Here's the deal. I'm going to Myrtle Beach this weekend with my family. If I am going be bothered with ID requests I'd rather not go to a lot of tourist attractions in the first place. I don't want to have to choose between having the fight or compromising my principle with ID. I don't want to get my kid excited about a place, only to turn around on principle. And no, I wont "just pay cash". I shouldn't have to do that. And if I see other people being carded, I feel compelled to say something. It can really ruin the joy of a vacation.

In summary, places like ballparks, zoos and amusement parks are not as easy to walk away from as a big box store, especially with your family.

What has been your experience at these kinds of places?

I am happy to SHARE the policy with them

It fits fine in my wallet (IN THAT PLACE SOME CARRY THEIR EXPENSIVE CASH)

I have had more issues with $10 or $20 MINIMUM PURCHASE than asking for ID

(tourist attractions)

Sounds like you already allowed that to happen. You're going to spend the entire time afraid of the next purchase.

…which is why education is crucial. This ID nonsense should be a long-extinct, non-issue today much like separate entrances, separate drinking fountains, etc.. Any violating merchant must be eliminated - 1-800-VISA-911.

CREDIT CARD SIGNATURE IS ALL THE ID NEEDED

When you pay for merchandise with a Visa card, MasterCard, or American Express any store that accepts these cards should accept yours too, no questions asked. It's part of the deal that merchants agree to when they become participating members.

They must check your signature and the card - electronically or by telephone - to be sure it's valid. Once the answer comes up yes, they can go ahead and charge. They can't ask you for any further identification - not a license plate number, Social Security number, proof of address, phone number or photo ID.

Your personal ID isn't needed because Visa, MasterCard, and American Express all guarantee payment on cards that have been properly checked. If the issuer mistakenly authorizes a sale on a bad card, it should make good. MasterCard says that merchants receive instant settlement. The contract MasterCard merchants sign specifically prevents them from asking for personal ID.

Unfortunately, not all merchants play by the rules. Some, apparently, haven't read them.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

MasterCard wants to hear about merchants who break their rules. Send the name and address and an account of what happened to MasterCard WorldWide 2000 Purchase St. Purchase, NY 10577 or call 1-800-300-3069. The merchant's bank will get a stiff letter, ordering it to investigate and bring the offending store into line - or pay a $2,000 fine. You may also report violations online:

http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/c...violations.html

Visa enforces the same rules as MasterCard. "When we hear about a violation, we ask the bank that signed the merchant to get together with the merchant and see that the practice is stopped," Visa representative states. To report a merchant, send a letter to the bank that that issued your Visa card or call 1-800-VISA-911.

American Express also prohibits merchants from asking for IDs. "All a merchant is supposed to do is take an imprint, make sure the signature matches and swipe the card through the terminal, to get authorization."

Some things you can't do with "CASH" while on vacation

Most HOTELS and CAR RENTALS won't happen "IF" you are using cash

"IF" the whole trip is going to cost $3,000 are you really going to have $3,000 in cash in your pocket/purse when you leave home???

So how did it go?

ID???

THE ONLY ID YOU NEED IS THE SIGNATURE ON THE BACK OF THE CARD

Some things you can't do with credit cards while on vacation, either. Try paying for parking at some places with a credit card, as just one example. You may not need to find the entire vacation with cash, but depending on what you do you'd be advised to take some along.

IF I CAN'T PARK IN THE TOWN I AM VISITING AND PAY WITH AMEX I AM GOING TO GO SOMEWHERE ELSE FOR VACATION

PROVE I AM NOT THE CARD HOLDER (owner)

Good point.