Sign, sign, sign - what's the point in requiring your signature so much?

[dale blanker]

Don't you get annoyed with having to do dumb stuff?

For example, signing the credit card screen at the local store after swiping your card on the reader. What is the point? You have already touched on the screen to approve the amount, so who is going to pay any attention to the scribbling that you do as a signature? It would make some sense to require photo id (or enter the card's CCV code to provide further info about your credit card) but that is seldom done. I was asked for id at the local REI store after my scribbling on the screen did not match the signature on the back of my credit card (unsigned). I didn't mind showing my driver's license but I thought the reason for asking was silly - because I had just scribbled on the signature screen and not signed the back of my credit card.

And then there's Chase bank (and I assume most or all other banks) that requires you to sign the back of a check you just endorsed, made out to Cash. Awhile back someone was writing checks on our bank account. The account number on the check was ours but the name and address was completely different. Obviously the signature did not come close to mine.

At the car dealership recently I was asked to sign my signature 7 times to get my car serviced, twice on the service order, twice on the loaner car agreement, twice on the invoice, and then on the credit card slip. And of course at no time was there any comparison of my signature with what I scribbled.

And then there's the current political scene. Are we just taking more and more dumbness for granted?

[WildBill]

It is an attempt to reduce their liability.

[Jusme]

It's a conspiracy with ball point pen manufacturer's they are paying kickbacks and the politicians are in on it. Throw em off next time and just sign with an X then if you want to go incognito draw a circle around it.

[Archery1]

On cards, the signature is for the merchant accepting the card. It is not required of card company. If the store has an issue with the card company over a charge a customer disputes, there's multiple layers of identification they can fall back on, but signature on file is the only one that truly protects them. Still, the signature would have to match the customer disputing the charge, or, a camera at the counter, or a DL check.... see, it's just a layer of protection for the store. It's done so lax and with those stupid finger signing boxes, it ain't much worth as intended, either.

[oohrah]

One school of thought is that you should sign the back, because if you lost it, the finder could sign it in their handwriting.

I've also heard some folks write "Ask for ID" in the signature tape.

[mreed911]

Remember, Mastercard and Visa PROHIBIT the requiring of ID for credit card transactions if the card is properly signed on the back.

http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card- ... d-1282.php

Merchants can ask, but it's a violation of their card processing agreement to require.

[RoyGBiv]

I've also heard some folks write "Ask for ID" in the signature tape.

I write "Check ID" in the signature space on all of my cards. I've always thought that signing the card helps a thief try to copy my signature and writing Check ID gets me about a 10% hit rate on merchants actually checking my ID to prove it's my card. Every time a merchant asks me for ID I thank them! Changing card numbers is a huge hassle.

[ELB]

I think the signature, at the autodealer or at the CC terminal, really comes into play when there is a dispute. If you say you didn't authorize something but the merchant or the auto dealer comes up with your signature approving the transaction, then it helps them prove it was a legitimate case. There's so many CC transactions nowadays that aren't face to face I wonder if it really matters with those, but at the autodealer I'll bet they had problems with customers disputing whether they really authorized an oil change/new wiper blades/replace the engine(!) etc.

[NotRPB]

Depending on mood, I have used a smiley face or the words >> "This is not me" on credit card screens, it's always approved anyway.

[dale blanker]

On cards, the signature is for the merchant accepting the card. It is not required of card company. If the store has an issue with the card company over a charge a customer disputes, there's multiple layers of identification they can fall back on, but signature on file is the only one that truly protects them. Still, the signature would have to match the customer disputing the charge, or, a camera at the counter, or a DL check.... see, it's just a layer of protection for the store. It's done so lax and with those stupid finger signing boxes, it ain't much worth as intended, either.

Yes, it just doesn't make sense but many merchants keep us doing it (some skip signing below $50 or something).

I don't see how the signature helps protect the merchant from any liability. As I mentioned, I don't mind providing id - that does make sense - but signing the CC screen with anything that looks like a real signature doesn't make sense - and are the cashiers supposed to be handwriting experts? This made a little sense 50 years ago but now...?

RoyGBiv signs the back of his credit card with "Check ID" - good idea - I'm going to do that to all our cards. My "signature" on the CC screen is still going to be casual gibberish though.

[AJSully421]

Antiquated. Kinda like how many life insurance applications have to be ink signed and the original mailed, not faxed. Makes zero difference these days, just old timers not letting go of the old ways of doing things.

[Abraham]

Many times I just sign with an X.

It's quicker, especially at HEB.

[mojo84]

It's a contract promising to pay and acknowledging you received the goods or services.

A check is just a promise to pay. How valid would it be without a signature?

The option, use cash if you don't want to sign the agreement to pay and acknowledge receipt of goods and services.

Much bigger issues in the world than signing one's name.

[Abraham]

mojo84,

C'mon, all of us like to "sport complain".

Here's one of my latest: People who shout rather than speak at room temperature volume.

I've workers doing stuff for me now just outside my house. My house is very well insulated and my windows are double-paned but, if we don't turn on a tv or something, I can clearly hear their verbalizing. Every one of them shout rather than speak. Now, they're not angry or upset, this shouting rather than speaking is the norm for them.

I'll tolerate it as I want them to be happy campers. Happy campers do a better job.... but, man oh man are they a loud bunch.

Complaint finished.

Next up!

[dale blanker]

It's a contract promising to pay and acknowledging you received the goods or services.

A check is just a promise to pay. How valid would it be without a signature?

The option, use cash if you don't want to sign the agreement to pay and acknowledge receipt of goods and services.

Much bigger issues in the world than signing one's name.

Of course.

My point is that most signing (not all, especially if it is being notorized) is impractical and outdated. Signatures are never checked anywhere even on checks at the bank [my complaint here is having to sign a check for cash TWICE]. Credit cards, even with the signature (which is not required for online purchases), are faster than cash - and cheaper with 2% in rewards.

Bigger issues? Even more annoying or worrisome? Sure. But think how many man hours are truly wasted every day signing stuff.