Thinking about the controversy over asking for ID during credit card purchases, and the competing values of privacy and safety, Daniel had an interesting idea–though it isn’t a new idea. What if credit cards were photo IDs, and had our pictures on them? Logistical nightmare, or handy fraud-prevention tool?

He writes:

I don’t want to show anyone my license when I use my card but I’d have no problem using a card with my picture on it. Some companies do this, of course, but my question is what don’t they all require it? It seems like such a simple security measure that would cut down on much fraud. And it would be so easy to implement now—I can get any (acceptable) image I want on my Capital One card.

Having your face plastered across the entire surface of a card, like Capital One offers, is a scary prospect. But–leaving logistics aside–would you welcome such a measure?

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.