Ok, this is a small rant, and for no reason in particular, so if this is you, I mean no disrespect..

As someone who swipes alot of credit cards, I think people who put "SEE ID" instead of signing their card are going just a little overboard.  Do they really lack that much self esteem, that they feel the need to remind themselves how much smarter they are than the average credit card user every time they use your card? Or... Is this a way for them to make themselves feel kind of important, even just a little?  I just don't get it.  I always check for ID, and while most people eventually say thank you and make a comment about how few people actually check, more than half of them actually get annoyed with me.  I feel like saying, "Really??  That sigh is for me? Are you serious?"  Plus, you get the eerie feeling they are really just setting you up just to walk out the door and say," see, they never check, someone could have stolen my card, blahblahblah."  Who are these people that feel the need to judge others on such a trifle?  Nowadays I wait for people to sign their slip, put away their card and wallet, and then before giving them their legitimate copy, then I ask to see their ID, so now they have to go back into their purse and get their license.  Gotta love it when they come in with those purses that look like an 8-year old's bedroom.  Anyway, it's kinda my way of saying, "Hey, get over yourself..".  What's even funnier is near half the time, and I kid you not, THEY FORGOT TO BRING THEIR ID.  Now that's irony..  What do you do then???  Don't panic, yes, we will still take the card, but one day I sure would like to say, "Sorry....Ma'am/Sir you'll have to get some ID before you can have these delicious buffalo wraps" 

Then there's some who are too lazy to even go pick up your own purchases, but instead send your kids or boy/girlfriend in with your card.  "SEE ID."  Hahahahahahha.. Ok, I guess now I am being judgmental, but you get the idea..

But wait, there's more...  First off, merchants, "technically", are NOT allowed to accept credit or debit cards that are not signed.  But, lucky you, they are generally going to take them anyway.  So unless your name is "See ID", the merchant could simply say your card is invalid, and you both have a crappy experience.  You should thank them in the future for accepting your card without it being signed, they are sticking their neck out for you.

Second, I'm seriously considering making the staff write down all your information on your license when presented with a card that says "See ID", i.e. address, birth date, license #, weight (LOL!!!) just to point out that it's a ridiculous idea to write "SEE ID" on your credit card.  Then we could send you all kinds of junk mail, or post your weight on facebook.  And umm...Yeah, I want that toothless guy with the blood stains on his knuckles at the gas station knowing where I live..

Third, Visa/MC and your bank will not hold you liable for fraudulent charges. And in most cases, they will know what's going on before you even notice your card is missing. So stop worrying. I know identity theft is a real problem.  But if you are really that concerned, stop hanging around drug addicts.  Putting "SEE ID" on your card is about as useless as a one-legged dude in a butt kickin' contest.
My point.... don't be obnoxious with your credit card.  Most people swiping them are decent people.

Too Much Coffee in Manchester