You may be one of many thousands of people who have been led to believe by reputable sources that not signing your credit or debit card is a good way to prevent fraudulent use of your card if it is lost or stolen.  You’ve probably also been informed by these same sources; local news channels, newspaper articles, Internet, and law enforcement, that you should write, “See ID” on the back of the card.

 

According to Visa and MasterCard rules, your card is not valid unless signed.  If you look at the back of your card, it even states this below or next to the signature panel.  To assist your card issuer in reducing fraud losses when your card is lost or stolen, it is best to sign your card as it appears on your driver’s license.  If it makes you feel better, you can always squeeze the phrase, “See ID” in next to your legitimate signature.  This gives you the best of both worlds, as there is a legitimate signature as well as informing the accepting merchant that you want them to ask you for photo identification.

 

If you still feel as though you should not sign your card, think about this.  If you do not sign your card and it is lost or stolen, the person who now has it has a blank signature panel on which they can sign whatever name they want and have a valid ID to support it.  Why give someone a blank slate to commit fraud?  Please sign your card.  If you are an Issuer, please inform your cardholders.