Why am I required to sign the back of my credit card?

 
  1. The University must require the cardholder’s signature for a face to face transaction.  
  2. The University has signed contractual agreements with the State, our credit card processor, and the bank card agencies.
  3. As part of those agreements, UNC Charlotte is bound to abide by certain First Data Merchant Services (FDMS), VISA, and MasterCard operating procedures.

    Operating Procedure References

    • NC Office of the State Controller website
    • FDMS Operation Procedures ("Your Card Acceptance Guide") located at the bottom of the Merchant Card Master Services Agreement webpage 
      • The signature panel verification requirement detail is in Part I.3, Validating the Cards
      • Both VISA and MasterCard require all cards to be signed by the cardholder to validate the card
  4. If the University were to accept an unsigned card, it would be in breach of its agreements and potentially liable for fraudulent charges.
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