Before using a new credit card, you need to sign the back of the card.After you have activated the card online or over the phone, sign it.You can use a felt tipped pen to sign your name.Don't leave the back of your card blank or write "see ID" instead of signing your name.
Step 1: The signature bar can be found.
This will be on the back of the card.The light gray or white bar can be seen on the reverse side of the credit card.Some cards have a sticker on them.Before signing, remove the sticker if yours does.
Step 2: A pen is used to sign.
Since the back of the credit card is made of plastic, it won't absorb ink as easily as a piece of paper.If you want to leave a permanent signature on your card, you should use a felt-tipped pen or a Sharpie pen.Some people prefer to use a fine-tip marker to sign their credit cards.They aren't likely to bleed ink on the card.Don't use red or green ink.Don't use a ballpoint pen to sign.A faint signature on the plastic may be left by a ballpoint pen.
Step 3: Signing your name is normal.
Signing the back of your credit card requires consistency and clarity.Your signature should be the same as it is on any other document.If you sign your name with a sloppy or hard to read signature, it is fine.The first thing a store clerk will do if they suspect credit card fraud is to compare the signature on the back of your card with the one on your receipt.
Step 4: Allow the ink to dry.
Immediately after you sign the back, put the credit card away.The ink on your signature will become unintelligible if you put the card away too soon.The signature may take up to 30 minutes to dry.
Step 5: Don't write "see ID."
You may have been told that you can protect yourself against credit card fraud by not signing your name.Should someone steal your credit card, they will be unable to use it without also having your ID.Merchants are not allowed to accept cards that don't have the user's signature.There is a fine print on the back of your card.Most store clerks will take your credit card without even looking at the back of it to confirm your signature.
Step 6: Don't leave the signature line blank.
You have to sign your credit card in order to use it.If the store clerks see that you haven't signed the back, they may refuse to take your card.Many store clerks don't have the chance to ask to see your card due to the prevalence of chip readers and self-service card readers.The security of your credit card is not increased by leaving the back of the card blank.A thief can use the card with or without your signature.
Step 7: You should confirm that your card has fraud protection.
The best way to protect yourself is to make sure your credit card has fraud protection.Ask your credit card company if your account has fraud coverage.U.S. laws limit the liability of the card to $50 if you have fraud protection.All major credit card companies are required to provide fraud protection.Call your credit card company to find out what your liability is in the case of a stolen card.