A Cashier's Note on Credit Cards

As a cashier in one of the world's biggest retail stores, I a Wal-Mart cashier, handle hundreds of cards a day. Credit cards, debit cards, food stamp cards, gift cards, they're all the same with that signature black stripe on the back. Over the years, millions of people have become dependent on the pocket-size devices that give us access to our earnings. There are always problems at some point with either the card reader, the card itself, or yes, even the customer.

Many have encountered the defective magnetic strip, where the cashier must manually enter the number. This is probably the most common problem I have encountered. The problem is caused either by the cashier who places the card near a security deactivating device, or the customer who may have come in contact with a magnetic force somewhere in their travels. Either way, it is a simple procedure and can be done quickly by an experienced cashier. At some Wal-Marts, gift cards can be used to purchase gas from the nearby gas station. Customers get three cents off per gallon when they use a gift card, which can be very helpful with the high gas prices. If the card is defective, the customer will only be able to use that gift card in the store as it cannot be read at the gas pumps. This can be a very big inconvenience, especially when you're pressed for time.

In recent years, it has become common for many companies to send rebates in the form of gift cards with a Visa or Mastercard symbol. When customers attempt to use these cards, an uninformed cashier will not be able to process the card. The companies issuing these cards fail to mention the fact that the cashier must enter the specific amount to be taken off the card before swiping it, otherwise it won't work.

Customers are often shocked when they see their signature on the digital signature device as it can appear erratic and completely unlike their signature, many fearing that it won't be accepted. Many don't know that you can draw pictures on it and the machine wouldn't know the difference and accept it anyway. With the need for a speedy checkout process, cashiers are no longer required to compare signatures with that on the back of the card. Surprisingly, not many people ask this question. It is only assumed that the signature is sent to the credit card company for instant verification. At this time we are not up to that standard. So, where do all your signatures go? I was told from a former employer that the signatures are sent to the credit card company which will notify the card holder if they see any suspicious activity. Of course that would not be immediate as there are literally millions of transactions going on at all hours of the day. I personally have made a drawing or two and have not heard a single word from the bank.

With our growing dependence on the magnetic strip and the slow progress in updating our payment systems, we may experience many bothersome setbacks and a risk to identity theft. There is no perfect form of payment, as a cashier I've seen it all. Personally I'm a fan of using cash, I can see it, hold it, and count it as many times as I want; however, the use of a card is necessary in this electronic age.