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Released: April 24, 2012
Help Desk FAQ
Credit Cards
Debit Cards
Gift Cards
Prepaid Cards
Can a merchant require me to show ID before I can use my card?
Only under certain circumstances. For example, if you are buying tobacco, alcohol or certain medications, you may be required to show a state-issued ID. Also, if the back of the card is not signed or if the signature on the card and your signature on the receipt do not match, merchants typically will ask for ID. However, the policy of both Visa and MasterCard is that merchants cannot require you to show ID as a condition of using your card. Other card issuers have similar policies. Call the number on the back of your card to report a merchant violation.
Requiring additional identification as a condition of a credit card sale is illegal in some states. The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse offers a state-by-state guide to merchant laws.
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