Existing Visa cards – until July 2011
- Optional chip
The information stored on a chip is protected by encryption.
The chip works together with the cardholder’s signature or
PIN number to create more secure payment. - Embossed or printed account number
Embossed numbers feel raised, whilst printed numbers feel
flat. Account numbers are up to 16 digits, begin with a 4 and
are grouped in four groups of four numbers. Printed cards
may have a partial account number. - Ultraviolet “dove” element
When placed under an ultraviolet light, a dove printed in
ultraviolet ink will be visible in the centre of the card. - Visa 3D dove hologram
Square 3D hologram contains a dove, which moves when
you tilt the card. - Visa logo
Blue-white-and-gold Visa flag logo appears in either the
top or bottom right-hand corner. It has a dotted microtext
security border used for forensic security purposes. - Embossed “V” security character
Appears next to the expiration date on embossed cards. - Expiration date
Every card must have an expiration date as a minimum. - Cardholder name or identifier
Cardholder’s name or description such as “Club Member”,
“Gift Card” etc. are optional and may appear on the front
of the card. - Printed first four digits of account number
Appear beneath the account number. Match the first four
digits of the account number, if shown on the card or printed
on the retailer’s receipt. - Numeric security feature (CVV2)
May appear either on the signature panel or to the side. - Signature panel
The signature panel must appear on the back of the card.
The panel bears the “Visa” name repeated.
Newer Visa cards
- Optional chip
The information stored on a chip is protected by encryption.
The chip works together with the cardholder’s signature or
PIN number to create more secure payment. - Embossed or printed account number
Embossed numbers feel raised, whilst printed numbers feel
flat. Account numbers are up to 16 digits, begin with a 4 and
are grouped in four groups of four numbers. Printed cards
may have a partial account number. - Visa logo
Blue-and-gold logo on a white background. More logo
placement options and vertical orientation of the card and
logo are now possible. - Ultraviolet “V” element
When placed under an ultraviolet light, a “V” printed in
ultraviolet ink will be visible over the Visa logo. - Expiration date
Every card must have an expiration date as a minimum. - Cardholder name or identifier
Cardholder’s name or description such as “Club Member”,
“Gift Card” etc. are optional and may appear on the front
of the card. - Printed first four digits of account number
Appear beneath the account number. Match the first four
digits of the account number, if shown on the card or printed
on the retailer’s receipt. - Numeric security feature (CVV2)
May appear either on the signature panel or to the side. - Signature panel
The visible pattern on the signature panel may be customised
but it will always bear the “Visa” name repeated in ultraviolet
ink and visible under ultraviolet light. Signature panel length
will vary depending on card type. - Visa 3D dove hologram
Contains a dove, which moves when you tilt the card. Instead
of a dove hologram being present on the front a mini dove
hologram may be present on the back. - A mini Visa 3D dove hologram
May appear on the reverse of the card and can be located
anywhere within the indicated area. A standard sized Visa
dove hologram is never present on the back of a card. - Visa holographic magnetic stripe
Visa holographic magnetic stripe with doves in flight replaces
the square 3D hologram on the front of the card.
Other pages on the topic of 'recognizing valid cards' are:
Refreshing the Visa brand
How to recognize Visa Electron cards
How to recognize V PAY cards
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