Is it legal for merchant to write down your card number?

**dimitriyremerov** · Jan 5, 13, 3:02 pm

I checked in to expensive hotel in Indonesia, they authorized certain amount as deposit and then I saw the clerk writing down my full credit card number, along with the expiry date and security code. She was writing it down on the front of the merchant authorization receipt, with a pen.

Now my concern is if it's legal or can it be legal in Indonesia? What can I do about it?

**Vermonster** · Jan 6, 13, 7:28 am

I don't think many people are going to be able to answer a question about laws in Indonesia. You might want to turn to Google for that one.

I can tell you that there are a few places in the US that still use a carbon imprinter to take a print of the card. For the new cards that don't have numbers, you're expected to write all info down. Same thing for an order placed over the phone. I think there is a certain level of trust that must happen.

**ilikeme1** · Jan 28, 13, 3:45 pm

I have seen it done here in the US, mainly by service/repair companies such as plumbers and electricians who still do not have card processing software on their smart phones or laptops.

**Sevenfeet** · Jan 28, 13, 6:37 pm

You know, it's interesting that numbers on credit cards are still raised and embossed to be compatible with old carbon paper swipe machines that almost nobody uses anymore. I remember when I was working in a camera store as a teenager in the 80s, we would use carbon swipe machines all the time for credit cards. If the number didn't really swipe well, we'd hand write the number down on the receipt as a backup.

**paparoach429** · Jan 28, 13, 11:22 pm

I dont know if its legal or not but I wouldnt let them do it.

**Fartanywherecard** · Jan 29, 13, 12:25 pm

On a related topic... Is it a violation against any of payment network company's contracts with merchants to have minimums for credit card transactions? It sure is common and annoying here in NY.

**ceemee** · Jan 29, 13, 4:44 pm

Originally Posted by Fartanywherecard

On a related topic... Is it a violation against any of payment network company's contracts with merchants to have minimums for credit card transactions? It sure is common and annoying here in NY.

Good question. It happens here in CA a lot as well.

**paparoach429** · Jan 29, 13, 4:57 pm

As well as here in Chicago.. I know I read that it wasnt illegal but against their contracts.

**icanectc** · Jan 30, 13, 2:24 pm

Originally Posted by ceemee

Good question. It happens here in CA a lot as well.

Illegal No - but it is/WAS against the merchants contract with visa, mastercard, amex, etc... However, with the new credit card legislation businesses are now allowed to charge a premium for using credit cards or have a min amount before a charge/credit card could be used.

Before the newly enacted laws that was technically against the merchants agreement but not "illegal" in a law sense.

**FastSRT8** · May 14, 13, 6:28 pm

I don't care who the merchant is.... I will never let them do that.

I would much rather walk out and not complete the sale than let them write down that much stuff.

There are many other merchants that won't do this

Thread: Is it legal for merchant to write down your card number?

LinkBack

Thread Tools

Display

Is it legal for merchant to write down your card number?