# Can merchants ask for ID when taking a credit card? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [November 9, 2002, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-merchants-ask-for-id-when-taking-a-credit-card/135988 "2002-11-09T05:10:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Dragonblink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9bd4f/32.png) [@Dragonblink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dragonblink)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2002, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-merchants-ask-for-id-when-taking-a-credit-card/135988/21 "2002-11-09T22:44:04Z")
I’ve seen customers get downright violent when asked for ID and told that their card would not be accepted without it. This in a city where nobody walks anywhere – but I feel I would’ve been risking my physical safety if I even hinted the question “Do the police know you drove here without a driver’s license?” I’ve had some people proudly tell me how they don’t sign their card because “Then if someone steals it they’ll be asked for ID.” You have no idea how strong the urge to take the card, sign it, and say “Now you can’t use it either” was. The card is not valid unless signed – says it right there on the back. ---
**Author:** ![Moirai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/96bed5/32.png) [@Moirai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moirai)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2002, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-merchants-ask-for-id-when-taking-a-credit-card/135988/22 "2002-11-09T22:45:34Z")
I always write “please check ID” on the back of my cards, and hardley anyone even looks at the back of the card! Several times, someone has looked at the back, allegedly read what I wrote, and still didn’t ask for my ID! I especially like the employees who pretend to be comparing my signature on the slip to the back of the card, which doesn’t HAVE my signature! Priceless. ---
**Author:** ![PosterChild](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e274bd/32.png) [@PosterChild](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PosterChild)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2002, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-merchants-ask-for-id-when-taking-a-credit-card/135988/23 "2002-11-09T23:07:37Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Dragonblink \* > \*\*I’ve had some people proudly tell me how they don’t sign their card because “Then if someone steals it they’ll be asked for ID.” You have no idea how strong the urge to take the card, sign it, and say “Now you can’t use it either” was. The card is not valid unless signed – says it right there on the back. \*\* That’s funny. Why wouldn’t the thief just sign their name on the card so it’d be in his handwriting. It seems that not signing the card would make it easier- the thief wouldn’t have to forge anything. PC ---
**Author:** ![Farren](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bbce88/32.png) [@Farren](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Farren)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2002, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-merchants-ask-for-id-when-taking-a-credit-card/135988/24 "2002-11-10T00:34:43Z")
Credit cards actually do have PINs (or at least mine does), which you use if you want to get a cash advance from an ATM. Of course, the downside to that (besides having to remember the PIN) is that you get hit with the Cash Advance APR, which is frequently more than the Purchase APR, plus the grace period sometimes doesn’t apply … However, for an ordinary purchase, no PIN is required. ---
**Author:** ![hardygrrl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a3d4f5/32.png) [@hardygrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hardygrrl)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2002, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-merchants-ask-for-id-when-taking-a-credit-card/135988/25 "2002-11-10T00:44:54Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by PosterChild \* > \*\*That’s funny. Why wouldn’t the thief just sign their name on the card so it’d be in his handwriting. It seems that not signing the card would make it easier- the thief wouldn’t have to forge anything. > > PC \*\* They do, trust me. I’ve used a variation of this to explain to customers that the card has to be signed. According to V/M policy, we must decline charges if the card is not signed. If the merchant calls to get a charge approved and the card is not signed, we **must decline the sale, no matter what.** No signature = invalid card. ---
**Author:** ![Kat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b19c9b/32.png) [@Kat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kat)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2002, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-merchants-ask-for-id-when-taking-a-credit-card/135988/26 "2002-11-10T01:15:42Z")
Actually, according to the [FAQ page](http://www.mastercardintl.com/faq.html#b_cust_serv) at [www.mastercardintl.com](http://www.mastercardintl.com) > [@](#): > > If a merchant displays a decal with the MasterCard logo to indicate that MasterCard cards are accepted, that merchant can not condition a sale based upon the cardholder disclosing any other information or identification, except under very specific conditions, such as when merchant needs to deliver merchandise to the cardholder’s home or business. So, no, they can’t require ID in general. ---
