as if they looked at a signature, but never ask me for an ID...rather funny.

However, I've had a few experiences recently that would NOT accept a credit card that wasn't fully signed on the back. First one was a RV rental company in Alaska, I figured that was maybe something odd since the charges were fairly large (>$2000) so they wanted to make sure it was you...my card said "SEE ID", and then I signed my name below it and that was fine for them...but recently I noticed at sign at our Post Office that said "All Credit Cards must be signed", and I have seen a few signs at some restaurants...so apparently some merchants will NOT accept them without being signed? Seems to be one of those caught inbetween the old and new technology...they want to verify your signature...but to do that you have to carry your signature in your wallet, which is very old-school...

What say you?

[Spook50]

Mine all say CHECK ID. If a place won't accept my military identification as proof of who I am, I won't give them my business anymore.

[fsusteve]

I don't sign but show ID with signature. I've had a few people balk at that, but once I explain why they generally accept it. I've actually started going back to using cash again especially at places where I'm concerned about the shadyness of the help.

[trainrech]

See ID with no signature works until someone signs your name and the merchant/bank have nothing to compare the signature to.

According to my wife, who has worked in the banking industry for over 15 years, sign AND add "See ID". About all the insurance on that side of the card you'll get.

[projektdotnet]

mine wears off all the time so i have to re-sign it about ever 2-3 months...and i also put See ID on there too

[thekirk]

Take a look at the fine print on the back of your cards. *That's* why they have to be signed. I had the same question, and asked the credit union that I bank at "why"?

Credit union rep told me that an unsigned card meant you hadn't signed on to the credit agreement w/the company--it's like an unsigned contract. Since she works with the credit card company, and I don't, I gotta go with what she said.

[Brian in Oregon]

Originally Posted by thekirk

Take a look at the fine print on the back of your cards. *That's* why they have to be signed. I had the same question, and asked the credit union that I bank at "why"?

Credit union rep told me that an unsigned card meant you hadn't signed on to the credit agreement w/the company--it's like an unsigned contract. Since she works with the credit card company, and I don't, I gotta go with what she said.

DING DING DING DING - We have a winnah!

[informationjunky]

mine has my picture on it

[diesel_toy]

I would strongly reccomend not to show ID.

And this is why: When you show id the person you show this to has 1: Your creditcard number
2: the name of your provider
3: your full name
4: your adress (depending on the id you used)
5: your date of birth
6: If you are femal your maiden name (also depending on the id)
***one look in the phone book change your adress with the creditcard provider report your card stolen and YOU LOST YOUR IDENTITY TO SOMEONE ELSE!!! not to speak of al the financial damage they can do to you

Get a credit card with a photo on it and that is way safer!!

[Russ in California]

Most credit/debit cards say on the back "not valid unless signed".

[Brian in Oregon]

Originally Posted by diesel_toy

I would strongly reccomend not to show ID.

And this is why: When you show id the person you show this to has 1: Your creditcard number
2: the name of your provider
3: your full name
4: your adress (depending on the id you used)
5: your date of birth
6: If you are femal your maiden name (also depending on the id)
***one look in the phone book change your adress with the creditcard provider report your card stolen and YOU LOST YOUR IDENTITY TO SOMEONE ELSE!!! not to speak of al the financial damage they can do to you

Get a credit card with a photo on it and that is way safer!!

They'd have to have a very fast, photographic memory. Considering most are minimum wage checkout clerks, I really don't see a problem here.

[DaveyBoy]

Originally Posted by trainrech

According to my wife, who has worked in the banking industry for over 15 years, sign AND add "See ID". About all the insurance on that side of the card you'll get.

This is what I've been doing for about 10 years.

Another tip is to use your debit card as a credit transaction
as you often get more protection from the issuing company.

[mabrodis]

Originally Posted by Russ in California

Most credit/debit cards say on the back "not valid unless signed".

Oh you're right, they all say that, but still most people don't sign them I don't think...

I think banks have always said to sign them, but then consumer agencies say to not sign them...who knows...

[78-FJ40]

I've always put SEE PHOTO ID and never had anyone refuse a card.

[Corbet]

Originally Posted by Russ in California

Most credit/debit cards say on the back "not valid unless signed".

Does this mean I don't have to pay my bill?