How can I make signature-based debit card purchases?

[sethmachine]

I have a Rewards checking that requires a certain number of signature-based debit card purchases per month.

I purchased an Amazon gift card but this did not count.

What are some purchases/stores where it will be a signature-based debit card purchase?

[phantom]

All you need to do is make sure your card is run as credit instead of debit. That will require you to sign instead of entering a PIN. Your bank would prefer you do this since they will collect more in fees from retailers when you do.

[disneysteve]

All you need to do is make sure your card is run as credit instead of debit. That will require you to sign instead of entering a PIN.

It may depend on the amount of the purchase, though. I know at the supermarket, you only have to sign for purchases over $50.

[phantom]

It may depend on the amount of the purchase, though. I know at the supermarket, you only have to sign for purchases over $50.

True, but I'm pretty sure that would still count as "a signature-based purchase" for this purpose. I'm guessing the bank just wants a certain number of purchases that were run as credit so that they get their fees. Sethmachine should probably call the bank to clarify though.

[LizfromtheBronx]

It should still count, even if you don't actually sign. It's a differentiator between using your PIN or not.

BTW, always run it as credit - I don't put my PIN in anywhere but an ATM at my bank!!! It still comes out my account the same way, just adds a little layer of security. PIN skimmers are rampant these days. (To be fair, there was a branch of my bank that I'm pretty sure had one on an ATM late last year - my card was hacked, and a friend's was hacked 3 times - that's the only consistent thing we could come up with).

[ua_guy]

It should still count, even if you don't actually sign. It's a differentiator between using your PIN or not.

BTW, always run it as credit - I don't put my PIN in anywhere but an ATM at my bank!!! It still comes out my account the same way, just adds a little layer of security. PIN skimmers are rampant these days. (To be fair, there was a branch of my bank that I'm pretty sure had one on an ATM late last year - my card was hacked, and a friend's was hacked 3 times - that's the only consistent thing we could come up with).

It's one thing to grab a card number with a scanner that sits on top of the card reading device. A hacker also needs the PIN or (C-V-V)--this was editing for some reason-- to grab money off the card account. One of the tricks is to install a pinhole camera that watches you punch in your PIN at ATM's. So it's a good idea to always cover the view of your hand punching in the PIN with your other hand or an envelope or something just as an extra safeguard. Newer ATM's have partial covers over the keypads, but they're not 100% effective.

[sethmachine]

All you need to do is make sure your card is run as credit instead of debit. That will require you to sign instead of entering a PIN. Your bank would prefer you do this since they will collect more in fees from retailers when you do.

I did this for Amazon.com for a second test. You can set it so your debit card is treated like credit. I didn't have to do any signing though. The payment pended but somehow it finished by the next day (less than 12 hours).

Likewise I tried it for 2 different items at a retailer. I used a debit card but selected the Credit option. Those 2 payments are still pending, rather than being drawn out instantly.

I have to wait to see if any of them counted.