(No Ratings Yet)

Sign the Back of My Credit Cards or Not?

Posted by J.S.

July 1, 2008

Numerous credit card users have become more cautious about using their cards as apposed to past years. Most people refuse to sign the back of their credit cards. This is to try to reduce the chance of becoming a victim of credit card fraud. Many leave the signature line blank, while some write “See ID” on the back.

The purpose of not signing your credit card is so that a criminal cannot use your card when trying to purchase something. They won’t be able to produce a signature or I.D. that matches the front of the card. They would not even be able to try to forge your name, if it wasn’t on the back. If a person was to purchase something online or over the telephone, your signature does not matter. However, if they purchased it in the store, the clerk should ask the credit card provider for identification.

Although everyone has their own decisions whether to sign it or not, if you did sign the back of your card, there is always that possibility that a thief could use your signature to get other information.

If your choice is not to sign the back of your card with your name, then write “See ID” over the signature line so that the store clerk will ask you to provide them with a valid picture I.D. Your driver’s license is the best form of identification because not only does it have your name and a photo, it also has your signature. By leaving the line blank, the clerk should ask to see some proof of identification anyways.

So is it better to leave it unsigned, or just to sign it? Most store clerks don’t ask to see your I.D., or even flip the card over. Most stores today just have you slide your card through.

So, does it really benefit to sign the back of your credit cards?

Your credit card company will recommend that you sign the back of your card. According to them, a store clerk is not authorized to make a transaction on the credit card if they are not signed. Some store clerks might request that you sign it in their presence and then they will complete the transactions. Store clerks have the right to deny you from making the purchase without your signature on the back.

Honestly, how many clerks check the back of your credit cards when you are making a purchase? Even if you have or have not signed the back of the card, as a rule, they are supposed to be checking it, if they don’t, you are not protected.

Follow your card company’s recommendations and sign the back of your card to be safe. Just in case you were to lose your purse or credit card, you should not have a problem with someone else using your card as long as everyone else is also doing their job to help protect you.

In today’s time, credit card companies have become so advanced that you can even get your card with your photo I.D. on it for additional protection. It’s very rare that a thief that steals your card will be an identical twin.