Paying any credit card bill

[justsumoldguy]

Got my Visa bill in today so I check my debits and then make out a check to pay it off. On the flap of the envelope there is a some instructions.

They remind one to make sure the bill is inserted correctly so the return address shows (makes sense). That I signed my check (that makes sense also) and then, it states that I should put MY FULL ACCOUNT number on the memo line. :eek:

Now call me silly but isn't that basically a real stupid thing to do? I mean how many people actually handle that check before it either, comes back to you, or gets stored somewhere in your bank? :confused:

In a time where ID theft and stolen CC numbers are at an all time high they actually insist that you put your CC account number on the payment check.

Needless to say I won't do that but I am absolutely amazed that they even have that printed on their return envelope flap. Duh! :rolleyes:

[unfortunate_son]

Unbelievably, I actually never thought about that. I have been doing it for years. Well, not anymore because I pay online now, but you raise a valid point. I will reconsider doing it in the future if I ever have to pay by paper check. Thanks!

[folriva]

[QUOTE=justsumoldguy;4672] I should put MY FULL ACCOUNT number on the memo line. QUOTE]



I disagree. Putting your full account number on the check may be a safe and smart thing to do. When you use your credit card online or by phone, you have to place the expiration date. The expiration date is not on the memo line. If your check gets separated from the statement stub, the card account number, in full, makes it easier to show a payment was made to that account.
When a check goes back to your bank, it is placed through a check canceling machine and stored until you request it for records. If you can't trust your bank, who can you trust? They already have your Social Security number. When you apply or co-sign for a loan, they have tons of info on you. SS#, wages, salary, job starting date, previous employers, references, etc.
I wouldn't leave my full credit card number laying around anywhere where a
hacker could crack the expiration date, but bankers have better things to do.
This is according to my wife, who's worked for a bank for over 25 years.

[justsumoldguy]

[QUOTE=justsumoldguy;4672] I should put MY FULL ACCOUNT number on the memo line. QUOTE]



I disagree. Putting your full account number on the check may be a safe and smart thing to do. When you use your credit card online or by phone, you have to place the expiration date. The expiration date is not on the memo line. If your check gets separated from the statement stub, the card account number, in full, makes it easier to show a payment was made to that account.
When a check goes back to your bank, it is placed through a check canceling machine and stored until you request it for records. If you can't trust your bank, who can you trust? They already have your Social Security number. When you apply or co-sign for a loan, they have tons of info on you. SS#, wages, salary, job starting date, previous employers, references, etc.
I wouldn't leave my full credit card number laying around anywhere where a
hacker could crack the expiration date, but bankers have better things to do.
This is according to my wife, who's worked for a bank for over 25 years.

If you believe that then more power to you BUT your bank handles that check with your full CC number on it last not first.