What is a bank signature card?

Learn all about what a bank signature card is and how they work.

A bank signature card is a document that financial institutions use to authenticate a customer’s signature for personal and business bank accounts. The account holder signs a signature card when they open a bank account or add or remove account holders. Learn more about the purpose of bank signature cards and why you probably already have one.

How do I get a bank signature card?

Bank signature cards are relatively simple to get. To get your bank signature card, bring the following to your financial institution:

• Your driver’s license. This is generally used for ID purposes, validating that you are who you say that you are. They will ensure that the photo ID matches who presents requesting the signature card, and will also compare both signatures.
• Your banking system’s application. Each bank has its own application form that should be brought in for the bank signature card. Complete it at home and bring it with you.
• Your banking information. Consider bringing any sort of account or routing numbers for accounts associated with the card. This can help streamline your process if they wind up needing it later on.

Frequently asked questions about bank signature cards.

Now that we’ve clarified what a bank signature card is and how to get one, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions around bank signature card requirements.

• What information should I include on a signature card? Signature cards usually provide general information like the account number and type (checking or savings), as well as each signer’s personal information — name, birth date, social security number, and address. All signers are required to sign their full legal name. This is another form of failsafe to prevent abuse of some of your most important and personal assets and is well worth the time it takes for the initial verification process.

• Why does my signature matter? The signature on a bank signature card is a verification tool for bank tellers and employees; they use your bank card signature to compare your signature on endorsements of checks and withdrawal slips. This can be a tool to protect you from abuse of your card in the event of theft or misuse. If signatures do not match, it can potentially flag the bank’s system to halt the transaction due to suspicious activity.

• What if I need to make a change? If you change your name, for example, you’ll want to call your bank to reflect this change on all banking documents. You’ll also want to inquire how to update your bank signature card if your name change has altered your signature. Connect with your local bank for more information about the specific steps they need you to do to make changes to your bank card.

The bottom line? If you use a bank, you have a signature card. And that signature matters.

Bank signature card example.

There are many different pieces of information that a bank signature card can contain. Here are some of the most common elements you’ll see when you get your bank signature card:

• Social security number. This can be listed on the bank card if the individual has one, or some other form of personal identification may be used in lieu of this.

• The account holder’s name. This is one of the most important biographical details listed on a banking card. Nicknames are generally not permitted to be used. The name chosen will be checked against other forms of identification.

• A signature. The banking account signature will be the account holder’s authentic signature.

• Addresses. The bank card can be tied to either a home or business address.

• The individual’s date of birth. Date of birth is one of the most prevalent forms of biographical identification and will be checked against other forms of identification.

Explore your money options.

When you sign on for your bank card, you’ll encounter several rounds of paperwork that must be reviewed and submitted before you’re considered eligible. Adobe Acrobat can simplify the process and allow you to seamlessly collaborate with every party and touchpoint, supporting you through our range of document management tools.

As online banking becomes the norm, more and more institutions accept electronic signatures. Learn more about how you can make signing forms like signature cards easy and paperless with Adobe Acrobat Sign