Two restaurant workers look at a digital tablet.

Should I Sign My Credit Card?

5 min read

Last Updated: August 21, 2025

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

Depending on your credit card issuer, your card may not be valid until you sign it.
Signing the back of your credit card doesn't make your card less secure.
Signing your credit card is one way to help prevent credit card fraud.

Should you sign your credit card soon after you receive it in the mail? The answer is yes. Most credit cards feature a specific customer signature panel where you should sign your name. Signing your card may protect you from a declined credit card transaction at the register. Plus, while technologies like the card reader, chip reader, and even the PIN have made credit cards more secure, your signature may still help prevent card fraud.

Where do you sign a credit card?

Designs may vary across each credit card, debit card, and gift card. But most cards feature a rectangular white or gray customer signature panel or signature strip, typically on the back. You may find the signature panel near the rest of your credit card information. If your card issuer includes your credit card number on the back of the card, you may sign above or next to the card number. If your credit card number is on the front of the card, then the signature strip may be located on the back near the three- or four-digit CVV code. Like the signature requirement, the CVV code offers an extra layer of security with each credit card purchase.

How to sign the back of a credit card

Generally, you sign a credit card the same way you would sign any document. It's a good idea to sign your new credit card as soon as you receive it.

The writing implement you use to sign the signature strip should be clear and permanent. Try to use a pen that won’t smear or fade quickly. You may use a ballpoint pen, but you risk scratching or carving into the physical card. A felt-tipped pen or a permanent marker, may work better.

Your credit card signature should match the name on your account. For example, if your account name includes your middle initial, your credit card signature should too.

Why you should sign your credit card

First, technically speaking, your credit card may not be valid until you sign it. Many credit card issuers have moved away from the signature requirement, as other security features may provide more effective fraud prevention. But your credit card issuer might still require a signature. Some credit cards may come printed with the instruction that the card is "not valid without an authorized signature".

Second, merchants may decline a transaction you make with an unsigned card, even if your credit card issuer has dropped the signature requirement. Although many cashiers accept a credit card transaction without signature verification, they might choose to check your signature at any time.

Signing your credit card is one way to ensure it's available to use when you need it, especially if eligible purchases with your credit card earn credit card rewards.

Learn More

What about writing “See ID”?

Some well-meaning cardmembers have written "See ID" on the back of their cards. The idea behind this practice is to prevent fraud by requiring that cashiers cross-check the customer's card against their driver's license or another form of identification. Unfortunately, this doesn’t satisfy the requirement to sign the back of your card. In fact, many merchants may process your credit card purchase without checking your ID or signature at all.

Some merchant agreements may even prohibit retailers from requiring cardmembers to present identification as a condition of the credit card purchase.

Does my signature make the card less secure?

Some credit cardmembers mistakenly believe that signing their card creates some sort of security risk.

However, your signature is far from a secret, as it appears on every document, check, and credit card receipt that you’ve signed. What makes your signature unique is your ability to effortlessly duplicate it upon command. In contrast, it takes much more time and effort to attempt to forge another person’s signature.

Merchants ask you to sign their receipts so that they can readily compare your signature against the one on the back of your credit card, gift card, or debit card.

Other ways to ensure your credit card’s security

Signing your credit card may play a small role in preventing fraud. But you should take additional measures to protect yourself.

You should never loan your physical card or share your credit card information with anyone else. If you need to give someone else access to your line of credit, then you may add an additional authorized user on your account to be issued a card in their name. For example, Discover^® credit cards offer you the ability to add up to five authorized users to your account for no additional charge.

You should always check your monthly credit card statement and credit report for any unauthorized charges, especially for small amounts that may be a test charge for future credit card fraud. Thankfully, some card issuers offer fraud protection services.

Did you know?

Discover offers $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee. You’re never responsible for unauthorized purchases on your Discover Card account.¹ So always let your credit card issuer know right away if you see something suspicious.

Finally, you should keep your credit cards in a safe and secure place. Never leave your cards in your car, and make sure to store them in a secure place at home and at your workplace so no one may see your credit card information.

The bottom line

While you may be able to make a credit card purchase with an unsigned card, it’s generally a good idea to sign your credit card shortly after account opening. Your signature may act as one fraud prevention measure alongside other security features. Plus, you don’t want to scramble for another payment method at checkout if the merchant requires a credit card signature.

Important Information >