Credit Card Security Features

In an effort to reduce fraud, the card branding association implemented security features that are on each card type to help merchants fight fraud and chargebacks.

A merchant should always hold onto the card until the transaction complete, this gives the opportunity to check the security features.

Each card type has the following features:

Visa, MasterCard, & Discover

1. The 16-digit card number is embossed on the card
   1. Visa starts with “4”
   2. MasterCard starts with “5”
   3. Discover starts with “6”
   4. All above card numbers are grouped in four digits across the card
2. The first four digits are printed under or above the embossed card number – Discover not included
3. The “Good Thru” or “Valid Thru” date is on the front of the card if applicable to the card design
4. The CVV2 number is to the right of the signature field, or in the right-hand end of the signature field on the back of the card.

American Express

1. The 15-digit card number is embossed on the card
   1. Amex starts with either “34” or “37”
   2. Amex card number is grouped in 4,6,5 across the card
2. The “Good Thru” or “Valid Thru” date is on the front of the card if applicable to
   the card design
3.  The CVV2 number is on the front above the last numbers embossed on the card

Card Verification Values/CID/

This number is used in card-not-present and card-present, hand-keyed transactions. The 3-digit security code on the card assures both merchants and consumers that the card is in the right hands. If a customer cannot provide the Card Verification Value or the card-issuing back responds that the code is invalid, the merchant should not accept the transaction. For security purposes, merchants are prohibited from storing this number.

Holograms

The use of holograms is common but not all card designs have them.  There are some American Express cards without holograms. Visa uses a dove either as a standalone feature, or as part of a holographic magnetic strip. MasterCard’s standalone hologram is the double-globe, or a series of linked globes when on the strip. Discover’s hologram is a globe pierced by an arrow. This appears on its own or is repeated across the magnetic strip.

Signature Panels

Each card uses a tamper-proof signature panel. When someone tries to remove a signature, the panel rubs off. The signature must match the name on the front of the card. Merchants should match the signature on the card to the receipt when appropriate.

Visa recommends merchants check these features during card-present transactions, as well as comparing the signature on the card to the signature on the receipt, before handing the card back to the customer.

Remember, cards must be signed. If a customer gives you an unsigned card or a card with “See ID” in the signature field, ask them to sign the card and compare it to another form of identification, such as a driver’s license.

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