Operating Instructions
Print MOI section
Merchant Operating Instructions: Card Recognition Guide
The majority of cards you see will be processed as chip and PIN and will not require you to have sight of the card. However, if the transaction is not completed by entering PIN or the card is a signature-only card, you will need to verify that the signature on the receipt matches that on the card. As more and more cards are introduced into the marketplace, you will be presented with other cards of various shapes, sizes and colours. Provided you ensure that all the security features are present, including those specific to the individual card schemes, you can accept the card for payment.
We recommend that all your staff know the process for accepting card payments, be familiar with these security features and always follow the prompts on your terminal.
Not all cards are embossed or have a full account number or cardholder name, but valid cards will have a logo, a hologram, an ultraviolet image and Card Security Code.
MasterCard and Visa introduced new card designs from September 2005 with new a Visa logo and updated their cards' security features. As well as the familiar horizontal version, vertical orientation of the card and logo is now commonplace. Cards in the existing style will be in circulation until the end of 2010.
- Not a chip and PIN card?
- Most cards are now chip and PIN enabled, but you may sometimes be presented with chip and signature or magnetic swipe and signature cards. You must accept these cards as long as you verify the card and ensure that it has all the security features explained in this section, including those specific to the individual card schemes.
Back to top
- Key security features
- As cards are normally placed in card readers by the cardholder you may not have the opportunity to check all of these security features, but these are the key details to check if you have any suspicions.
Note that not all cards are embossed or have a full account number or cardholder name, but genuine cards will always have a:
- Card logo – see examples
- Hologram – see examples
- Ultraviolet image
- Card Security Code (CSC) - A three-digit code at the end of the signature strip or in a separate white box next to it. American Express cards have a four-digit CSC on the front.
Back to top
- Examples of MasterCard cards
- Card Front Card Rear
- Chip
- Primary Account Number (PAN)
- First four digits repeated
- Cardholder name
- Expiry date, valid from date if shown
- Contactless indicator
- Card scheme logo
- Hologram
- Signature strip
- Card Security Code (CSC)
Back to top
- Examples of Visa cards
- Card Front Card Rear
- Chip
- Primary Account Number (PAN)
- First four digits repeated
- Cardholder name
- Expiry date, valid from date if shown
- Contactless indicator
- Card scheme logo
- Hologram
- Signature strip
- Card Security Code (CSC)
Back to top
- What to look out for?
- Find out more in Examples of Visa Cards and Examples of MasterCards.
Chip
If there is a chip, it will be here. Check if there is any visible damage to it.
Card number
The card number – the long number on the front – should be clear, even and in line.
For MasterCard-issued cards, it always begins with a "5" or "6".
For Visa-issued cards, it always begins with a "4".
The first four digits of the card number will be laser-imprinted on the front of the card below the embossed details and should be identical to the embossed details (smaller type, above or below the beginning of the long embossed number).
The last four digits of the card number must match the:
- Last four digits on your point-of-sale till receipt
- Number on the reverse on the signature strip, if there is one
Cardholder title and name should be clear, even and in-line. Embossed cards must have either a cardholder name or description such as ‘club member’ or ‘gift card’, etc. For flat-printed cards the cardholder name or description is optional.
Check that the title and name on the card match the gender of the person presenting it.
Expiry date/Valid from date
All cards have an expiry date, but only some have a valid from date. Check that the card isn’t being presented before its valid from date or after its expiry date.
Contactless indicator
This 'wave' symbol indicates that the card can be used to make payments without swiping it or inserting it into a terminal.
Card scheme logo
The Visa, MasterCard or other logo will be on the front of the card. Older Visa cards with the Visa flag instead of the current logo will be in circulation until the end of 2010. Find out more in Examples of card logos.
Holograms
These may be on the front or back of the card. The 3D image should move when the card is tilted. If the Visa logo has been placed on the back of the card it will usually be a miniature version. Find out more in Examples of card holograms.
Signature strip
The signature strip should not stand proud of the card and will have either "MasterCard" or "Visa" printed on it. Check that either the full card number or the last four digits of the card number are printed in reverse italic text on the signature strip. However, if the transaction is not completed by entering the PIN or the card is a signature-only card, you will need to verify that the signature on the receipt matches that on the card.
Card Security Code (CSC)
Always on the reverse of the card, either on the signature strip or in a white box to the side of the signature strip.
Back to top
- Visa combination cards
- These cards allow cardholders to choose how they pay – for example, by debit or credit account. When the customer offers the card, they choose which function they want to use. Combination cards look very much like regular Visa cards but have:
Two card numbers, one of which is printed on the back of the card
- Two three-digit security codes
- A description of the different functions on some cards, near the Visa logo
The processes to follow when accepting a combination card are the same as for all other cards except that the terminal will prompt for a decision to be made about the function to use for the transaction.
Back to top
- Examples of card logos
The new designs introduced by MasterCard and Visa in September 2005 mean that the new Visa logo and updated security features are now familiar. Some older-style cards will be in circulation until the end of 2010.
Back to top
- Examples of card holograms
These are the most common holograms currently in use:
- MasterCard – the world(/globe)
- Visa – a dove, which appears to fly
- Maestro (UK-issued) – William Shakespeare’s head
- Visa Electron – not all these cards have a hologram. If there is one, it will be a flying dove.
Back to top
- Examples of card UV images
- UV Lamps
If an ultraviolet lamp is available, place the card under and check for the appropriate mark:
** Some Visa Electron cards do not carry UV features.
On a Visa card that has the new logo, the UV image will be seen within the logo as shown, in addition the word ‘Visa’ repeated on the signature stripe will show up under a UV lamp.
Back to top
Require additional information or interested in accepting card payments? Don't hesitate, call our sales team.
see more