**Author:** ![amarone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e0b2c6/32.png) [@amarone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarone)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2002, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-merchants-ask-for-id-when-taking-a-credit-card/135988/27 "2002-11-10T14:06:16Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by zweisamkeit \* > \*\*You need to use a PIN when you use a debit card (which takes funds from your checking account). There are new ones called “check cards” that act like a credit card (you don’t have to use a PIN or anything), but it still withdraws from your checking account. \*\* If by “check cards” you mean the ones with a VISA or MC logo, these are debit cards and can take a PIN. If you do not enter the PIN, they are treated like credit cards as far as the retailer is concerned i.e. the retailer has to pay the fee associated with a credit card. A retailer has to pay more for a credit card than a debit card. The more modern POS software will identify whether it is a debit card from the number and prompt for a PIN. ---
**Author:** ![amarone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e0b2c6/32.png) [@amarone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarone)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2002, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-merchants-ask-for-id-when-taking-a-credit-card/135988/28 "2002-11-10T14:09:55Z")
I was in Best Buy once when a customer was asked for ID and he didn’t have any because it was his wife’s card. He got most irate, using that common illogical defense of “but I’ve often done this” (surely you can’t give me a ticket for doing 100 mph officer, I do it all the time). Which brings me to a slight hijack - in American films and TV shows, you often hear about kids and spouses using another family member’s credit card. I’d assumed therefore that somehow this must be legit with American credit cards. I guess not. ---
**Author:** ![amarone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e0b2c6/32.png) [@amarone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarone)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2002, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-merchants-ask-for-id-when-taking-a-credit-card/135988/29 "2002-11-10T14:13:59Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Floater \* > \*\* > True, true. I was very surprised the first time I bought something with a CC in England and I did **not** have to show a photo ID. \*\* This could well be because most people in the UK do not have a photo ID, apart from those with a passport. I certainly wouldn’t want to have to carry my passport around. Actually, I’ve been away from the UK for 6 years and I believe drivers licences are now being issued with photos. As mine is valid for another 30 years, I want need to worry about getting a photo on mine for some time. In the UK there has long been a huge opposition to having to carry any form of ID card, hence the lack of anything that would serve the purpose. ---
**Author:** ![Yersinia\_Pestis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/ccd318/32.png) [@Yersinia\_Pestis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yersinia_Pestis)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2002, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-merchants-ask-for-id-when-taking-a-credit-card/135988/30 "2002-11-11T04:02:17Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by amarone \* > \*\*Which brings me to a slight hijack - in American films and TV shows, you often hear about kids and spouses using another family member’s credit card. I’d assumed therefore that somehow this must be legit with American credit cards. I guess not. \*\* The card holder can add his/her kids or spouse to a credit card, making them authorized users of the account. When I was a teenager, my parents added me to one of their credit cards in case I needed it for an emergency–I got a card with my name on it, but anything I charged with it came on my parents’ bill. ---
**Author:** ![amarone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e0b2c6/32.png) [@amarone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarone)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2002, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-merchants-ask-for-id-when-taking-a-credit-card/135988/31 "2002-11-11T05:28:59Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Yersinia Pestis \* > \*\* > The card holder can add his/her kids or spouse to a credit card, making them authorized users of the account. When I was a teenager, my parents added me to one of their credit cards in case I needed it for an emergency–I got a card with my name on it, but anything I charged with it came on my parents’ bill. \*\* The sort of example I’m thinking of is where someone says “I’ve got my dad’s credit card” or “let me borrow your credit card” which suggests simply borrowing someone else’s. I hope that retailers have checks in place to stop my sons “borrowing” my card. ---
**Author:** ![Achernar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e274bd/32.png) [@Achernar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Achernar)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2002, 10:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-merchants-ask-for-id-when-taking-a-credit-card/135988/32 "2002-11-11T10:34:41Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Yersinia Pestis \* > I got a card with my name on it, but anything I charged with it came on my parents’ bill. Yes, but if the card has your name on it, the fact that it’s not your account would not be an issue when you are asked for your identification. ---
**Author:** ![hardygrrl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a3d4f5/32.png) [@hardygrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hardygrrl)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2002, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-merchants-ask-for-id-when-taking-a-credit-card/135988/33 "2002-11-11T12:48:20Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Achernar \* > \*\*Yes, but if the card has your name on it, the fact that it’s not your account would not be an issue when you are asked for your identification. \*\* Correct. As long as you are a joint cardmember or an authorized user, you can use the account. If you are not, and the merchant calls the bank, we will try to reach the cardmember to validate the usage. If we can and they say “ok”, we’ll advise them to add you to the account and approve the sale. If we can’t reach them, the sale is declined and a hold will be placed on the account until the cardmember calls in to verify you are allowed to use the account. Family/friendly fraud is a huge issue. That’s why unless we verify with the cardmember is aware of the usage, you will not be allowed to use the account. ---
**Author:** ![AmbushBug](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ambushbug/32/4600_2.png) [@AmbushBug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AmbushBug)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2002, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-merchants-ask-for-id-when-taking-a-credit-card/135988/34 "2002-11-11T20:45:41Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by hardygrrl \* > \*\*I work for a credit card bank as a fraud