Every card holder is required to write their signature on a small blank strip on the back of every newly issued credit card. Many cardholders, however, don’t realize that they have the option of not signing this strip, in order to safeguard their signature and credit card account from individuals with nefarious intent. Cardholders also have the option of writing “see ID” on the line instead of their actual signature. The rationale behind not signing a credit card signature strip is simple; if the card is lost or stolen, anyone who gains possession of it will be able to forge the cardholder’s signature based on a convenient example on the back of the card. So the question is . . . to sign or not to sign?
Pros and Cons of Not Signing the Card
Credit card companies are known for requesting that new card holders sign their card, regardless of their preference. In fact, card issuers frequently tell card holders that store clerks are required to check the signature on the back of the card, and that some merchants will refuse purchases if there is no signature. This is not entirely true, however, as many merchants don’t even check the back of the card. By leaving the signature strip blank or by using the popular “see ID” alternative mentioned above, card holders can ensure that their signature is not readily available on their credit card, despite the fact that a very small percentage of merchants may ask to see identification upon viewing the blank strip. It is important to note that leaving the strip blank or using the “see ID” method will do nothing to stop a card thief from using the card for online or telephone purchases.
Using the “See ID” Method
By writing the phrase “see ID” on the signature strip, card holders can easily prompt merchants to ask for identification as a form of card ownership authentication. Using this method, the card holder can sign the charge receipt, and the merchant can compare the signature to the example on the card holder’s ID. Of course, the downside to using this technique is that the card holder will have to have identification available in order to make purchases. In some cases, simply leaving the signature strip line blank is enough to prompt merchants to ask for identification.
Additional Precautions
Aside from leaving a credit card’s signature strip blank, many experts also recommend that card holders leave all copies of their signature at home in a safe location. After all, it wouldn’t make much sense to leave the signature strip of a credit card blank, only to have several copies of the signature located within the same wallet as the card. Given the fact that many merchants do not even check the back of the card, or ask for identification, simply leaving the signature strip blank should be just one of many precautions taken by cardholders, which should also include credit monitoring services. Some credit card companies issue cards which have picture identification located in the top corner of the card for simplified ownership authentication.
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