Should I Sign the Back of My Credit Card?

If you take a look at the back of your credit card you may see “Not Valid Unless Signed”, now signing the back of your credit card is an important security step for protecting your card’s information if it should fall into the wrong hands. Some think signing the back of their card potential thieves a copy of their signature to use to forge their name.

But does it really? Continue reading to learn more about the importance of signing your credit card.

Should You Sign the Back of Your Credit Card?

Signing the back of your credit card is generally a good idea rather than not. When used in conjunction with the card verification value (CVV) on your card, it creates a line of defense should a criminal try to swipe your card.

Signing the back of your credit card is an important security step for protecting your card’s information if it falls into the wrong hands. Merchants are supposed to check that the signature on the card matches the signature on the sales receipt as a security precaution.

If a card has no signature on the back, they aren’t required to process the ensuing payment.

Writing “See ID” on a Credit Card

Writing “see ID” or “check ID” on a credit card has been a way to prevent fraud and while it might seem like a great way to protect from fraud, it actually may invalidate the card. This is because only your valid signature that a merchant can match with a signature on a sales receipt is acceptable.

In some cases, the merchant may ask you for another card to make your purchase. To save yourself from a slower-than-needed transaction at the cash register, sign your credit card as intended.

Tips for Protecting Against Fraud

• Only carry the credit cards you need
  • When you travel, keep a list of the credit cards that you have with you
  • Make note of their full account numbers and expiration dates, as well as contact numbers for the issuers
• Go paperless and start checking your credit card statements online to avoid having to keep and shred your paper statements
  • Be sure to keep your online passwords in a safe place and to update them from time to time
• Check your credit card transactions each month to check for errors or suspicious activity
  • Quickly report any transaction you don’t recognize to your card issuer
• Don’t let others use your card
• Don’t leave your card unattended
• Consider freezing your credit if you’re concerned that your personal information might have been exposed

Author’s Verdict

In general there’s nothing wrong with signing the back of your credit card. Taking other steps to keep your personal information safe will pay off much more than writing “see ID” on the back of your card.

If you’re worried about credit card security, be sure to monitor your financial accounts regularly for signs of unauthorized charges.

Also be sure to check out our own lists of bank promotions and CD tables!