Obtain a signature for every swiped transaction. When you do so, make sure the signature on the screen matches the signature on the back of the payment card. If the card is not signed, ask your customer for a government-issued ID and to sign the card. Then match the signature on the government ID to the signature on the payment card. While you can’t require your customer to provide an ID, and requesting an ID doesn’t change your liability for chargebacks, unsigned cards are invalid and should not be accepted.
As you may have heard, the major credit card associations are phasing out the signature requirement for credit card purchases. However, this change only applies to the use of EMV (chip) cards, which are far more secure than the old magstripe-only cards. While most customers now have chip cards, there are still some magstripe-only cards in circulation, and you’ll still need a signature to process them. Also, when it comes to chargebacks and disputes, providing a signature will help your case.
For more information on best practices when accepting cards please go here.