topic Re: Do you have to sign the AMEX BCE? in Credit Cards

Do you have to sign the AMEX BCE?

Anonymous — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 23:38:40 GMT

I searched on here and found one thread, however, I've also read contradicting answers else where, so I thought I might as well ask.

Am I supposed to sign the back of my AMEX BCE card?

There is a faint white box, but is has my account number on it and is very small (not really enough room to sign it). I assume this is an intended feature, and AMEX doesn't require a signature? I also see unlike my other cards, my BCE doesn't have the usual "not valid unless signed" wording, so I guess that's convincing evidence as well.

Thanks!

Re: Do you have to sign the AMEX BCE?

Anonymous — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 23:39:58 GMT

I have the BCP and i didn't sign it !!

Re: Do you have to sign the AMEX BCE?

E150GT — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:03:38 GMT

its usually the merchants that really care if you sign it. I have never been asked to see the sig here in the states but I was hassled in France about my signature not being on my card.

Re: Do you have to sign the AMEX BCE?

calihlove75 — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 01:32:27 GMT

I did not sign mine either for the same reasons. Never had anyone give me problems.

Re: Do you have to sign the AMEX BCE?

afbar1114 — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 01:43:37 GMT

I don't sign my cards at all. I was at apple yesterday they asked me for ID because I didn't sign it. I find it useless to sign a card since 99.999% of the time it never leaves my hand or they never check it.

Re: Do you have to sign the AMEX BCE?

nagisa — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:29:40 GMT

@afbar1114 wrote:
I don't sign my cards at all. I was at apple yesterday they asked me for ID because I didn't sign it. I find it useless to sign a card since 99.999% of the time it never leaves my hand or they never check it.

Apparently VISA merchant agreements don't allow shops to 'require' to see ID. I've never tried refusing though and arguing with them re. their merchant agreement.

Re: Do you have to sign the AMEX BCE?

chnceit — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:40:19 GMT

CCC state you must sign the card or the member agreement is void, but most people over look this and dont sign it.

Re: Do you have to sign the AMEX BCE?

Duncanrr — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:41:48 GMT

I do not sign them as it can assist in identity theft. Also, don't put your SSN on your DL's.

Re: Do you have to sign the AMEX BCE?

sakhalin070 — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 08:35:15 GMT

I'm not sure if the AMEX BCE is intended to be signed. The grey box on the back is way too small, especially with the numbers in the way. Mine's blank. I've seen some people sign it though...only the top half of their signature shows up XD

Re: Do you have to sign the AMEX BCE?

Anonymous — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 08:42:53 GMT

I've never signed a card in my life.

Re: Do you have to sign the AMEX BCE?

CraftyProcrastinator — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 11:16:58 GMT

Likewise. It wouldn't make sense for someone to find your card, and be able to copy your signature from looking at the back.

Re: Do you have to sign the AMEX BCE?

Anonymous — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 12:15:04 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I searched on here and found one thread, however, I've also read contradicting answers else where, so I thought I might as well ask.

Am I supposed to sign the back of my AMEX BCE card?

There is a faint white box, but is has my account number on it and is very small (not really enough room to sign it). I assume this is an intended feature, and AMEX doesn't require a signature? I also see unlike my other cards, my BCE doesn't have the usual "not valid unless signed" wording, so I guess that's convincing evidence as well.

Thanks!

I noticed the same thing and called to ask. Their reply was that you are supposed to sign. The CSRs I spoke with stated that many others had complained about the issue.

Re: Do you have to sign the AMEX BCE?

HenryJumbo — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 18:06:33 GMT

Don't listen to the misinformed people on here. Technically you're suppose to sign the card. Merchants are required to ask for ID if the back of the card isn't signed. However merchants break the so-called agreement all the time. In New York City some merchants put minimums on purchases, or just flat out increase prices to cover for transaction fees.

In the end it's about covering your own back. The merchants can careless, the cc companies will find a way to make a profit and you are stuck either holding the bill or stressing about holding the bill.

Don't worry too much about signing vs not signing, just practice safe shopping and you'll be okay.

Source: http://usa.visa.com/download/merchants/card-acceptance-guidelines-for-visa-merchants.pdf

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 another signed Visa card.

• Compare the signature on the card to the signature on the ID.

Source: http://www.americanexpress.com/gns/fraud_protection.html

Keep all your financial details safe and secure. Here’s what you can do to help minimize the risk of fraud.

Most importantly…

• Immediately sign the back of new cards

Re: Do you have to sign the AMEX BCE?

chnceit — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 18:48:24 GMT

@Duncanrr wrote:
I do not sign them as it can assist in identity theft. Also, don't put your SSN on your DL's.

This is what I do!

I though all DLs have a license number not SSN anymore

Re: Do you have to sign the AMEX BCE?

Duncanrr — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 06:22:23 GMT

Louisiana DL's still have spot for SSN. Ive never put that on my DL and dont carry my SSN card with me. If a place doesnt want to accept my card without it being signed then they dont get paid