Is There a Point of Writing ‘CHECK ID’ on the Back of your Credit Card?

An age old security tactic for protecting yourself from credit card theft is to sign the back of your credit card with ‘SEE ID’ or ‘CHECK ID’ instead of a signature.

The reasoning behind it being, if your credit card were ever to be stolen, the thief would not be inclined to use your card as he does not have the cardholder’s identification.

Why Signing ‘CHECK ID’ Is a Waste of Time

#1 – You’re Not Allowed

For starters, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diner’s Club all don’t allow it. You must sign the back of your credit card strip with your own signature. The back of most credit cards will clearly state ‘Not valid unless signed’. Cashiers constantly report that they are being scolded by people when they don’t ask for their ID, while some end up being offended even if they do ask. It has grown to a point that many store clerks are simply being told by their managers not to accept credit cards unless they are signed.

#2 – Retailer’s and Merchants have the Right to Reject Your Card

By regulation, your card can not legally be accepted unless it is signed. Some ‘savvy’ credit card users have claimed that they carry a backup card in case their ‘SEE ID’ card is rejected. This problem is, if you lose your credit card, it may be as a result of losing your wallet. In that instance, somebody could simply use the other ‘backup’ card.

#3 – Effort

While a sense of security may be invaluable to some, in the long run, whipping out your identification whenever you use your card will get tedious and frustrating. If you ever lose your credit card or get it stolen in the first place, all you need to do is simply contact your bank ASAP and under normal circumstances, you will not be held liable for fraudulent use/charges of your card.

#4 – Higher Risk of Identity Theft

While uncommon, credit card skimming and theft over the counter exists. Why not help by offering your drivers license and further identification as well?

#5 – It’s Not Going to Stop Online/Phone Purchases

You could have the most complex signature on the planet, ‘CHECK ID’ written all over it or even a photo of yourself. It won’t make a difference if your credit card is being used to make purchases from the internet or phone.

#6 – It’s Not the Merchants Responsibility to Protect You

While it may be morally and ethically right to have concern over fraudulent credit card use, it’s not the cashier’s job to. A merchant has more to gain from accepting your business, legal or illegal than rejecting your card.

Is it That Big a Deal If I Do it?

Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you want that extra warm ‘blanket of security’ to protect you from credit card fraud. But in reality, contacting your credit card provider as soon as you lose your card and common sense will carry all the necessary protection.

Most credit card providers offer some sort of fraud protection on their cards, offering purchase security and loss compensation.

ANZ for instance have the ‘ANZ Falcon’ which protects and informs credit card holders of any unauthorised or shady transactions made on their cards.

View the range of ANZ credit cards here.

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