CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Credit cards may no longer need your signature for purchases as new technology is phasing out old-fashioned John Hancocks.
Signatures have long been used to detect fraud or stolen cards. Banks used to verify purchases with proof of a signed receipt. Now that there are ways to prove authenticity electronically, a pen and paper aren't needed.
Many banks and customers use mobile apps to keep up with their finances, and if a purchase seems odd, the bank will send a message over the phone.
However, some businesses still use the signature not to alarm customers. On the other hand, businesses that got rid of it, reported faster transactions.
The U.S. isn't the only country getting rid of the process. Several parts of the world have also done away with signatures for credit card purchases.
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