Signature Best Practices

Publication Date: June 2018

In connection with payment card transaction processing, each payment network, acquirer processor and various other industry stakeholders have specific written requirements, recommendations and guidelines, which include signature line printing.  In late 2017 and early 2018, payment networks made changes to signature requirements, as it relates to the Cardholder Verification Method (CVM).

This U.S. Payments Forum Communications and Education Working Committee white paper concerns the storage and capture of signatures at physical point-of-sale (POS) locations only, where goods and/or services are purchased at that location.   The white paper covers the following topics:

  • Reviews stakeholder impact of signature requirements for payment cards
  • Provides signature recommendations by payment network for card-present transactions.
  • Summarizes chargeback impact by payment network for signature recommendations

The Forum strongly encourages stakeholders to consult network-specific guidance on the technical implementation recommendations for signatures.


Please note: The information and materials available on this web page (“Information”) is provided solely for convenience and does not constitute legal or technical advice. All representations or warranties, express or implied, are expressly disclaimed, including without limitation, implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose and all warranties regarding accuracy, completeness, adequacy, results, title and non-infringement. All Information is limited to the scenarios, stakeholders and other matters specified, and should be considered in light of applicable laws, regulations, industry rules and requirements, facts, circumstances and other relevant factors. None of the Information should be interpreted or construed to require or promote the establishment of any solution, practice, configuration, rule, requirement or specification inconsistent with applicable legal requirements, any of which requirements may change over time. The U.S. Payments Forum assumes no responsibility to support, maintain or update the Information, regardless of any such change. Use of or reliance on the Information is at the user’s sole risk, and users are strongly encouraged to consult with their respective payment networks, acquirers, processors, vendors and appropriately qualified technical and legal experts prior to all implementation decisions.

Share this