Should You Sign the Back of Your Credit Card?

In case of credit cards security plays a major role, in deciding as to how much you would eventually pay. So, as it is, more and more steps are increasingly being taken up. In order to avoid credit card thefts and frauds, a number of credit card users have started adopting a new stance in the last few years. In order to decrease the chances that they would become a victim of a credit card fraud, they tend to refuse to sign on their credit cards. Most of them would leave the signature space blank altogether, whereas, others would write something for reference on the signature line.

Now, the popular thinking on signing on your credit card, is that, it is better not to sign. This is because, in case you sign the card, then it would be quite easy for anyone to get hold of your card and then use it for a number of purposes. Although, they purchase commodities online or through phone, the signature is not required, however, in case they purchase something from a store, then they can easily forge the signature, with your sample as a reference.

As it is, theoretically, criminals with an eye on your credit card would be less able to use your card, sans your signature as well as a matching Identity proof. They would not be able to forge your signature in case they are not given an example at the back of the credit card.
Along with that, in case you sign on the credit card, then there is always this minor possibility of criminals using your signature, along with any other information, which they are able to know about you, for acquiring more credit.

In case you do not sign on your credit card, then a viable option for you, is to write a reference, like see ID on the card. This has become a very popular option for a number of credit card users. Now, in such a case, the store clerk would then ask to see your ID proof and they could compare your ID proof signature with that, which you would provide on a charge receipt.
You may also leave the signature space blank, which may also prompt the store clerks to confirm with your ID.

Most of the credit card companies would advise the consumers to sign their credit cards. In fact, they state that store clerks do not have the authority to accept cards that have not been and can even deny you the purchase, in case you provide an unsigned card.