Wal-Mart requires photo ID, but now it's getting annoying.

[Medion]

I've always been neutral on the photo id "debate" here. (It's not much of a debate when it's in plain language in the merchant agreement). However, on the rare occasion that I've had a cashier ask for ID, I complied. That recently changed.

 

Upon moving to Washington, the Wal-Mart in Auburn is religious about photo ID. They've refused me service for the following reasons;

 

My legal name is "Jason." My American Express says "Jay." They won't accept my American Express. But if you think that's bad, the reason they won't take my Visa/MC is even funnier. My drivers license has my full name, let's say it's Jason Doe Smith. Well, my credit cards are displayed as "Jason D Smith." Yea, they couldn't figure out the initial. Because the cards don't display my full name as it appears on my drivers license, they won't accept them.

 

Sometimes they take the card, sometimes they don't. I don't argue as the cashier is doing as they're told. I simply allow them to put the merchandise back on the shelf.

 

I've filed the online reports on Amex and MC websites. I've called the Visa number, which is a joke. Since my Visa is through Chase, the Visa reps aren't familiar with this policy, so they just forward the complaint to Chase who informs me that it's a Visa issue and they cannot do anything. The last Visa rep was really bad. I hit the "1" option to take the survey. As a result, she would not hang up. I left the phone on BT in the car, so I could hear her in the background for 10-15 seconds, then she put me on hold. After a few minutes of hold music, she transferred me to Chase (where I could no longer take the survey on her).

 

So, has anyone had these issues with a store and gotten the store policy overturned?

[thelowpriceleader]

Shop Fred Meyer instead? When I was in Auburn, I shopped there and had no issues.

 

That suggestion aside, I suspect you will be seeing a change in policy at this store very shortly.

 

Is this happening regardless of purchase amount (even on no signature transactions?)?

Edited May 28, 2013 by thelowpriceleader

[ZicMan]

odd. I shop at WallyWorld here in VA and have never been asked for an ID.

[Guest]

Never did figure out what to do/say if a store has a policy to show I.D., but all you have is a signed card.

 

Some here know that the store cant have that as their store policy??

 

Try K-mart. They are even worse...

 

And yes, I have been harassed at length by store managers that found the matter funny, of me buying things at auto parts stores online, from home, before I came to the store. Then was at the store and left my I.D. at home. Having spent all my money on cab rides, they tried to tell me that I wasn't me, got really happy on the reasons I had to go back home, as if tat was even an option, seeing me stressed out, mad, tired, walking 4 miles.. it was all bad. And how people can be such unprofessional jackasses, I have no idea.

 

I believe in "excruciating and exigent circumstances." It's a lot like Experian telling you you did not write the letter you sent them, you saying you did, them calling you a liar though you are proving your own file as per their rules, and then proceeding to disallow all proofs they demanded of you. it's beyond irate.

Edited May 28, 2013 by rslifkin

[thelowpriceleader]

K-Mart has been somewhat of a problem on this, but not too bad. Eventually Sears will fix the issue.

 

As far as the Wal Mart mentioned above goes, I highly doubt they will be requiring ID for all credit card transactions going forward.

[Medion]

 

That suggestion aside, I suspect you will be seeing a change in policy at this store very shortly.

 

 

As far as the Wal Mart mentioned above goes, I highly doubt they will be requiring ID for all credit card transactions going forward.

 

Do you know something that I don't? Amex and MC's online forms give you no instant feedback, and the CSRs at the VISA "911" number didn't seem to know or care. Unless I hear otherwise, I am going to assume that this place will continue this practice.

[Guest]

Why do retailers put this policy n place in the first place?

 

And if you say "No," they just don't use your credit card?

 

And its their policy.. I honestly feel like we are powerless to say no, or they can simply not let you use your card.

 

As I said, I have ran into managers that have basically harassed me about it, thought it was funny, in emergency situations where I had money on my card, but not the cash, and had wallet stolen. They thought it was a hoot.

[Medion]

Stopped in today to grab something and they didn't ask for ID.

[Cactus Flower]

odd. I shop at WallyWorld here in VA and have never been asked for an ID.

 

Sadly they only ask for ID at the walmarts here if you are shopping in the "poor" areas of town.. :-\ it is not consistent.

[Cactus Flower]

Never did figure out what to do/say if a store has a policy to show I.D., but all you have is a signed card.

 

Some here know that the store cant have that as their store policy??

 

Try K-mart. They are even worse...

 

And yes, I have been harassed at length by store managers that found the matter funny, of me buying things at auto parts stores online, from home, before I came to the store. Then was at the store and left my I.D. at home. Having spent all my money on cab rides, they tried to tell me that I wasn't me, got really happy on the reasons I had to go back home, as if tat was even an option, seeing me stressed out, mad, tired, walking 4 miles.. it was all bad. And how people can be such unprofessional jackasses, I have no idea.

 

I believe in "excruciating and exigent circumstances." It's a lot like Experian telling you you did not write the letter you sent them, you saying you did, them calling you a liar though you are proving your own file as per their rules, and then proceeding to disallow all proofs they demanded of you. it's beyond irate.

Remember where you are : K-Mart .. nuff said

[thelowpriceleader]

They won't be asking for ID in Auburn, WA anymore.

 

This is what happens when employees who were mistrained at a casino quit their casino job and get a job working at Wal Mart and spread misinformation, and a store manager is not paying proper attention to what is going on at her front end.

[hegemony]

They won't be asking for ID in Auburn, WA anymore.

 

This is what happens when employees who were mistrained at a casino quit their casino job and get a job working at Wal Mart and spread misinformation, and a store manager is not paying proper attention to what is going on at her front end.

cool!

[FlyingRon]

My AMEX card has the WRONG first name on it. Nobody has *EVER* noticed even when they call me by the wrong name and I correct them.

 

Amusingly, I also had a VISA card issued without my last name (just my first and middle names). The only thing that triggered was my credit monitor when it detected someone else using my SSN (Mr. Middle Name).