Do you HAVE to sign the back of a bank card?

davidlizard

I scrape off the 3 digit security code from my credit and debit cards.

As far as I am aware (but no doubt will be corrected), the only place these are used is when making some purchases online, or over the telephone. Without this information, should my card, or a clone of my card, find its way to a scammer, then their life would be a lot more difficult without this information.

I have only ever had my card refused once because my 3-digit security code was scratched off, and that was at a petrol station. About a week later, there was a report in the paper of that petrol station copying credit cards for use in Sri Lanka - I wonder if this was linked to them not accepting my card.

catlad

i dont on my hsbc saving card

DCFC79

davidlizard wrote: »

I scrape off the 3 digit security code from my credit and debit cards.

As far as I am aware (but no doubt will be corrected), the only place these are used is when making some purchases online, or over the telephone. Without this information, should my card, or a clone of my card, find its way to a scammer, then their life would be a lot more difficult without this information.

I have only ever had my card refused once because my 3-digit security code was scratched off, and that was at a petrol station. About a week later, there was a report in the paper of that petrol station copying credit cards for use in Sri Lanka - I wonder if this was linked to them not accepting my card.

the 3 digit code isnt even used by the chip and pin machines as they read the chip

Gleeful

catlad wrote: »

i dont on my hsbc saving card

No pen in existence will write on the back of the new HSBC cards. I queried it with the bank, who said I didn't really need to sign it.......whaat?!

DCFC79

Gleeful wrote: »

No pen in existence will write on the back of the new HSBC cards. I queried it with the bank, who said I didn't really need to sign it.......whaat?!

whats different about the hsbc cards then, doesnt a biro work

Dave_C_2

Isn't it in the bank's terms and conditions that you have to use reasonable precautions against theft and security of your card.
Shirley signing the back of your card is a reasonable precaution.

Not signing leaves you wide open to the bank not refunding money stolen from your account. Yes I know that it would be unlikely that they know about you not signing your card, but do you want to take that chance?

Have you tried using a CD marker pen on your HSBC card?

Dave

Stapler_2

I just sign them all anyway as soon as I get them. Saves any hassle that might arise.

melancholly

i haven't worked in retail since chip and pin came in, but we couldn't accept a card without a signature. had some problems with US tourists since they don't sign their cards (as a general rule).

i agree with the idea of using a CD marker pen. it's a bit like signing with a felt tip, but seems to be the only thing that lasts (and has even survived an accidental washing machine trip!)

fluffnutter

Perhaps the OP has no hands?

MamaMoo_2

The back of every debit card I own says "NOT VALID UNLESS SIGNED" above the signature strip. When working in retail, if I was handed an unsigned card, I would refuse it, as it would have been invalid.