Despite the fact that credit card companies request that you sign your card immediately upon activation, many cardholders still believe that carrying a non-signed card is actually safer. And their argument does make some sense. By writing "See Photo I.D." on the signature line rather than signing your card, it forces cashiers (in theory) to make sure that the person presenting the card is actually you. If your card is signed and it is stolen, it gives the thief the opportunity to recreate your signature, which many people are quite good at doing. They can forge your signature and easily pass as you if no ID is required.

However, according to the fraud departments at most of the major credit card providers (MasterCard, Visa and American Express), it is strongly suggested that you sign your card. For your credit safety, credit card companies have strictly advised that merchants refuse to let patrons make a purchase with an unsigned card. The majority of retailers are trained to refuse your card if it isn't signed, even if you have a valid photo ID. Many merchants will make you sign the card before they complete the transaction. Therefore, not signing your card isn't making things any safer for you and actually can make things easily for a thief, who doesn't have to worry about recreating your signature, but rather can sign your name in their own handwriting.

Unfortunately, signing your credit card is no guarantee of credit safety. Many cashiers don't even look at the signature on the back of the card and others give your card back before you have even signed the sales slip. This is especially true when retailers have readers that allow customers to swipe their own card. Even if the clerk compares the printed receipt with the signature on the back of your card, they are more likely to give customers the benefit of the doubt, as many people's signatures look very different when signed with a digital pen than they do on the back of their card or on paper. Also, a good majority of credit card fraud is done online, which of course does not require that anyone see your signature.

There are some other important steps that you can take to decrease your chances of credit card fraud. Make sure that others are not looking over your shoulder to copy down your credit card number or inspect your signature. Also, always take your store and ATM receipts so that you can compare them with your credit card statements. While you will typically be informed by your credit card company if an unusually large purchase appears on your card, it is still always a good idea to carefully read your statements. Always keep a close eye on your purse or wallet and don't carry all of your cards with you at once. Only bring one or two and leave the rest in a safe place at home. Finally, if you think that your credit card has been compromised, call the credit card issuer immediately.

Learn more about this author, Marie Gerber.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Credit card safety: Why you should sign your card?
We want to hear your view. Write now!