To show it or to not show it

I recently spent some time learning about protecting ones identity. One of the things that are considered "personal information" is a person's name, date of birth, and address. We all should try not to give these to anyone unless absolutely required.

I noticed that I do not need to show my ID when I use my credit card in Europe. Instead, they complain about my card not being signed. In the US, merchants keep asking to see my ID when I use my card, an no-one ever complained about signing my card on the back.

So I did a little research and found out that customers do not need to show their IDs. I also learned that unsigned cards are invalid. Various merchant agreements that credit card companies sign with merchants contain very specific information about asking for ID.

The following is found in "Rules for VISA Merchants":
"Although Visa rules do not preclude merchants from asking for cardholder ID, merchants cannot make an ID a condition of acceptance. Therefore, merchants cannot refuse to complete a transaction because a cardholder refuses to provide ID. Visa believes merchants should not ask for ID as part of their regular card acceptance procedures."

The following is found in "MASTERCARD Worldwide Rules":
"A merchant must not refuse to complete a MasterCard card transaction solely because a cardholder who has complied with the conditions for presentment of a card at the POI refuses to provide additional identification information."

Ever since I learned about this, I was tempted not to show my ID, realizing how easy it is for the cashier to glance over to my birth date or an address. I finally decided to refuse to show my ID yesterday at Metropark store in San Francisco Westfield. The cashier was taken off guard, and asked "why". I told her that I do not need to show the ID since MasterCard takes care of possible fraudulent charges, and that their merchant agreement clearly states that customers do not have to provide ID if their card is signed. She then swiped my card, and went to talk to her supervisor who confirmed this. She came back and politely appologized for her confusion and wished me a great day. I felt little awkward, since I obviously made her look bad, and now I am not sure if I want to keep exercising my right to not show my ID. It would take lots of energy and possible arguments to keep educating merchants about this rule.

What do you think?

Comments

[Chirayu]

Go Pet'ka! It's not cool to have to show your ID just to buy something (or they should make it a part of the agreement and we'll vote with our dollars.)

I think I've only shown ID 4 times in 6 years - and one time was at MetroPark! Too bad the "Register Training" the cashiers go through teaches them to ask for ID. I'm going to try and resist.