Credit Card Numbers For ID

Can bank tellers write credit card numbers on the back of checks for identification purposes?

The way the law is written in some states is confusing. Some pieces of legislation say retailers may not record credit card numbers on checks, but do not prohibit financial institutions from doing so.

Other states do not specify who may and who may not record credit card numbers on checks.

Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Virginia and Washington all now have a law prohibiting the requirement of writing credit card numbers on the back of checks as a form of identification. California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York and Pennsylvania are debating a similar law. Stores can ask to see the cards, but can't copy the numbers from them onto the checks being presented.

In addition to this restriction, more states are banning writing phone numbers on credit card receipts. The purpose for this is to prevent retailers and credit card companies from selling lists to telemarketing companies.

As for financial institutions? Most bankers have stopped using the credit card numbers on the back of checks as a form of identification.

Copyright © 1990 Bankers' Hotline. Originally appeared in Bankers' Hotline, Vol. 1, No. 6, 7/90