Financial dictionary: Electronic signatures

Part of achieving financial success involves understanding financial jargon. Finance dictionaries, and even financial education, are not always readily available, so we are here to help! Each month, we’ll feature a different finance-related word and how it may apply to your personal financial goals and lifestyle.

Electronic Signatures

When you have the option to sign electronically, this means that you can provide a legally binding signature to a document using your smartphone, mobile device, or desktop computer by typing in your signature.

Electronic signatures provide convenience, cutting out the need to print, physically sign, scan and email, or fax documents to finalize the process. With a few clicks, you can complete the process and keep a record of the “signed” document.

As always, be sure to only sign documents that you have thoroughly read and were sent from a trusted source in a situation that makes sense. For example, if you were randomly sent a document to sign from your credit union but aren’t sure why, contact your credit union before providing an electronic signature to ask questions and verify the security of the document.

This story is produced and presented by MSUFCU. Members of the editorial and news staff of the Lansing State Journal were not involved in the creation of this content.