# Credit cards

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-cards/469430>\
**Category:** Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports\
**Created:** [October 24, 2008, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-cards/469430 "2008-10-24T21:27:57Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 3

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**Author:** ![SeanArenas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeanArenas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeanArenas)\
**Post date:** [October 29, 2008, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-cards/469430/41 "2008-10-29T21:12:28Z")

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> [@JillGat](#):
>
> The consensus, as I recall from our earlier discussion about whether it is legal to put “Check ID” instead of a signature, was that it is not. The Post Office, at least, will often not accept cards signed like that.

For a real trip, come to the Post Office in Chatsworth, California, and buy some stamps using a Visa which has “ASK FOR ID” on the back. Or use it to pay for a package shipment.

They accept mine just fine every single time, for the past 5 years. Never had them bat an eye.

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**Author:** ![islander12](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ba9def/32.png) [@islander12](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/islander12)\
**Post date:** [November 3, 2008, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-cards/469430/42 "2008-11-03T03:33:23Z")

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> [@SeanArenas](#):
>
> I haven’t, nor has anyone (that I’ve noticed) complained about someone asking for my ID when they read the words CHECK ID on the back of my card.
> 
> My _VISA_ card says “CHECK ID” on the back. I would expect and want them to check my ID when they see those words.
> 
> My complaint when they ask for my ID is on my American Express. I have not written “CHECK ID” on my American Express. And, my photograph is already on the American Express. So why, when I go to Gamestop (and only Gamestop) do they ask for my ID _and_ my signature?

As a frequent shopper at Game Stop, I have always been asked for my ID when I pick up a pre-ordered game. I use my Visa card and my Discover card both at many different Game Stop locations with the same results every time. They ask for both my credit card and my State issued ID, and tell me I need these items before I can pick up the game.

Have you considered that it is probably just store policy to ask for a valid ID when picking a pre-ordered game up? The clerk is just following orders and doesn’t want to get in trouble. Have your ID out and ready so she can glance at it and you can walk out with your game faster.

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