Sounds strange to me. I would think your name on the card along with photo ID (passport or drivers license) would be sufficient proof.

I once read “advice” that signing a financial services card is a bad idea, because skilled card thieves are sometimes skilled forgers as well. The “advice” was to instead print “Ask for driver’s licence” in the space. A thief would then have to have both cards and be able to pass themselves off as being the person in the DL photo.

It seemed a bit extreme. I mean, how often had someone flipped over my card? So I did that.

A couple of weeks later I went to buy something with that credit card. The clerk actually flipped my card over. Then they refused to take the card. They said that the merchant’s agreement only protects the merchant from losses if the card has the person’s signature.

Go figure.

Maybe things are better now but I always double-check with my bank that they are OK with it and have had to problems since.

Just checking is it wise to get pesos before you leave the US or just use cash? I work at a bank and can get it easily, just didn't know if it was needed or not. thanks!

You'll get the best rate of exchange using local cajeros automáticos (ATMs) with your debit card. Please use pesos instead of dollars here. Dollars are not easy to exchange for most working people here.