Signing your name: how to overcome difficulties

This page suggests some practical solutions to handwriting problems and also sets out how customers experiencing these problems can expect banks to help.

What can I do to improve the consistency of my signature?

• Use a thick or felt tip pen to make writing easier
• If gripping is difficult, adapted pens and pen grips are available.
• If tremor is a problem try a weighted cuff to help dampen down the tremor
• Try a clip–board or non-slip mat to prevent the paper from slipping
• Try using a plastic template if you have problems keeping your signature in the correct place
• If you have a number of items to sign, take a break in between signing them
• If you are in a bank branch, ask to sit down if it will help.
• Seek advice from an occupational therapist. They can be contacted directly or a referral can be made via a GP or other health professional.

How can I reduce the number of cheques I have to sign?

Use the most convenient form of banking for you – many banks offer telephone banking and pc or internet banking. Bills can be paid via all of these channels without a signature (using instead passwords or other secure identity mechanisms), and they have many other facilities, such as switching money between accounts and purchasing other services.

back | to top

Post this to:
Del.icio.us  |  Digg  |  Reddit  |  Stumbleupon