News

Mastercard to make signature optional in the store, on the card

October 24, 2018

Cardholder signatures on Mastercard purchases will be optional come next April, on both on the card and purchase receipts.

The card network will be the first to make signatures optional, according to a press release, and the effort is focused on providing a faster and more streamlined customer experience.

"With modern, advanced forms of authentication now available, removing the requirement for signature capture at the point of sale and now signature panels on Mastercard cards is an important step in support of our digital evolution," said Linda Kirkpatrick, executive vice president, U.S. Merchants and Acceptance, Mastercard, in the release. "Issuers, merchants and cardholders will benefit from this change as faster, safer options improve satisfaction and increase sales."

MasterCard said eliminating the need for signatures is part of a shift toward advanced security technologies such as EMV chip, contactless payments and advanced fraud management technologies.

"These innovations provide both greater security and a simpler, more convenient payment experience," stated the release.