analyst. > > … > > As for the OP, stores can ask for ID for credit cards just as they would for a check. Stores like Best Buy are magnets for stolen credit cards. Enough fraud losses/chargebacks and policy will be changed. As a merchant, they reserve the right to verify a payment’s validity. It’s the equivalent of asking for ID for a check, or checking a hundred dollar bill to make sure it’s not counterfeit. \*\* I concur with all of your points, and bow to your authority … except on this. The merchant agreement the retailer subscribed to forbids this. As Kat posted: > [@](#): > > If a merchant displays a decal with the MasterCard logo to indicate that MasterCard cards are accepted, that merchant can not condition a sale based upon the cardholder disclosing any other information or identification, … So if I present my valid, signed credit card to a merchant for payment, the merchant agrees my signature matches but still requires ID, which I refuse and the merchant cancels the sale, that merchant is in violation of his agreement. My issuing bank (a Visa) is clueless about this sort of complaint, so I’ve called 800-VISA-911 in the past with some success. I would also like to introduce the concept that, once you have presented your credit card to an unscrupulous clerk, all that clerk needs to perform **online** fraud with the rest of your card information are the numbers off of your billing address, which you most likely have just given him when he “innocently” asked for your ID. My hypothetical evil clerk has memorized the cvv2 when checking the signature, asked for ID to memorize the house number, and as soon as I’m out the door he’s printed a duplicate copy of the house draft (with full card number, name, and exp.date) and scratched his memorized cvv2 and address numbers on it, and stuck it in his pocket. 50 times a day. This is why I don’t show ID. (hijack) **hardygrrl** , can I rent a car using my wife’s card if I’m a joint cardmember, or is that OK by you processor folk but subject to the whims of the car rental agency? (/hijack) AmbushBug ---
**Author:** ![AmbushBug](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ambushbug/32/4600_2.png) [@AmbushBug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AmbushBug)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2002, 8:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-merchants-ask-for-id-when-taking-a-credit-card/135988/35 "2002-11-12T08:19:06Z")
Bump, because the hamsters failed to mark the thread as having been. And to add: If merchants can check ID for credit cards, exactly what is the point of Visa running all those expensive commercials which, to my POV, explicitly portray: “Use Your Visa Check Card, You Won’t Have To Prove Your Identity To The Store”. -AmbushBug ---
**Author:** ![Achernar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e274bd/32.png) [@Achernar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Achernar)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2002, 10:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-merchants-ask-for-id-when-taking-a-credit-card/135988/36 "2002-11-12T10:56:43Z")
**AmbushBug** : Visa Check Cards are presented as an alternative to check-writing, not credit cards. In all the commercials, the hapless protagonist starts out by trying to right a check. ---
**Author:** ![bibliophage](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bibliophage/32/7615_2.png) [@bibliophage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bibliophage)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2002, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-merchants-ask-for-id-when-taking-a-credit-card/135988/37 "2002-11-12T12:46:21Z")
Related Staff Report: [Should you sign the back of your credit cards?](http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mcredit.html) ---
**Author:** ![hardygrrl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a3d4f5/32.png) [@hardygrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hardygrrl)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2002, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-merchants-ask-for-id-when-taking-a-credit-card/135988/38 "2002-11-12T13:00:03Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by AmbushBug \* > \*\* > > I concur with all of your points, and bow to your authority … except on this. The merchant agreement the retailer subscribed to forbids this. As Kat posted: > > So if I present my valid, signed credit card to a merchant for payment, the merchant agrees my signature matches but still requires ID, which I refuse and the merchant cancels the sale, that merchant is in violation of his agreement.\*\* True but merchants violate the agreement _daily_. It takes a lot of complaints to get V/M privledges pulled from a merchant. > [@](#): > > **My issuing bank (a Visa) is clueless about this sort of complaint, so I’ve called 800-VISA-911 in the past with some success.** I’ll find it out at work today. IMO, this is not a violation that issuers get upset by. It prevents fraud losses. > [@](#): > > **I would also like to introduce the concept that, once you have presented your credit card to an unscrupulous clerk, all that clerk needs to perform online fraud with the rest of your card information are the numbers off of your billing address, which you most likely have just given him when he “innocently” asked for your ID. My hypothetical evil clerk has memorized the cvv2 when checking the signature, asked for ID to memorize the house number, and as soon as I’m out the door he’s printed a duplicate copy of the house draft (with full card number, name, and exp.date) and scratched his memorized cvv2 and address numbers on it, and stuck it in his pocket. 50 times a day.** He’d have the merchandise shipped to another address, which will _hopefully_ flag the merchant to verify the purchase. It’s very rare in this kind of fraud for them to have the stuff shipped to your home, where they risk getting caught. They usually ship to a po box/Mail Boxes Etc address, which is a huge fraud indicator. > [@](#): > > **(hijack) > hardygrrl, can I rent a car using my wife’s card if I’m a joint cardmember, or is that OK by you processor folk but subject to the whims of the car rental agency? > (/hijack)** We’d approve it, the merchant might not. In that case, ask them to call the bank and we’ll set them straight. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-merchants-ask-for-id-when-taking-a-credit-card/135988.md?page=1)