Buying in America

amckay1

I have a bit of a random question, a couple of years a ago when i went on a holiday to orlando i bought some things with my mastercard and was asked to show my passport as a form of ID to ensure that i was ligit. I was wondering if this was still happening as i am planning on going back next month and im in two minds whether to take my mastercard with me or get one of the travel money cash passports, i got one for a recent holiday to spain and it worked fine but im not sure how well it would work in the USA. If anyone could advise this would be a great help, im one of those organised people and im already trying to get myself set 1month in advance.

I had a look on the net but not really helpful. Thought here might work.

Thanks

mikeouk

you dont generaly get asked for any id when using a credit card. I was asked once and i must have used the card 40 times. It amazes me how easy it would be to use a credit card fraudulantly in the usa, some places dont even ask for a signiture if your spending less than $20.
My last trip i took a fairfx card, you get a great exchange rate and if you have access to internet you can top it up online.

ferf1223

It really depends on where in America you go - we go mainly to Vegas and my hometown (in Illinois) rarely get asked for ID in Illinois (but do sometimes) and ALWAYS get asked for ID in Vegas when using a credit card. I use my photocard driving licence so do not have to carry my passport around.

I don't think your experience with a cash passport will be any different though - they look like credit cards...so if you're asked for an ID for your Mastercard, you'll be asked for ID for your cash passport as to the merchant both are credit cards.

I suppose your option would be to get a cash passport and withdraw funds from a cashpoint to then spend, but many US ATMs charge a fee, so it will cost you more.

luci

I agree with ferf, there's just as much chance of being asked for ID for a pre-paid card as for a credit card.

We are always asked for ID in Vegas. It's years since we were last in Florida so I can't remember.

However......... I use a photocopy of my passport as ID in Vegas and it has never been refused for using a credit card.

ruffwood

In Chicago recently and was never asked for id, signature never checked and in some places when paying cash I observed others handing regular cards over and just getting swiped no signature pin or anything I know it was for small amounts in coffee places and the like but was just amazed