What Pen To Sign Credit Card?
Credit cards can be a really useful and versatile payment method. Increasingly, they are becoming more widely used than cash. Applying for a credit card should be relatively easy.
However, you will have to enter a lot of private information. In addition, you will likely have to sign it when your credit card arrives. This may be a source of confusion for some people. To help you, we have provided a guide for going through this process.
What Pen Should I Use to Sign a Credit Card?
Using any old pen in your house may not suffice when you have to sign your credit card. Unfortunately, some pens will not work on this plastic surface or may cause a smudge. A nice and sharp ballpoint pen is probably the best type of pen to use.
Unfortunately, some people have observed that ballpoint pens can scratch the surface of the card. Though this is uncommon, it can occasionally happen.
Other varieties of pen, such as gel pen, are unlikely to work. Fountain pens should only be considered if you are skilled at using them. Otherwise, you could cause the signature to smudge. If this happens, you may have to order another credit card.
Some people claim that permanent markers with fine tips, such as Sharpies, are great for signing cards. As a result, you may want to pursue this option if you are finding a ballpoint pen to be insufficient.
The benefit of these pens is that a signature will stay on the card. Permanent markers, as the name suggests, are difficult to clean and provide long-lasting inscriptions.
In terms of color, black is the default. It will be visible and clear, making it a good choice when signing your signature. Though blue may also be accepted by some banks, it is not the best choice. On the other hand, some banks actually prefer it if customers use blue pens.
Other color pens, such as red or green, should be avoided. If you are concerned that your bank has a specific policy regarding pen color, it may be worth contacting them.
How Do I Sign my Credit Card?
To ensure that you do not make a mistake when signing your credit card, we have created a set of detailed instructions. Please follow the instructions below:
- When your card has arrived, the first thing you need to do is locate the place where your signature needs to be. This should be a long and white bar. Typically, this is located at the back of the credit card. There should be some form of indication that you need to sign here.
- If your credit card has a sticker over this bar, please remove it. Otherwise, you will be unable to sign it.
- Select the right pen for the job. As mentioned above, you might want to either try a ballpoint pen or a thin permanent marker.
- Carefully and patiently begin signing your name. You should do this in the signature that you usually use. Try to be as consistent as possible, though slight variations in your signature will be expected. Wait a few minutes for the ink to fully dry.
- Begin using your credit card. Once you have successfully signed it, you can start using your card.
Should I Write “See ID” on My Credit Card?
As a way of preventing fraud, some people have come up with the idea of writing “see ID” on their card in place of their signature. The idea behind this is that people will not be able to steal your signature if they manage to get a hold of your card.
Sadly, this approach is not recommended. “Why?” You might ask. The reason for this is that merchants may refuse to sell you something if they see this on your card. Without a valid signature, the card may technically not be in-use.
Consequently, some merchants may decline your card. If you do not want this to happen, please do not do this and instead use your signature.
Another reason why you should not do this is that it may make your shopping experience longer and less efficient. If you write “See ID” on your credit card, you may be asked to provide your ID, such as a passport or driver’s license.
Doing this may add time to your shopping. Though this may not seem like much of a hassle, over time it may add a lot of unnecessary time to your shopping.
Why Do I Have to Sign a Credit Card?
Some people are under the misconception that you have to sign a credit card purely for security reasons. In truth, signing a card can make it less secure. The reason for this is that people may be able to copy your signature if they see it on your card or if they manage to steal it.
The real reason for signing a credit card is to prove that you have accepted the terms and conditions of the card. However, there are some benefits in terms of security. You can prove a transaction is valid via your security.
Can I Leave the Signature Line Blank?
No, you should not leave this bar without a signature. This is actually a legal requirement and so should be filled in. If you do not sign a credit card, it may not be considered legitimate.
The main reason why people do this is to increase the security of the card. However, this will not provide much security, as a thief could still steal and use the card, especially if they are contactless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use Blue Ink To Sign A Credit Card?
This will depend on the bank. Black is most commonly used, though some banks prefer blue. The reason for this is that signatures made in blue ink may be harder to replicate.
What Should I Do If I Mess Up The Signature On My Credit Card?
If you make a minor mistake, you should not be too worried. This is because your signature is unlikely to be exactly the same each time you write it. If you do make a mistake, you may be able to remove your signature from the card.
Acetone will be a great option for doing this. However, the best step may simply be to contact the bank to see what advice they can give you. They may have to send you a new credit card.
Final Thoughts
Though signing a new credit card can seem somewhat stressful, thanks to this guide you will now know which pen to use and how to sign a card.
