How do I Write "Ask for ID" on a Credit Card?
With the number of cases of identity theft in the United States continuing to grow, many people want to protect themselves by writing "Ask for ID" on their credit cards instead of providing their signatures. Many retailers now offer customers the ability to swipe their credit cards themselves when making purchases. While writing "Ask for ID" on the back of a credit card may offer a sense of protection, there are a few drawbacks to doing so.
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Things You'll Need
- Credit Card Agreement
- Ball point pen or permanent marker
- Unsigned credit card
Instructions
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Recognize credit card signature policies. Major credit card companies such as Visa and Mastercard do not require retailers to ask for your ID when making a purchase. This applies even if you write "Ask for ID" or "See ID" on the back of the card.
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Read your credit card agreement. Many credit card companies consider a card invalid if you do not provide a signature on the back of the card. You will find this information in your credit card agreement.
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Use a ball point pen or permanent marker. Using either a ball point pen or permanent marker helps to make sure whatever you write in the signature box does not rub off.
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Turn the credit card over. The signature box in which to write is located on the back of the card.
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Write "Ask for ID" or "See ID" in the space provided.
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Tips & Warnings
Always carry a form of identification with you when making purchases. If you forget your ID, the retailer may refuse to allow you to use your credit card if you write "Ask for ID" or "See ID" in the signature box.
Never write "Ask for ID" or "See ID" if it invalidates your card. If you credit card agreement specifically states you cannot use your card if anything other than your signature is in the signature box, don't write "Ask for ID" or "See ID" in the space provided.
References
- Photo Credit patriot credit card image by Ray Kasprzak from Fotolia.com
