You’re Officially Protected For not Showing ID at Checkout
“Can You Refuse to Show ID with Visa Credit Card?” turned out to be a very interesting post at MyCardBlog.Com. According to the official document from Visa, you can refuse to show your ID to a store clerk at checkout as long as you’ve signed your credit card. All they can do is to keep your credit card and verify your signature. Actually, most of credit card issuers require that merchants should not check your ID at checkout. The reason is very simple: if you show your ID and credit card to a store clerk, you’re potentially to be an identity theft victim. However, the truth is you are frequently asked to show your photo ID to a store clerk at checkout. The retailers seem this is a good strategy to avoid losses from fraud. (Once a credit card fraud happens, retailers will take the cost while card members will be protected by laws.) You’d better think twice before showing your driver’s license. A driver license and a credit card can give a splenetic store employee a good chance to steal all of your personal information.
The retailers are seeking ways to curb the losses from fraud. Our consumers are trying to avoid identity theft. Yes, you want to protect you privacy and personal security by not revealing you address, birth date, and other information contained on your driver’s license to a stranger. Here are some tips we should know:
1. MasterCard, Visa, and Discover network prohibit retailers from requiring ID with a signed credit card. American Express discourages retailers to require ID at checkout. The information can be found at privacyrights.org/ar/Alert-FS15.htm. If possible, you can print out related material and take it with you.
2. Once you are required to show your ID to a store clerk, you can call MasterCard at 800-MC-ASSIST (800-622-7747); Visa at 800-VISA-911 (800-847-2911); Discover at 800-DISCOVER (800-347-2683); American Express at 800-528-4800. You may let the customer service representatives to convince the store clerk.
3. Refuse to shop at this store. You can always buy the same merchandise at different retailers. You can also shop online!
4. The last choice is to pay with cash, although cash will not bring any additional cash back and insurance protection to what you paid. Anddon’t forget to file a complaint to Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
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I read your other post, great follow up information!
There is a rumor out there that AmEx does not allow merchants to ask for ID. This is not true. Their merchant agreement is online. As far as accepting the card it says….the merchant may not “impose any restrictions, conditions, or disadvantages when the Card is accepted that are BBnot imposed equally on all Other Payment Products, except for ACH funds transfer, cash, and checks.”
Later it does specify the minimum required actions in CC acceptance that do not include checking ID. But again that is “only what AE requires”.
They do allow ID checks as long as it is being done for other credit cards as well.