Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Sign the card clearly
• Part 2 of 2: Avoiding common mistakes

If you are going to use a new credit card, you must sign the back of your card before using it. Sign the card after activating it online or by phone. Use a felt-tip pen and sign your name as you would any other document. Do not leave the back of your card blank or write "See ID" instead of signing your name.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Sign the card clearly

1. Find the signature bar. This is on the back of the card. Turn the credit card over so that you are facing the back and look for the light gray or white bar.
   • Some cards may have an adhesive sticker on the signature bar. If so, remove the sticker before drawing.
2. Sign with a felt-tip pen. Since the back of the credit card is made of plastic, it will not absorb ink as easily as a piece of paper. A felt-tip pen or a Sharpie pen will leave a permanent signature and there is no risk of ink getting smeared on the back of your card.
   • Some people prefer to sign the back of their credit cad with a fine marker. These are also unlikely to cause ink to run on the card.
   • Do not use an unusual ink color, such as red or green.
   • Also, do not sign with a ballpoint pen. Ballpoint pens can scratch your card or just leave a faint signature on the plastic.
3. Sign your name as you normally do. Consistency and clarity are key when signing the back of your credit card. Your signature should look like your signature on any other document.
   • It's okay if your signature is sloppy or hard to read, as long as it looks like this when you normally sign your name.
   • If a store clerk suspects credit card fraud, their first step is to compare the signature on the back of your credit card with your signature on the receipt.
4. Let the ink dry. Do not put the credit card away immediately after you sign the back. If you put the card away too soon, the ink can smear and your signature becomes unrecognizable.
   • Depending on the ink you are using, it can take up to 30 minutes for the signature to dry.

Part 2 of 2: Avoiding common mistakes

1. Do not write "See ID". You may have been told that you can protect yourself from credit card fraud by writing "See ID" or "View ID" instead of signing your name. The idea behind this is that if someone were to steal your credit card, they wouldn't be able to use it without also having your ID. However, most sellers are not allowed to accept cards without the user's signature.
   • Look at the fine print on the back of your card. There is likely to be a statement similar to, “Invalid without authorized signature”.
   • Most salespeople will also scan your credit card without even looking at the back to confirm your signature.
2. Do not leave the signature bar empty. You are technically required by law to sign your credit card before using it to validate the card. Some clerks may refuse to scan your credit card if they see that you haven't signed the back.
   • With the increasing presence of chip readers and card readers for self-service (for example at gas stations), many shop assistants do not have the option to ask you to see your card.
   • Leaving the back of your card blank will not increase the security of your credit card in any way. A thief could use the card with or without your signature.
3. Confirm that your card has fraud protection. If you're concerned about a potential thief using your signed credit card to make purchases, the best way to protect yourself is to make sure your credit card has fraud protection. Contact your credit card company's customer service department and ask if your account has fraud protection.
   • If you do have fraud protection, Dutch laws limit the cardholder's liability to € 50.
   • National laws require all major credit card companies to protect against fraud. Call your credit card company and ask their policy to find out your liability in the event of a stolen credit card.