Crossdressers-Haven.com

Hi sisters,

I am in need of advice which I am sure will be forthcoming from this erudite and understanding forum.

The situation is that my SO has been suggesting that maybe I should go out dressed more. At this time I confine myself to a 10 minute drive to and from her place, gassing up the car, and ATM visits. She thought it would be fun for us (me dressed) to go someplace touristy in Florida - beyond the immediate area where I could be recognized. The idea thrills me, of course, but I worry about the problem of identification and, especially, credit cards. If I need to show my driver's license to a cop for some traffic violation, I can probably explain my attire. However, a stop at a motel or a restaurant might troublesome. I know that in most cases, they never really look at the name on the card, and any scribble suffices as a signature. Suppose they look and wonder?

Have any of you solved the problem of getting a credit card in a different name (and gender)? Applications for a new account or even a new name on an existing account require a social security number and other personal data.

My SO firmly believes that I could pass - except very close scrutiny. There are some advantages to advanced age - male and female visages become less distinct as to gender. With enough makeup (not too much), she is probably right. She says I look better in her clothes than she does. Not so.

BTW, as part of my continuing journey into femininity, I am considering adopting a more feminine name in this forum, as well as updating my profile.

Any suggestions, friends?

Hugs,

Willy

Willy wrote:...
Have any of you solved the problem of getting a credit card in a different name (and gender)? Applications for a new account or even a new name on an existing account require a social security number and other personal data.

Well the situation is obviously different here in the UK since getting a *Named Card Holder* on the main account is as simple as asking for the extra card.

But the obvious solution to your dilemma is to get a card without a name or Gender Marker

So instead of ...[say]

Mr Willy Somebody

Your card simply says

W Somebody

... Sorted !

I could just pay in cash or let my SO use her credit card.

BTW I've changed to "Lydia" - aka "Willy", and will revise my profile.


Lydia

Well Lydia, you can either try using a card with your initials and last name, or contact the folks who issued your card and ask for another in Lydia's name.

You may still get asked to show your Driver's Licence when using the credit card, so the name on the credit card may be academic. Some states, however, offer official government IDs in lieu of a driver's licence.

I have heard this from several different sites.

My question is, What is the big deal????

You have a credit card with your male name on it and an id with your male name on it.

There also are many stores going to where they have the card swipe machine so the customer can do it and sign all in one.

I have used my male credit card several times while in full femme mode with out any issues. If they ask for my ID I give them my male ID that goes with the credit card because that is who I am. They do not care you are a guy in femme clothes, they just want to make sure you are a valid user of the card and it is not stolen. You are buying something and they just want payment for it.

But I must say the look on a clerk's face one time at Target was just great. I started the line third in queue. She was being a good clerk being friendly and efficent doing her job. I had a Hello from her as she started ringing up my things and I responded the same back. She gave me my total, and I handed her my CC. She ran it through and then checked the back like she should and then asked for an ID, as all of my cards have "See ID" on them for a signature. I gave her my male ID that matched the name on the CC. She took a look at my ID and did a triple take with a "What the h.e.l.l is this person trying to pull over on me" look. The last look was a long look ending with a sign of "yes it is him". She handed back my ID and CC and said thank you. Then with a smile/questioning look like she wanted to say something, she said thank you for shopping at Target and handed me my purchases. I smiled and said to have a good night, turned and went about on my way. And marked up another one for increasing awareness out there.

If you want to increase awareness and acceptance for CDers and other TG's use what you have IMHO. It may only be a very small part but I am doing what I can to to increase awareness and acceptance.

KimberlyS - CD

Hi Kimberly,

I guess you have more self-confidence than I do. I truly admire the aplomb with which you handled yourself. I would probably sputter and try to look as small as possible. My face would go up in flames.

You are absolutely right, however. The chances are that no one will even take a second look. Credit card swiping and signing are so impersonal, you could be a chimpanzee and no notice will ba taken.

As a security measure, your "See ID" signature is a fine idea should you lose your card and someone try to use it.

Thanks.

Lydia

Hi Lydia
I'm not an expert at this, but here in Fla (state motto: laws? we don't need no stinkin' laws), you can get a state picture ID enfemme. A number of girls in my group have, but there is a caveat. Since its a digital picture, the next time you renew your drivers license by mail or internet..thats the pic that will be on it....could be a whooops.
I have used my male credit card on line all the time, and when I buy wigs in person. Amex will send you one in another name with no problem, I use Blue...no annual fee. I do pay cash as much as I can while enfemme, but I hate to carry a lot, so the CCs are always there.
Also, just read an article in our newspaper concerning putting "see ID" on your card. Thats not kosher, the clerk can demand that you sign it and is justified in refusing it if you don't. The little print on the card agreement says you MUST sign it. Just repeating what I read just last week or so.
BTW...you might try Disney for a wonderful day, they are very TG friendly.
Best
DeeDee

oh..heres part of the article..its archived now and would cost a few bucks to get it all....but the partial answer tells a lot
Source: Herald Staff
WHAT'S THE THINKING. BEHIND NOT SIGNING. CREDIT CARDS?.. * Q: To sign or not to sign? I work in retail sales. On a daily basis, we have to deal with customers who don't want to sign their credit cards. Can Action Line tell me the general policy on this? Are cardholders required to sign them? Dawn Rizo,. Miami.. * A: Cards issued by major credit-card companies such as Visa or MasterCard aren't valid unless signed - it says so on the back

DeeDee wrote:

* A: Cards issued by major credit-card companies such as Visa or MasterCard aren't valid unless signed - it says so on the back

Not only will some retail stores refuse to accept your credit card if it shows "See ID" in the signature line, government offices (such as the post office, tax collectors, drivers licenses, etc.) will refuse them as being invalid, also.

By not signing the credit card you actually make it easier for a thief to use it - there's no signature available to compare 'yours' to a thief's!!




- SL

MBNA sends reminders every few months that "you can add another family member to your account". Two years ago I took them up on it. Kathy is now the second cardholder on Keith's account. She just happens to have the same birthday and SSN, and her signature looks almost exactly like Keith's. The only time Kathy uses her card is for girl things and noone's ever given Keith a second look when presenting Kathy's card for things.

So long as you're not attempting to defraud anyone, there's absolutely no legal or financial problem having a second card in your femme name, IMHO.

Zippy,

That's the best idea yet. It is a bit like stealing your own identity, but as long as you are not dipping into someone else's funds, it is OK.

I'll check on this with some experts.

Thanks & hugs,

Lydia

The signature on my credit card has gotten smeared, so I'm often asked to show ID regardless of how I'm dressed -- and yes that includes while I've been shopping en femme.

Really, it's never been a big deal. A sale is a sale. And should a salesclerk ever make a big deal out of it, I'll make sure their manager reminds them of that fact.