What Information Is on a Credit Card Label?
Demystify your credit card. Explore the meaning behind all the visible information, from identifying details to security features.
A credit card label refers to the visible information, numbers, and symbols found on a physical credit card.
Primary Cardholder Information
The credit card number is a primary identifier, typically a 15- or 16-digit sequence found on the front or back of the card. This number is structured to identify the card issuer and the cardholder’s account, with the first six to eight digits forming the Bank Identification Number (BIN) or Issuer Identification Number (IIN). The BIN routes payment instructions to the correct network and its member bank or credit union.
The cardholder’s name is also printed or embossed on the card, serving to verify ownership during transactions. This name should generally match the cardholder’s government-issued identification, which merchants may request for verification. The expiration date, usually displayed as a month and year, indicates the period during which the card is valid. This date is typically the last day of the month listed, and card issuers usually send a new card before the current one expires.
Security Elements
Credit cards incorporate several security elements to protect against fraud. The Card Verification Value (CVV), also known as CVC or CID, is a three- or four-digit code typically found on the back of the card near the signature box. For American Express cards, this four-digit code is located on the front. This code is used to verify the authenticity of online or phone transactions and should not be shared.
The metallic EMV chip is a prominent security feature on the front of most modern credit cards. This chip enhances security for in-person transactions by encrypting data, making it significantly more difficult to counterfeit than traditional magnetic stripes. The magnetic stripe, found on the back, serves as a traditional method for processing transactions and often functions as a fallback system if the chip reader is unavailable.
A signature panel on the back of the card allows the cardholder to sign, providing a simple verification method. Signing this panel is important for security, as it helps deter unauthorized use. Holograms are often integrated into credit cards as visual security features to deter counterfeiting due as they are difficult to replicate.
Payment Network and Issuer Identifiers
Credit cards display logos that identify the payment network that processes transactions. Common examples include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. These logos indicate where the card can be used, as the network facilitates the transfer of funds between the merchant’s bank and the cardholder’s issuing bank.
The issuing bank’s logo is also present on the card, signifying the financial institution that provides the credit line. This logo clarifies which bank the cardholder has a direct relationship with for their account. Additionally, many cards feature a contactless payment symbol, depicted as four curved lines, which indicates the card’s tap-to-pay functionality. This symbol signifies that the card can be used for quick and secure transactions by tapping it on a compatible terminal.