Card Features and Security Elements

Each card brand has implemented security features to prevent fraudulent and counterfeit transactions from entering the payment systems. Below is a breakdown of those features by card type to arm you and your organization with the tools necessary to identify fraudulent cards, and minimize potential losses for your organization.

Visa Card Features and Security Elements

The following information was retrieved from here:

  • The Signature Panel must appear on the back of the card and contain an ultraviolet element that repeats the word “Visa”. The words “Authorized Signature” or “Not Valid Unless Signed” must be displayed. (Special Note: If someone has tried to erase the signature panel. the world “Void” will be displayed).
  • The Mini-Dove Design Hologram may appear on the back and should appear to move as you tilt the card. If you do not see the mini-dove on the back of the card, check for it above the Visa Brand Mark on the front of the card.
  • The magnetic stripe on the back of the card is encoded with the card’s identifying information.
  • Card Verification Value (CVV) is a unique three-digit code that is encoded on the magnetic stripe and is used to detect counterfeit.
  • Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2) is a three-digit code that appears on the back of the card, either in a white box to the right of the signature panel, or directly on the signature panel. (This code is typically used in card-not-present environments.)
  • Embossed/Unembossed or Printed Account Number on valid cards begin with a “4”. All numbers should be even, straight, and the same size.
  • Four-Digit Bank Identification Number (BIN) must be printed below the account number. Must match the first four digits of the account number exactly.
  • Expiration or Good Thru date should appear below the account number.
  • Ultraviolet “V” is visible under the Visa Brand Mark when placed under an ultraviolet light.
  • Visa Brand Mark must appear in blue and gold on the white background in either the bottom right, top left, or top right corner.

MasterCard Features and Security Elements

The following information was retrieved from here

  • The signature panel is tamper evident with the word “MasterCard” printed in multiple colors at a 45 degree angle. For magnetic swipe transactions, remember to compare the signature on the back of the card to that on the printed receipt.
  • The 4 digits printed on the signature panel must match the last 4 digits of the account number, followed by the 3 digit indent printed CVC2 number.
  • The first 4 digits of the account number must match the four digit pre-printed BIN. Remember, all MasterCard numbers begin with the number ”5”.
  • The last 4 digits of the account number must match the 4 digits that appear on the cardholder receipt.
  • The global hologram is three dimensional with a repeat “MasterCard” printed in the background. When rotated, the hologram will appear to move.

Alternative Card Designs

  • The signature line may be shortened if it has a Global hologram on the back of a chip card design to accommodate the chip.
  • The debit hologram may be present on the back of the card. (Note: in some countries it is mandatory that the hologram for Debit MasterCard bears the Debit hologram.)
  • Holographic magnetic tape may be used in lieu of the hologram, or in conjunction with the hologram and will be accompanied by a longer signature line.
  • The Card design and MasterCard Brand Mark may be oriented vertically.
  • A chip may be present on the card and the customer will be prompted to enter a PIN when inserted into a chip compatible terminal.
  • PayPass ® contactless payment technology may be present on the card. Signatures are not required for “tapped” transactions below a specific limit.

Discover Card Features and Security Elements

The following information was retrieved from here:

  • The Discover Network will appear under the ultraviolet light.
  • Discover account number’s begin with the number”6”. Embossed card numbers should look consistent in size and shape. Unembossed cards may have the card number and expiration date printed flat on the front of the card.
  • Valid Thru indicates the last month the card is valid.
  • A business name may be embossed below the cardholder name.
  • Embossed security character appears as a stylized “D”. This does not appear on unembossed cards.
  • Many cards will display a three-dimensional hologram on the front of the card with a globe pierced by an arrow.
  • Either “Discover” or “Discover Network” appears on a tamper-evident signature panel. Some cards contain an ultraviolet image that repeats the word “Discover”.
  • The last four digits of the card number are displayed on the signature panel in reverse-indent printing.
  • A three-digit CID (Card Identification Data) is printed in a separate box to the right of the signature panel on the back of the card.
  • The Discover Acceptance Mark will appear on the front and/or back of the card.

AmericanExpress Features and Security Elements

The following information was retrieved from here:

  • Does the card show the CID number? Pre-printed Card Identification Numbers must always appear above the card number, on either the right or left edge of the card.
  • Make sure the account numbers match – AmericanExpress card numbers begin with the numbers “37” or “34”. Some cards also have the card number printed on the back of the card. These numbers, plus the last four digits printed on the Change Record must all match.
  • Cards have a high-gloss finish. Does the Card have a partially dull surface, a bumpy surface or is it bent around the edges? This may indicate it has been altered.
  • Black ink should not be smudged or messy on the raised card number and card member name.
  • Card number and card member name should be printed in the same American Express font.
  • The letters “AMEX” and a phosphorescence in the Centurion® portrait should be visible when the card is examined under an ultraviolet light. The Centurion portrait is printed with great detail, similar to that on US currency.
  • Card numbers should not appear re-embossed, crooked or unevenly spaced. There should be no “halos” of previous numbers under the embossed account number and card member name.
  • The card number printed on the back should be the same card number that is embossed on the front.
  • The signature panel should not be taped over, mutilated, erased or painted over.
  • The magnetic stripe should not appear to be deliberately scratched or destroyed.