Asking for ID

[Anonymous]

I know that credit card agreements used to forbid the merchant requesting additional ID, the signature was sufficient.  But I know things have changed so wanted to check here.

Today, for the first time perhaps ever, I was asked for ID as the purchase was above $300.   This was at a highish-end sports footware company, where I would guess spending $300+ is  pretty common.    To avoid a fuss I complied, as a) I look suspicious and b) the fake id matched the stolen card so no prob!

But I am guessing now that even though /MC/A no longer require signatures, merchants still aren't meant to ask?   The store uses an old Square-type swipe reader, no chip, so I would guess they would be responsible in a dispute with a issuer of a chipped card (i.e. almost all of them).

[Remedios]

You should have argued vigorously 

https://www.thebalance.com/no-id-required-for-credit-card-purchases-3974686

[Bill77]

This happened to me once.  I immediately told the clerk it was against Visa/Mastercard policies and I wasn't showing ID.  Left my items on the counter and walked right out.  Never been back.

[UncleB]

Just speculation, but it was probably because they're using an old reader and are still swiping cards.  Like you mention, in the event of fraud it would very likely automatically fall back on them.

The local USPS office was my last holdout, and they *insisted* - in a way only the USPS and DMV can do - on ID anytime a credit card was used.  They didn't just go through the motions, the clerks actually took a good 5-10 seconds to carefully study the names, making sure the info matched for that $7 postage purchase.  No problem (like you my info matches) but annoying nonetheless.

As soon as their card reader software was updated to allow the chip readers to be used they stopped asking for IDs.  I've (thankfully) not had to use counter service for anything in months, but just a few weeks ago I noticed there's now a contactless logo on the lobby door so apparently they got another update (and joined the modern world).

[Anonymous]

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@Remedios wrote:

You should have argued vigorously 

https://www.thebalance.com/no-id-required-for-credit-card-purchases-3974686

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Right, I saw similar things after posting.  They can ask, but not insist, so long as the card is signed.    I do think it's time for the classic "Do you know who I AM?????" when the whole point is no, they don't!

[creditfan]

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@Remedios wrote:

You should have argued vigorously 

https://www.thebalance.com/no-id-required-for-credit-card-purchases-3974686

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based on this article you can argue if your credit cards are signed.

The funny thing is I never sign my cards

[UncleB]

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@creditfan wrote:

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@Remedios wrote:

You should have argued vigorously 

https://www.thebalance.com/no-id-required-for-credit-card-purchases-3974686

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based on this article you can argue if your credit cards are signed.

The funny thing is I never sign my cards

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New credit cards from U.S. Bank don't have a signature panel at all.

Some of my others that do have the panel no longer have language about "Authorized Signature" that used to be ubiquitous.

[xenon3030]

It is weird to request ID for a purchase in store (except liquors).

Regarding signature, seveal cards might not have one (using disinfectants can wipe the ink). Anyway, one person was recommending to avoid putting signature on the back of the cards and simply, write in its signature part "check ID". The conern was that at some places like restaurants, they pick-up the CC from the table and they may copy the card and the "signature" may get stolen easily. I am not sure whether it is good to follow this advice but several of my cards right now do not have signauture, due to using disinfectant at the middle of pandemic

For store pick-ups, several places need ID and they may scan them with their crappy old systems. At Macy's it seems that they NEED to scan the card with their crappy systems.

[Remedios]

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@Remedios wrote:

You should have argued vigorously 

https://www.thebalance.com/no-id-required-for-credit-card-purchases-3974686

---

Right, I saw similar things after posting.  They can ask, but not insist, so long as the card is signed.    I do think it's time for the classic "Do you know who I AM?????" when the whole point is no, they don't!

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My only concern with handing out DL comes from personal experience, I wasn't born with neurotypical brain, so if I see your license,I'll probably retain image for years if not longer. 

While I understand that it isn't common, that's my beef with showing ID unless absolutely necessary. 

I'd know who you are, I'd know where you live, and I'd probably notice you lied about your hight and weight next time I saw you. 

[Credit12Fico]

Should have left whatever it was on the counter and walked out.