American Express Membership Rewards - Extra Amex Security for the Holidays?

Yesterday I used my Amex at Walgreens, they usually ask me for my billing zip, but this time it prompted for ID verification (the clerk indicated that this was happening alot recently), which entailed calling a manager to check my ID. Which sucked as there was a long line, and the people behind me weren't to pleased. I talked with a friend of mine today, and the same thing happened to them at Walgreens as well (also paying with Amex).

Does anyone know if this is extra security for the holidays or something new for Walgreens. I know it for my security, but its going to get really annoying if they have to call a manager to "check my ID" everytime.

It is against VISA/MC/AmEx merchant regulations to be forced to show your ID to make a purchase with a credit card.

However, the store can refuse service to anyone, so if they ask for your ID and you refuse they don't have to sell to you. They want ID to reduce chargebacks.

Last week, I had my Citibank MasterCard cloned and used to the tune of $2000 in South Africa. Before we knew that the charges were from South Africa, the lady at the Citibank fraud department seemed to blame retailers that don't check ID as being part of the problem. I felt like bringing up the fact that MasterCard regulations prohibit retailers from asking for ID and that she of all people should be aware of this, but decided that it wasn't worth the grief.

I called AmEx twice and both CSRs said that AmEx allows merchants to ask for ID.

Though I don't know if that really means anything.

It is against VISA/MC/AmEx merchant regulations to be forced to show your ID to make a purchase with a credit card.
Actually, only Visa and MC have those prohibitions. Amex discourages, but does not prohibit, merchants from requesting ID.

It is against VISA/MC/AmEx merchant regulations to be forced to show your ID to make a purchase with a credit card.


In several countries they encourage this, even want this be done for higher amounts!

In several countries they encourage this, even want this be done for higher amounts!


I really wouldn't mind that at all, in fact I would prefer it. The case I was addressing at Walgreens, was that they had to get the store manager everytime. If the clerk could have done it all, it would have been no problem.

But your right, outside of the U.S. I get asked for my ID, much more.

in the UK it's normal for the clerk to study my signature while here i have the clerk give me my card back before I even sign.