For years I've ignored the signature field on the back of my credit card and put "SEE ID" instead. In the event the cashier actually checks it, they'll be prompted to check my identification. I've been asked for ID in this way probably a dozen times, in as many years.
For Visa, the merchant should ask you to sign the card anyway. "See ID" is the same as no signature, which means the card is invalid. Other credit card companies are probably the same.
> “See ID”
> Some customers write “See ID” or “Ask for ID” in the signature panel, thinking that this is a deterrent against fraud or forgery; that is, if their signature is not on the card, a fraudster will not be able to forge it. In reality, criminals often don’t take the time to practice signatures. They use cards as quickly as possible after a theft and prior to the accounts being blocked. They are actually counting on you not to look at the back of the card and compare signatures; they may even have access to counterfeit identification with a signature in their own handwriting.
> In this situation, follow recommended steps listed above under Unsigned Cards
> Unsigned Cards
> While checking card security features, you should also make sure that the card is signed. An unsigned card is considered invalid and should not be accepted. If a customer gives you an unsigned card, the following steps must be taken:
> • Check the cardholder’s ID.
> Ask the cardholder for some form of official government identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Where permissible by law, the ID serial number and expiration date should be written on the sales receipt before you complete the transaction.
> • Ask the customer to sign the card.
> The card should be signed within your full view, and the signature checked against the customer’s signature on the ID. A refusal to sign means the card is still invalid and cannot be accepted.
> • Ask the customer for a different signed Visa card
That's a great idea, actually. I keep ID at the ready and my cards are all unsigned. If they want signature verification, the back of the card is a silly place to look for it - as it can be signed by anyone. It could be a fake ID, but that's more difficult and less likely.
Sadly, very seldom does anyone even look to confirm it is even signed.
By writing "SEE ID," a malicious cashier can now get your credit card and ID-- enough info to impersonate you in some scenarios, make online transactions, deliver things to your address and steal them, etc. Yes, you have to show it in some transactions (purchasing alcohol, for instance), but those are rare. If you're asked for it for any reason at all (ex-- "to prevent fraud") that's a red flag, and a violation of the vendor-card agreement. It's not like the "SEE ID" thing would protect you from fraud when so few cashiers actually look at it anyway.
> I doubt any merchant ever has been punished for violating the cardholder agreement in this fashion.
There used to be forms on the Visa and MasterCard site to report this specific violation. So, yes, I imagine some merchants were reprimanded for requiring ID.
It isn’t a great idea. I used to do it (See ID), but it is actually not compliant with the credit card agreement. The post office by me refused to accept cards marked like that.
> It could be a fake ID, but that's more difficult and less likely
My parents used this system. When they'd send me to the store with their card, I'd just say I didn't have my ID on me. Never had an issue. (Note: don't do this without the cardholder's permission.)
Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. This is not legal advice.
I haven't signed a card in 15 years. No one has ever asked me about it and I don't think they have ever asked for ID. I figure I'll sign it if asked, but it's never come up.
I don't know if it's the same across the entire US postal system but my local post office won't let you pay with a card if it's not signed. "See ID" doesn't cut it.
